by Shannon Bradford

Created on: November 06, 2011   Last Updated: November 07, 2011

Developed over 5,000 years ago and regarded as an ancient healing art, acupressure employs pressure points on the surface of the skin so that the body can heal itself. It is one of the most effective methods of self-treatment for a variety of ailments related to tension.  Acupressure and Acupuncture are similar in that they use the same points on the body; acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure relies solely on applied pressure and the skin is not pierced.

The ancient Chinese believed that the body was made to mend itself, and acupressure helps the body accomplish this through the use of the body’s energy, or chi. The general belief is that when the body is well, energy flows through it unhindered; but when energy is blocked in some area, we begin to feel ill in different physical or mental ways. The pressure points involved in acupressure and acupuncture are the points at which the chi most commonly experiences blockages, and applying pressure to these specific points always restores the normal flow of chi.

Symptoms, like headaches or tension, are considered expressions of a larger condition of the body. Acupressure seeks to relieve the pain and discomfort experienced in a particular area while also ensuring that the problem doesn’t further develop into a ‘dis-ease’ of the body. Acupressure is often used in conjunction with deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and light physical exercise in order to gain maximum benefit.

When stimulated, the pressure points release tension in the muscles, which promotes circulation of blood and also the body’s life energy force.  Healing or relief occurs once this energy is unblocked and can flow uninterrupted through the body.  Acupressure doesn’t require any special equipment, as only two hands are used, and can be performed nearly anywhere deemed fit by the practitioner.  No side effects have been noted from performing acupressure.  It is easy to learn, and can be done by anyone as long as they pay careful attention to the instructions and the cautions.

Acupressure can be used for a variety of daily ailments, and has been successful in relieving stress, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, indigestion, ulcer pains, headaches, morning sickness and more.  It is used primarily to promote the good health of a person, to prevent “dis-ease” of the body, and to balance the body as a whole. Practicing acupressure, even on occasion with a basic, functional knowledge, paves the way to benefits in physical, spiritual and mental health. 

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