Five thousand years ago, acupressure therapy was already known in India. However, it was not properly preserved and went to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) under the guise of Acupuncture. From Ceylon, this healing art was brought by nomadic Aryans or Buddhist monks to China and Japan. It was China that spread the knowledge of West Orange acupuncture to the world. Way back in the 1600s, the Red Indians already knew about acupuncture. Medical studies in the US in the 20th century have been done that has greatly contributed to the development of this healing technique. Acupuncture is performed by several allopathic and naturopathic practitioners all over the world. The World Health Organization has recently taken notice of this simple and easy modality.
“Acupressure” means the technique of addressing illness by applying pressure or certain acupressure points through the use of the thumb, jimmy, or figure. Acupuncture is the art of using a needle to insert stimulate acupuncture points in the body.
Aim
The goal of acupressure is to increases the self-healing power of the body. The life force energy of the body known as chi is promoted, the flow of blood is increased, and muscle tightness is released when certain acupoints on the skin surface are pressed. Acupressure may be utilized to resolve a variety of conditions, including back pain, anxiety, fatigue, menstrual pain and disorders, pains and aches, shoulder and neck pain, headaches, and the effects of everyday stress.
Precautions
For specific problems that require medical care, the use of acupressure is not advised. These include infections, ulcers, and severe burns. Care should be implemented when using stomach acupressure points more so in sick patients where the stomach region is to be avoided and also when a patient has a potentially deadly condition such as or intestinal cancer.
Description
Acupressure makes use of pressure coming an acupressure tool called jimmy, fingers, or thumb. The energy obstruction of the energy channels called meridians can result in stress, tension, pain, and physical discomfort. The activation points eliminate obstruction by allowing blood to flow more freely and by relaxing the muscles. Acupressure can also release an emotional block by freeing built up tension in the body. The pressure also can release lactic acid that has accumulated in the muscular tissues. Lactic acid is manufactured by muscles during an intense exercise, and is usually taken out via the blood through the liver. However, it can build up in the muscles. The different acupressure systems used in the West today are as follows:
Shiatsu: this is perhaps the most popular form of acupressure. It’s a rigorous method that involves rhythmic application of pressure of acupoints.
Do-In: a style of self-acupressure that entails the massaging of specific acupressure points and muscles as well as stretching, exercises movements and deep breathing exercises.
Jin Shin Jyutsu: this a form of self-acupressure that comprises of mild touching of the body instead of massage-like movements.
Acu-Yoga: a technique of yoga positions and entire body stretches that stimulate and pressure the points along the energy channels.
When performing acupressure therapy the practitioner (or you, if you’re performing the therapy on yourself) applies light to medium pressure on certain acupoints by rotating the points in a tight circle. This is mainly performed using the hands, thumbs, and fingers. The knees or elbows are sometimes used to properly press some key acupoints. Since most of the targeted acupoints are sensitive or tender when pressed, the level of sensation will help determine the correct location. If there is not sensitivity or tenderness, the pressure may not be vigorous enough or the acupoint’s location may not be correct. During an acupressure treatment, the feeling of the sensation may register some-where between pain and pleasure.
The Three Stages of Acupressure:
Diagnosis: correct and prompt diagnosis – clinical checkup without any medical examinations.
Cure: healing of all forms of illnesses, including that of brain and cancer conditions.
Prevention: a preventative form from developing all kinds of illnesses, including paralysis, heart disease, and even cancer.
From a Health Perspective, The World Can Be Grouped Into:
Approximately 15 percent – this is the part of the global population that needs medications, medical help, and surgery. There are enough hospitals and practitioners in the world that can provide care to these people. Through the use of Acupressure Therapy, these people can also be prevented from falling into sickness.
Approximately 25 percent – the part of the population who’s presently suffering that can be treated with acupressure/acupuncture without much cost with the help of this science and then prevented from falling sick again.
Approximately 60 percent – the portion of the population (which includes the ones to be born) who are in good health but at risk to fall into illness. Their illness can be prevented through frequent acupressure therapy.
Caveat
Acupressure can be utilized alongside other kinds of treatment; nonetheless, it is not advised to be used as a replacement for much-needed conventional medical treatments.