A cupressure essentially means employing massage techniques by applying pressure of various types over specific points on the body to stimulate energy points. The idea is to make available to all parts or the organs of the body an adequate amount of chi, the energy that flows in the network of different meridians or their collaterals.

Acupuncture does this job through puncturing needles; acupressure does the same through different kinds of pressures.

Types of Acupressure

Acupressure developed out of the human instinct to hold or massage parts of the body when they hurt. Ancient Chinese Taoist monks began to formalise observations of this self-healing instinct into a system called Tao-Yinn (Tao meaning the way, and Yinn, meaning a gentle approach). It was both a therapy to cure specific complaints and a general health maintenance system. Tao-Yinn has come down to us as Do-In, the art of rejuvenation through self-massage. Eventually, the Chinese added a system of diagnosis and treatment for a more complete medical approach.

Acupressure now encompasses a number of massage techniques that use manual pressure to stimulate energy points on the body. The therapist applies light to medium pressure with fingers or hands, and sometimes elbows, knees, or feet to the same points used in acupuncture. Many varieties of acupressure have developed over time.

Shiatsu: Literally shiatsu means finger (shi) pressure (atsu) - a rhythmic series of finger pressures exerted over the entire body along energy meridians. This also includes stretching and tapping. Pressure points are held only for 3 to 5 seconds. This treatment can be stimulating as well as relaxing. Shiatsu is a Japanese version of acupressure and is now becoming very popular in the West.

Jin Shin: This is a pattern of gentle, prolonged point-holding of key acupuncture points on selected meridians and channels. Points are held for 1 to 5 minutes. Treatments are done in a meditative state so as to balance chi, the vital energy.

Do-In: A form of self-massage of muscles and points, Do-In also includes movement, stretching, and breathing exercises.

Tui Na: This is a Chinese version of massage that stimulates the acupressure points using a wide variety of hand movements.

Acupressure First Aid: This is a symptomatic approach using specific points for temporary relief of common conditions.

How Acupressure Works

The, purpose of acupressure is to stimulate the body’s own recuperative powers. The therapist holds or presses various points on the body or musculature to stimulate the body’s own energy. The stimulation removes energy blockages and fatigue.

In most people, when all pathways are open and energy flow is unhindered by muscle tension or other subtle blockages, the body’s energy is balanced. Balance brings good health and a sense of well-being. When any of these pathways is blocked, proper application of finger pressure can loosen muscular tension, make the blood circulate, and stimulate or balance the flow of energy.

Assessing the Problem

The first step for the acupressurist is to make an assessment. He may ask about the patient’s medical history and discuss the latter’s feelings or thoughts at that time to decide what kind of session might be most appropriate. This is the time for the patient to mention any other symptoms, past or present, injuries or operations, whether she is pregnant, has any skin disorders, and whether any prescriptions are being currently taken or there are any precautions advised by the family doctor. The practitioner may also use any one of the several traditional assessment techniques associated with acupressure, such as pulse diagnosis or face reading - an examination for signs of tension or disease, such as puffiness or dark circles around the eyes. He may also examine the tongue or skin for indications of the condition of the internal energy flow.

Treatment Techniques

While the specific techniques of acupressure differ, the goals are the same: to balance the flow of energy in the body and stimulate its own recuperative abilities. What changes from style to style (or even from practitioner to practitioner) is the different patterns of point holding, the number of points held, the length of time each point is pressed or held, the pressure used, and the technique of applying that pressure.

Acupressure can be performed while one is sitting on a chair or on a stool, or lying on a padded table or on a carpeted floor. It can be done almost anywhere. A quiet, relaxing atmosphere is most desirable.

Once the acupressurist begins to hold or press points, very soon the patient notices a change in his breathing. The normally shallow breath slows down and deepens. Thoughts about what is happening in life often fade as the patient turns his attention to the new body sensations he is experiencing. Focusing on the flow of one’s breath is part of the relaxation process and deepens with the effect of the session. As each deep breath flows out in a slow and conscious way, the muscles begin releasing their tension throughout the body.

Acupressure treatment usually has two or three stages. First there is a general energy-balancing, followed by specific attention being paid to the blocked meridians that are at the root of the imbalance. Finally, many practitioners add some sort of a closing technique to bring the session to a gentle conclusion. This is meant to ’seal’ the energy to balance and/or to bring the client’s awareness back to the everyday world. The session can be so deeply relaxing that one may fall into a sleep-like state.

Precautions and Prospects

Caution should be exercised in using acupressure if one is pregnant, has a skin condition, or an acute infectious disease. Acupressure experts do not recommend acupressure in areas of tumour, especially malignant tumour.

Acupressure is effective as a health maintenance system with regular, periodic sessions - once a week or once a month - to reduce stress, increase circulation, and tone up one’s energy. One can choose acupressure to support other treatments too.

There are specific acupressure points to relieve common ailments such as asthma, constipation, insomnia, sciatica, dizziness, fatigue, and impotence. Diet and other lifestyle changes may also be recommended or medical treatment required.

———————————————–Now You Know…

Acupressure differs from acupuncture in that, while the latter uses needles to apply pressure on the body to allow the free flow of energy, the former employs massage techniques for the same purpose. An ancient Chinese system of treatment, diagnosis is done by going into the patient’s medical history and face reading.

Popularly used to obtain relief from aches and pains and for health maintenance, acupressure can prolong one’s ability to partake in sports like golf, tennis, and swimming. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments for other ailments. Dietary and lifestyle changes are often advised simultaneously. Acupressure is generally free of side-effects.