Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment
Used for thousands of years in China, acupressure
applies the same principles as acupuncture
to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease. Sometimes called
pressure acupuncture,
acupressure is often thought of as simply acupuncture without the needles. But
what exactly is acupressure and how does it work?
What Is the Theory Behind Acupressure?
Acupressure is just one of a number of Asian bodywork therapies
(ABT) with roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Examples of other Asian
bodywork therapies are medical qigong and Tuina. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of
acupressure.
Traditional Chinese medical theory describes special acupoints,
or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body.
These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with
acupuncture. It is believed that through these invisible channels flows vital
energy -- or a life force called qi (ch'i). It is also believed that these 12
major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a
system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your
fingertips, connect to your brain, and
then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian.
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According to this theory, when one of these meridians is blocked
or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure and acupuncture are among the
types of TCM that are thought to help restore balance.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or
feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's
meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also involves stretching
or acupressure massage,
as well as other methods.
During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft
massage table. The practitioner gently presses on acupressure points on your
body. A session typically lasts about one hour. You may need several sessions
for the best results.
The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to
restore health
and balance to the body's channels of energy and to regulate
opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Some
proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but
also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that therapists can
transmit the vital energy (external qi) to another person.
Not all Western practitioners believe that this is possible or
even that these meridians exist. Instead, they attribute any results to other
factors, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, or stimulation
of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
What Are Common Acupuncture Points?
There are literally hundreds of acupuncture points on the body --
too many to name. Here are three that are commonly used by acupuncturists and
acupressure practitioners:
- Large intestine 4 (LI 4): This is in the soft, fleshy web between your thumb and forefinger.
- Liver 3 (LR-3): This is in the soft flesh that sits between your big and 2nd toes. It's an area similar to LI 4.
- Spleen
6 (SP-6): This is about three finger widths above your inner anklebone. It
is a tender area of the lower calf
muscle.
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Which Health Problems Benefit From Acupressure?
Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its
infancy. Many patient reports support its use for a number of health concerns.
More well-designed research is needed, though. Here are a few health problems
that appear to improve with acupressure:
Nausea
. Several studies support the use of wrist acupressure to prevent and
treat nausea
and vomiting:
- After surgery
- During spinal anesthesia
- After chemotherapy
- From motion sickness
- Related to pregnancy
The PC 6 acupressure point is located in the groove between the
two large tendons on the inside of the wrist that start at the base of the
palm. There are special wristbands that are sold over the counter. These press
on similar pressure points and work for some people.
Cancer
. In addition to relieving nausea right after chemotherapy,
there are individual reports that acupressure also helps reduce
stress, improve energy levels, relieve pain, and lessen other
symptoms of cancer
or its treatments. More research is needed to confirm these reports.
Pain. Some preliminary evidence suggests that acupressure
may help with low back
pain, postoperative pain, or headache.
Pain from other conditions may benefit, as well. To relieve headache,
the LI 4 pressure point is sometimes tried.
Arthritis
. Some studies suggest that acupressure releases endorphins and promotes
anti-inflammatory effects, helping with arthritis.
Depression
and anxiety.
More than one study suggests that fatigue
and mood may improve from the use of acupressure. Better designed trials are
needed to be sure.
Are There Any Precautions With Acupressure?
In general, acupressure is very safe. If you have cancer,
arthritis, heart
disease, or a chronic condition, be sure to have a discussion with
your doctor before trying any therapy that involves moving joints and muscles,
such as acupressure. And, make sure your acupressure practitioner is licensed
and certified.
Deep tissue work such as acupressure needs to be avoided if any
of the following conditions apply:
- The treatment is in the area of a cancerous tumor or if the cancer has spread to bones
- You have rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone disease that could be made worse by physical manipulation
- You have varicose veins
- You are pregnant (because certain points can induce contractions)
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