Acupressure Techniques

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There have been many talks about acupressure and the various benefits that can be obtained from it. But like more than half of the population on Earth, we are unaware of what acupressure really is. Does it believe in a scientific method to aid our body in various ways? Or is it some sort of fad which has been stuck for far too long? To find out more about acupressure and the different acupressure techniques, keep reading the article.

What is Acupressure?

Similar to acupuncture, acupressure involves traditional Chinese medicine in form of massage. It is believe that with the help of acupressure, we can influence and balance the flow of Yin and Yang in our body. The art was developed in Asia about 5,000 years ago which works to destress and remove pain, bringing in the balance of life. This balance of life is often referred to as Qi (pronounced as chi), a life energy. In acupressure, it is believed that every living organism possess Qi which is distributed through 12 different meridians. These meridians are energy paths which are located all over the body; attached to a particular organ or system in the body. With over 1,000 acupressure points, the art of acupressure can stimulate it by applying pressure.

Either light or deep pressure is applied in order to unblock these meridians. This in turn helps in relieving stress or other illnesses. The flow of energy or Qi is facilitated resulting in the flow of blood and fluids throughout the body. While applying pressure, either the use of fingers, thumbs, or base of the hands is taken. Many a times, even the elbows and knees are used for various acupressure techniques. Read the acupressure points chart to learn more in detail.

Different Acupressure Techniques

Even though we mentioned earlier that acupressure is similar to acupuncture, there are certain differences between the two. The most obvious difference being that acupuncture involves the needle treatment and acupressure does not. Only the parts of the body along with the pressure points are similar. Also, both acupuncture and acupressure believe in the Qi system.

There are many commonly used techniques in acupressure where light or deep pressure along with gentle massage is given. Some of the main techniques include:

* Pressing
* Rubbing
* Pushing
* Scrubbing
* Kneading
* Grasping
* Patting
* Wiping
* Chafing
* Rub rolling

All these acupressure techniques are used for multiple therapies such as acne and asthma control, people who have issues with bed wetting, bronchitis, for chronic back pain and headaches, reoccurring constipation, lack of breast milk, to induce labor, neck and joint pain, female infertility or impotence, hair loss, heart burn, insomnia, high blood pressure, weight loss, etc.

Light Pressure
For acute conditions, acupressure techniques to reduce bloating, constipation, headaches, neck and joint pains, the use of light pressure is administered. With slow yet firm pressure, the different pressure points of the body are held steadily with a finger. This pressure is given at a 90º angle which is directed to the center of the body where you are working. The aim is to put pressure for a certain time and then release it. This way, the tissues in that particular area or around the point then get the time to respond to the pressure and promote healing.

Deep Pressure
As the name suggests, deep acupressure techniques also help in restoring the balance in the body. Deep pressure is used for the more tender and nodular parts of the feet and body. For the more chronic conditions, deep pressure is applied to receive the energy. This helps in healing and unblocking the Qi. Because of our fast lifestyle, we usually get aches and pains all over the body. And to help relieve it, deep acupressure is used. You can read the pressure point chart to understand which parts of the body are being used for these pressures.

If you are more than 3 months pregnant, you should not use the help of acupressure. However, in order to induce labor, different acupressure techniques is used. For pregnant women (who are closing in on their due date), we have few Buzzle articles on free maternity acupressure techniques to induce labor and acupressure points to induce labor. Read the article to find more information.

Every part of the body needs different amount of pressure. Which is why, the use of light and deep pressure is taken during the acupressure techniques. Now if you have never done this before, I'd advise you keep a check on the amount of pressure that is administered. If you feel that the pressure is too intense, you can ask the healthcare professional to reduce it. Over time, with various degrees of pressure, you will be able to feel the pulse in certain areas. This sign indicates that the acupressure techniques are working and your overall circulation has been modified.