What is acupressure? History
How it works Techniques
Variants of Acupressure It cures
Benefits of acupressure Precautions

What is acupressure?
Acupressure is a non invasive, drugless healing therapy which treats the sickness by removing the energy blocks and balancing the energy flow in the body by applying pressure on sickness specific points called ‘accupoints’.

History
Acupressure is a traditional therapy which is in practice for more than 2500 years. It has references in many traditional medicines like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It was developed in many countries in different forms. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine everything in nature has two opposite aspects, namely Yin and Yang. In the human body a physiological balance and health is maintained through the mutual opposition of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite but compliment each other. In any excess or deficiency of either Yin or Yang, this balance is lost and the result is blocking of energy (also called qi) which is manifested as sickness. This interaction of Yin and Yang is not static but dynamic and progressive. All tissues and organs of body have and are constantly working under this mutual interaction of Yin and Yang.

How it works
Acupressure works by identifying and releasing the congestion and blocks in energy (or qi). The energy (qi) flows in the body in channels called meridians. This energy is the combination of congenital and acquired energy. In health there is free flow of energy through meridians but in sickness there is blocking of energy. This blocking is identified by tender points (called acupoints) which are specific to organs and body functions. These points are found at the place where blocked meridians surface in the body. By applying physical pressure on these points, the congestion and blocks are removed which result in free flow of energy and a balance of organ function.
Acupressure heals by :
– Releasing free flow of energy in body.
– Balancing and improving body functions.
– Removing toxins from the body.
– It is said to release neurochemicals which are helpful in healing.

Techniques
The first part is to identify the block of energy. For this, the therapist takes full details of sickness from patient and locates the relevant points (acupoints). These points are identified as tender points. The points may be related directly to diseased organs / part of body or related to disease cause. Points may be found away from the site. For example in headache due to indigestion, in addition to headache points, stomach points would also be found tender and require therapy. Once the points are located, physical pressure is applied by finger or by specific object. The pressure must be at right angle to the surface of body and should is increased gradually taking care of location of point and tolerance of patient. Acupressure relieves quickly but chronic conditions may require repeated sessions to give relief.

Variants of Acupressure
– Oriental Acupressure
– Su Jok
– Reflexology
– Shiatsu
– Marma Chikitsa
– Acumassage
– Jin Shin Do

It cures
Acupressure is useful in many acute and chronic conditions. It is found highly effective in following :
– Painful conditions – Arthritis, Backache, Cervical Spondylosis, Sciatica, Headache, Colic, Neuralgia etc.
– Organ dysfunction – Asthma, Hypothyroid, Hypertension, Diabetes, Kidney dysfunction etc.
– Gastrointestinal ailments – Nausea, Indigestion, Acidity, Distension, Constipation etc.
– Female specific disorders – Complaints of Menstruation, Deficient Lactation, Menopausal Syndrome etc
– Stress n anxiety – It relaxes mind & body by relieving stress and anxiety & improving sleep.

Benefits of acupressure
– Non invasive and Drugless.
– Quick, Safe and Cost Effective.
– Detects sickness early.
– Improves body functions and overall health.

Precautions
– Must be done after thorough learning or by trained therapist.
– Should not be done over open wounds.
– One should not stop regular medical check up.
– Must not be done within one hour of eating, taking bath or heavy exercise.

Acupressure is the application of finger or hand pressure to points on the body. It stimulates the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.

Acupressure can be done on oneself or a practitioner, usually an acupuncturist. By using deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints the blocked energy starts to release, allowing your body/mind to relax. As your body and mind relaxes, you have an opportunity to explore thought patterns, memories, and belief systems. Through mindful exploration, the way you experience your universe can change, allowing you an opportunity to manifest your purpose in life with less discomfort and stress; with a greater sense of wellbeing.

A skilled Acupressurist can integrate many complementary health care methods and therapies into a complete treatment. Examples include therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, acupressure meridian therapy, five element assessments, pulse reading, Asian bodywork therapy, energy psychology which involves tapping acupressure points), and acupressure massage therapy techniques.

All Acupressure Massage techniques, methods and styles use the same ancient acupressure trigger points. They vary in using different rhythms and pressures for stimulating the acupressure points, using not only the fingers, but also the hands, arms, legs and even feet. Some styles also incorporate other healing techniques. Shiatsu Therapy, the traditional Japanese form of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with deep pressure applied to each point for three to five seconds. In Jin Shin Acupressure, at least two points are gently held for a minute or more.

Acupressure is the application of finger or hand pressure to points on the body. It stimulates the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese technique that’s used to treat everything from addiction to digestive issues. Acupressure is safe, effective and suitable for most people, provided the practitioner follows certain precautions. Here are some common precautions.

• Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using acupressure. Acupressure shouldn’t be done on the abdominal area or to certain points on the leg if pregnant.
• Acupressure points that are on or near a person’s eyes need to be treated carefully and gently. These can be treated with finger or thumb when the person’s eyes are closed.
• Acupressure shouldn’t be done over open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any area that is bruised or swollen.
• Do not use acupressure on the areas with infection, ulcer, scars, or tumors.
• People who have drugs or alcohol in their systems should not be treated with acupressure.
• Do not give acupressure treatment to patients who are hungry, or overeaten.
• Do not use acupressure on patients with a tendency of spontaneous bleeding or with the disturbance of blood coagulation, or with hemorrhagic tendencies.
• Acupressure should be done when a person is relaxed and happy. It should not be done when a person is anxious or worried.
• Receiving acupressure directly after a bath also is not recommended.
• If the person is weak from illness or fatigued, apply light pressure until her strength is restored.
• Lymph areas, such as the groin, the area of the throat just below the ears, and the outer breast near the armpits, are very sensitive. These areas should be touched only lightly and not pressed.
• Avoid the abdominal area entirely if you have a life-threatening disease, especially intestinal cancer, tuberculosis, serious cardiac conditions, and leukemia.
• Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way.

Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands and ears. Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate stress.

In reflexology theory, points and areas on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to specific organs, bones and body systems. Practitioners access these points on the feet and hands (bottom, sides, and top) and the ear (both inside as far as the finger can reach and outside) to affect organs and systems throughout the entire body. A reflexologist may perform a general, integrated session, or may focus on specific problem areas on the feet, hands or ears. For example, if time is limited and the person really needs to relax, the reflexologist may choose just to work on the ears.

A typical treatment is 45 minutes to 60 minutes long and begins with a consultation about your health and lifestyle. You are then asked to remove your shoes and socks and sit comfortably in a reclining chair or on a massage table. Otherwise you remain fully clothed. The reflexologist will assess the feet and then stimulates various points to identify areas of tenderness or tension. The reflexologist then uses brisk movements to warm the feet up. Then pressure is applied from the toes to the heel according to your comfort.

Benefits of reflexology

• It helps in stress reduction and relaxation
• It reduces pain
• It strengthens immune system
• It eliminates or improves digestive problems
• It increases blood circulation
• It soothes tired feet
• It stimulates nerve functions

Reflexology is a therapy which can be received by anyone at any age, from newborn babies to those receiving end of life care, and everyone in between. However, there may occasionally be times when it is not suitable to provide a treatment.

Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art which literally translated means finger pressure. It is very gentle and powerful art. It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing.

The method is based on Ying and Yang theory, and on Chinese elements that animate all forms of Life. Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include back pain, headaches, joint pain and reduced mobility, hormonal, sleeping or digestive disorders, asthmatic symptoms, depression and stress-related disorders.

Like most natural therapies, shiatsu is based on the assumption that the body is a self-healing organism, and that the role of the practitioner is to aid and support that naturally occurring process. Shiatsu can assist an individual with their self-development and self-healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition and addressing physical and psychological functions; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities.

Shiatsu can help with:

• decreasing the levels of stress
• uncluttering the mind
• increasing the clarity of the mind
• easing physical pains in the back, neck, head, shoulders or joints;
• increasing suppleness in stiff muscles or joints
• improving breathing whether there are difficulties or not
• decreasing the levels of anxiety
• decreasing frequency of panic attacks

Shiatsu can be used to treat children, elderly and pregnant women as well. A Shiatsu session lasts about 1 hour and is given with the person fully clothed, wearing loose fitting clothes, like a track suit. After an initial talk, the client is asked to lie on a futon on the floor. Generally the practitioner works on the whole body: gentle pressure is applied with thumbs, palms, knees or elbows; some gentle stretching of the limbs and joint rotations also takes place. At the end of the session, you may be given simple stretching and breathing exercises to help you maintain relaxation and good health outside the sessions.

The effectiveness of shiatsu in maintaining balance may be supported with recommendations regarding diet, yoga, meditation and exercise as part of an overall treatment regime.

Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians. Acupressure points are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bio-electrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. When pressure is put on these points then endorphins are released which reduce the pain and increases the flow of blood and oxygen.

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.

In acupressure it is believed that there are twelve channels in our body; all related to each part of the body. These channels finally connect to the nervous system. When there is any kind of blockage in any part of the body, force is exerted via acupressure to remove that hindrance and to ensure proper flow of blood, oxygen and positive energy. Acupressure can be used simultaneously with your other medical treatment. The two frames of reference for a pressure point in acupressure are the focal point and the trigger point. Focal point is used when pressure is exerted on a particular point and trigger point is used to put pressure on a nearby point. Like acupuncture, this practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Although acupuncture is more widely known, most sources suggest that acupressure actually predates acupuncture by about 2,500 years.

There are great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health.  The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation and enables the body to relax deeply.  Acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness by stimulating immune function.

Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians. Acupressure points are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bio-electrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. When pressure is put on these points then endorphins are released which reduce the pain and increases the flow of blood and oxygen.

SuJok is a combination of two words. In Korean ‘Su’ means hands and ‘Jok’ means feet. Thus, SuJok actually means treating on hands and feet. It is simple & uncomplicated. It can be compared with the best self cure methods known to man today.

If pressure is applied on the acupressure points on the hands/feet with a probe or a similar object instead of inserting needles, the therapy is known as sujok acupressure. Since hands and feet are the locations of systems of active points corresponding to all organs and part of the body, stimulation of these points produces a curative effect. This method is universal. With the help of sujok, various kinds of illnesses can be treated. There is no need for any precautions to be taken during the treatment. Since the therapy is natural and curing only the natural forces in and around the body, it is also one of the safest therapies ever known.

Through Sujok, one can diagnose the problem easily. By pressing the key points and applying pressure in the right direction, one can cure the problem. SuJok helps in curing diseases like Arthritis, Bronchitis, Asthma, Cervical, Spondylitis, Backache, Joints pain, Migraine, Hypertension, Sinusitis, Deafness, Paralysis, Constipation, Acidity, Obesity, Diabetes, Blood-Pressure, Menstrual Problems and many more chronic disease related to different organs of our body. SuJok is the most effective therapy and can treat any problem related to Kidney, Heart, Lungs, Brain, Liver or any other organ of a human body. Likewise, to cure depression, anger, fear and worries, sujok is an ultimate therapy for soul and body that provides natural treatment to the patients, who otherwise, depend on pills to cure such diseases.

Acupressure points are specific points on the body to which pressure can be applied for the purpose of exercising various techniques of an ancient Chinese medicine called acupressure.

Some of the Common Acupressure Points are:

• Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – This point is good for stress, headaches, toothaches, facial pain and neck pain. However, as a word of precaution, it can induce labor and must never be used during pregnancy.
• Liver 3 (LV3) – You need to take off your shoe to find this point. This is an excellent area to stimulate for stress, low back pain, high blood pressure, limb pain, insomnia and emotional upset.
• Gallbladder 20 (GB20) – This point is used for headache, migraine, eye blurriness or fatigue, low energy, and cold/flu symptoms. It is located by feeling the mastoid (ear) bone and following the groove back to where the neck muscles attach to the skull.
• Gallbladder 21 (GB21) – This point is located by pinching the shoulder muscle with your thumb and middle finger and is commonly used for stress, facial pain, headaches, toothaches and neck pain. Use with caution in pregnant women.
• Pericardium 6 (P6) – This point can help provide relief for nausea, anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, upset stomach, motion sickness and headaches and is even used for regulation of heart palpitations.
• Triple Energizer 3 – This point is located in the groove formed by the tendons of the 4th and 5th finger, behind the knuckles and is commonly used in the clinic for temporal headaches, shoulder and neck tension, and upper back pain.
• Spleen 6 (SP6) – This point can be very helpful for many urological and pelvic disorders as well as fatigue and insomnia. Avoid during pregnancy.
• Stomach36 (ST36) – this point is useful for fatigue and depression as well as knee pain and gastrointestinal discomfort. Asians frequently stimulate this point for health promotion and longevity.

A simple way to stimulate these points is to press firmly with a finger in a rotary movement or an up-and-down movement for several minutes at a time. It is recommended that you use this information under the guidance of your physician.

Acupressure is a traditional art of healing using the hands. Acupressure stimulates energy in the body to release blockage in order to fight illness and bring the body into a state of balance. Acupressure offers many benefits. Some of the important benefits are:

• Relieves pain

Acupressure is practiced worldwide to treat arthritis, muscular pain in the arm and neck, cervical pain, joint pain, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, pain caused by sports and athletics and other body pains. One can learn self-care acupressure applications to deal with fatigue, headaches, chronic muscular pain and fibromyalgia.

• Improves sex life

Acupressure is known to improve fertility, seduction and sexual endurance. With acupressure, you can find solutions to sexual problems such as inhibited sexual desire, premature ejaculation, impotency, infertility and sexual frustration. It helps you to attain deeper sexual communication and sexual satisfaction.

• Relaxation

Acupressure treatments can relieve tight muscles and help you to relax. It enhances relaxation of the body and creates positivity of mind. Acupressure soothes sore muscles and leaves a general feeling of well being.

• Stress management

Acupressure calms the nervous tension and improves an individual’s stress resistance as it directly works on autonomic nervous system.

• Deals with maternity

Acupressure relaxes your muscles, balances your mood and emotions, relieve physiological symptoms associated with pregnancy such as bloating, water retention, muscular cramps, pain in the neck, the back, the hips, sciatica, headaches, nausea, blood pressure, bloodstream etc.

• Cure serious issues

Acupressure is used by those with high blood pressure, cancer, depression, diabetes and asthma. Cancer patients can also benefit from acupressure massage, as it helps to stimulate the energy the body needs to fight the disease.

• Illness prevention

The long-term result of regular acupressure is prevention of illness. Common ailments that acupressure can prevent include pain, anxiety, stress, headaches, and immune system deficiencies.

• Removes toxins

Acupressure enables better energy and lets the body flush out toxins that it has come into contact with. This also eases tension and reduces stiffness and anxiety in the body.

• Natural treatment

Acupressure is safe, and there are usually no side effects. Many who do not like using pills and chemicals turn to acupressure for natural relief.

Acupressure is a Chinese massage technique which uses moderate to firm pressure on various points on meridians that course throughout the body. All Acupressure Massage techniques, methods and styles use the same ancient acupressure trigger points. They vary in using different rhythms and pressures for stimulating the acupressure points, using not only the fingers, but also the hands, arms, legs and even feet.

Acupressure massage performed by a therapist can be very effective both as prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others.

Points on the body are massaged using finger or thumb, and sometimes a blunt object, in a fairly rapid circular motion with a medium pressure. When the acupressure points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupressure techniques stimulate and activate the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony. In all cases, acupressure massage techniques are employed in collaboration with other appropriate medical care. Sports massage has been widely used by athletes before and after Olympic events.

Common Benefits of acupressure massage

• Relieve stress and tension
• Increase blood circulation
• Enables the body to relax deeply
• Aid in the removal of toxic wastes
• Decreases or stabilizes fluctuating blood pressure
• Tone facial and back muscles
• Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches
• Promote the healing of injuries
• Increase energy levels
• Reduce anxiety and depression symptoms
• Increase overall feeling of well-being
• Decreasing labor pains

Acupressure Massage is a safe, effective. Acupressure can help alleviate many ailments can also be used for general preventative health care. It deals with all the aspects of a person as a whole: body, emotions, mind, and spirit as one, not as separate parts. It relaxes muscular tension and balances the vital life forces of the body.

Acupressure is an art and science of touching and pressing certain areas of the body to give relief from different ailments. There are several different methods of acupressure that vary in practice and theory.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure. It is the most popular form of acupressure. In this type of acupressure therapy, pressure is applied along the middle line of the body. Shiatsu is particularly effective for headache, respiratory ailments, back pain, digestive problems, premenstrual syndrome and immune system abnormalities.

Jin Shin

Jin Shin acupressure therapies are of two kinds, first being the ancient concept and the other is a modern version. The first one is Jin Shin Jyutsu. In this type, light touch is given by the palm to let the life force energy flow. The second one is Jin Shin Do. It is a new type of acupressure that includes Chinese, Japanese and Taoist methods. It uses firm but gentle pressure and incorporates breathing and visualization at the time of session.

Tui-na

Tui Na, which dates back to 1700 B.C., most closely resembles western massage techniques. Tui Na uses a lighter and more direct approach which addresses certain areas rather than the body as a whole. Using his hands, the practitioner will access the client’s body to determine if there is a lack or overabundance of energy. It can help redistribute the energy and restore the balance.

Su Jok

Sujok is one of the easiest acupressure therapies. It is originated in South Korea. Su Jok means ‘hand foot’, wherein acupoints corresponding to every organ on hands and feet are identified. These acupoints can be stimulated using several mediums such as fingertips, elastic rings and seeds.

Atmena
Believed to have been originated in India and China, Atmena brings entire body into the practice. Main pressure is given on the pressure points that are located on the feet. The basic theory behind this is that all the corresponding points of the internal organs or body parts are located on the feet.

Acupressure is commonly used to treat many common ailments, including stress and anxiety. Acupressure point therapy is used to manage stress and enhance your life. Living with Stress can exhaust your vital energy, affecting the quality of your life.  Stress causes shallow breathing, which can lead to irritability, frustration, and eventually chronic fatigue. Many people turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating, and alcoholic drinking to counteract stress.

The basic principle behind acupressure is the fact that the body has an energy that flows through it at any given time. Many of us have an imbalance on the inside of our bodies and this can block the free flow of that energy, causing a number of different problems for us. Some of these problems may be recognized as physical problems, while others may be mental problems, such as excessive stress.

Acupressure is a popular massage technique that is commonly in stress relief therapy. Similar to acupuncture, this technique uses points in the body meridians to relieve pain. Acupuncture uses needles while acupressure, as the name suggests, uses pressure by utilizing the fingers, thumbs and elbows. A very low electrical current is sometimes used also. This technique helps release tension in the muscles by applying a certain amount force and then releasing it to send the blood back to the tissue. Acupressure also releases energies located on this points that promote good health. Some of popular acupressure massage therapies are:

Swedish massage

The Swedish massage technique uses mild strokes on delicate and bony body structures like the face, hands and feet. Stronger, harder strokes are applied over thickly muscled areas like the neck and shoulders.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is a form of acupressure. This technique uses pressure while applying long strokes over the energy fields of the body. Shiatsu massage can also be performed while you are soaked in warm water. Warm water actually helps the muscles to relax.

Acupressure is drugless, natural healing therapy for pain free rejuvenated life

Acupressure is drugless, natural healing therapy with excellent results if done by an expert. Termed by patients as one of the best acupressurist or acupressure therapist with good knowledge, skill and experience, Dr Anjali Sharma has helped people in living a pain free rejuvenated life with good health. Patients with chronic sickness and painful suffering often wonder when they see good response and relief in first session itself.

Dr Anjali Sharma (DPT, PGDHH, MD Acu, PhD Acu.) is looking after the acupressure clinic at EBMC. She has good command over subject and has successfully blended Tradional Chinese Medicine TCM knowledge with modern clinical expertise. Dr Anjali Sharma first makes acupressure diagnosis based on TCM, selects treatment acupoints and makes sure that you regain good health through her gentle healing techniques. She has successfully helped patients of arthritis, sciatica, back pain, cervical spondylosis neck pain, slip disc, migraine, PMS, dysmenorrhea, stress, asthma, allergy, vertigo, hypertension, insomnia, fibromyalgia, impotence, chronic fatigue syndrome etc.

She explains acupressure as a unique natural therapy which brings our body in harmony with nature. Acupressure therapy comes from traditional Chinese medicine TCM. According to TCM our body is a system of life force energy called qi. Our body receives energy from environment, from food, water, sunlight, air etc. This energy flows in certain channels in body called meridians. As long as this energy flows uninterrupted, organs in body work properly and in harmonious manner. But if this energy gets blocked, stagnated, gets depleted or even gets in excess, this results in disorder in organ functioning leading to state called disease. In acupressure treatment specific trigger points called acupoints are pressed which results in release of muscle tension and free circulation of blood and of life force energy called qi. It improves functioning of all body organs resulting in better health.

Dr Anjali successfully uses different variants of acupressure according to patient’s condition and disease. Acupressure variants include traditional acupressure, reflexology, acupoint therapy, acu massage, Jin Shin Do therapy, shiatsu, pressure point therapy, marma chikitsa etc.

Treatment Schedule :

Treatment is done in sessions. How many sessions will be required and how often depends on many factors like patients health condition, how old is sickness and how much it has affected the body.  Patients coming from far off places often tell Dr Anjali Sharma that they don’t mind traveling long because the relief they get by her treatment is much more valuable.

Obesity occurs when the amount of your food intake is greater than the work that they are doing. As a result, foods accumulate in the body and become fats. Acupressure—an ancient TCM technique that massages specific points to create a healing effect—is one tool you can use to help moderate the underlying causes of obesity. It is one of the natural therapies that are widely used for fat loss.

Most common used pressure points are spleen 6 or Sp 6, stomach 36 or St 36 and for large intestine 11 or Li 11. These points help in weight loss and control appetite. The appetite control points are located behind the ears, just at the point where the lobes connect with the ear.
Acupressure should be done before a meal to suppress the huge appetite that obese people often have. The treatment involves pressing and releasing of these points on a continuous process. Experts have recognized that this treatment can be used in dealing with obesity by targeting one’s appetite, digestion, and metabolism. Through specific pressure points, it is believed that acupressure can get rid of negative emotions which are highly correlated with unhealthy eating. By eliminating this harmful inclination toward unconstructive feelings, the person suffering from such condition can discover a healthier relationship with food.

The Acupressure guidelines for obesity

• Proper identification of the specific pressure points of the body and then stimulating them by massaging gently, applying pressure or tapping them is the process.
• It is very important to locate the pressure points associated with weight loss. There are more than thousand of points on our body.
• If you are a beginner you may need to refer to the reflexology maps to get habituated with the various pressure points which are related to weight loss.

Acupressure is an age-old treatment and now it appears to be a very good treatment for obesity. It is efficient in helping the obese to lose weight without any pain. Ancient Chinese people used to practice acupressure technique for weight loss. It is entirely safe, unlike medicines and it costs nothing.

Menstrual cramping refers to pain in the lower-abdominal area, that are sharp and or of aching nature. Menstrual cramps usually occur during the first few days when periods begin. The pain is speculated to be a result of increased activity of the prostaglandin hormone in healthy young women. Severe cramps that occur during periods in older women could possibly be the sign of fibroids, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, intrauterine devices, premenstrual syndrome, or anxiety and stress.

Acupressure techniques will help to relieve menstrual cramps, bloating, pain, headaches and physical tension. Following are some acupressure points that provide relief from menstrual cramps.

• P 6 – it is located two thumb widths from the wrist crease on the inner side of the arm.
• P 9 – it is found on the middle finger just below the fingernail and to the side toward the thumb.
• LI 4 – it is on the highest point of the webbing produced by holding the thumb and index finger together. The point should be pressed toward the index finger.
• B 60 – it is behind the ankle on the outside of the ankle. LV 1 is below and beside the inner side of the first toenail.
• LV 2 – it is located on the foot just above the space between the first and second toes.
• K 1 – it is located in the middle of the sole of the foot just behind the ball of the foot.
• SP6 – it is found on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle.

Pressing and massaging these acupressure points will also provide relief from menstrual cramps. Acupressure working successfully to relieve pain improves digestion; help with depression and anxiety, and enhancing energy levels.

The kidneys perform several life-sustaining roles. They cleanse your blood by removing waste and excess fluid, maintain the balance of salt and minerals in your blood, and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys become damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling in your ankles, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath

Acupressure can help in recovery process in some serious kidney related diseases. In many kidney related conditions it can help you get healing and cure.

Acupressure points for kidney related conditions

• Kidney 3 and 7 helps to strengthen the kidneys.
• Liver 3 brings energy down from the head and helps to speed recovery. It is located on the top of the foot- between the big toe and the second toe.
• Spleen 6 and stomach 36 together improve digestion and immune function

Acupressures do help in expulsion of toxins created in the body by pressing the point of Kidney in both hands and legs, so it can help in recovery process. Acupressure can be applied by the Thumbs, fingers, wooden or plastic devices as per the needs and facility available.

The kidneys perform several life-sustaining roles. They cleanse your blood by removing waste and excess fluid, maintain the balance of salt and minerals in your blood, and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys become damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing swelling in your ankles, vomiting, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath

Infertility issues are quite common. If you are not getting pregnant, even though there is no physiological reason for these conditions, there is something else about your body that is not allowing you to conceive. This might be related to the rhythm of life, to your lifestyle, diet, lack or intensity of exercises, overall stress.

Acupressure for infertility is a way to restore your balance. Treatment with acupressure for infertility has been used for thousands of years. Applying acupressure on specific acupressure points increases blood circulation to the reproductive organs and increases oxygenation to the tissues. Often the blockage is caused by the presence of toxins that accumulate as a result of poor diet, medications, stress, and poor sleep. When this happens, the hormonal balance within the body is compromised leading to poor ovulation cycles.

Acupressure points can help balance hormonal dysfunction naturally by normalizing energy flow. It is known that sometimes specific psychological conditions can depress the function of endocrine system which is in direct relation with female hormonal system.

Doing acupressure for fertility can improve your chances of conceiving because it stimulates blood flow to the reproductive organs and releases toxins, congestion and inflammation. The result of applying daily acupressure will be hormonal regulation and balance, while stimulating ovulation and helping oxygenate the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.

Benefits of acupressure for infertility

• Acupressure is non-invasive and does not produce adverse effects. The treatment does not rely on the use of any drugs.
• Fertility medications given to women who are having difficulty conceiving can lead to the release of many eggs at once, leading to an increased risk of multiple births which can be dangerous for both the mother and the infants. There is no risk of this with acupressure.
• The cost of acupressure is extremely low when compared to some other infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization.

Thyroid is the gland of a human body located at the front side and middle in the neck. This is one of the important glands in the human body that regulates the metabolism. They tell organs how fast or slow they should work. Thyroid hormones also regulate the body’s consumption of oxygen and production of heat.

Acupressure therapy plays important role for treatment of diseases like thyroid conditions. A great benefit of acupressure is that both detecting and cure of a disease is done the same way

Acupressure points for treatment of thyroid conditions

• Between the center of the eyes
• The points near the big toe of your feet
• Two acupressure points that sit on the back of your neck,( just above the vertebra that forms a bump when you tilt your head

These acupressure points stimulate pituitary function. They can help you release any excess energy and restore the smooth flow of qi to your thyroid. Thyroid acupressure points enable healing energy (known as Qi or Chi) to move through the thyroid, which restores its balancing or homeostatic mechanisms. Opening the energy flow through the thyroid gland can balance both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions, because this flow governs homeostasis, however it takes constant practice to maintain this balance.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine which is based on acupuncture concept and it involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow or with the aid of other devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body.

One of the effective ways to treat hypertension is acupressure. it is useful as a Complementary therapy in managing hypertension. Acupressure helps get relief and cure for the blood pressure. As the acupressure is applied to the points which may be the cause of hypertension, you get relief from high blood pressure. There are many acupoints which can be treated to take control of hypertension. Some of the helpful pressure points are discussed below:

• One is located under the base of skull either side of the top of the spine.
• The second is in the hollow directly under the protruding ankle bone on each foot, about one-third of the distance between the anklebone and the bottom of the heal
• The third point is directly below the inside of the anklebone. One needs to press and release the point using your thumb 15 times in the morning and 15 times in the evening. This point is useful for strengthening the immune system.
• Another point is at the top of the head at the center of an imaginary line from ear to ear. Pressing and massaging the points will help to refresh and center the spirit and strengthen the memory, concentration and depression.

Working on these points can help you get better quicker. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective. It’s important to drink plenty of warm water after the massage, helps to clear away toxic substances in our body.

One of the most common ailments you can experience is headaches. Migraine headaches affect millions of people and can be so severe they may require a trip to the emergency room for relief.

Acupressure for migraines has shown to provide relief for some migraine sufferers and is a type of Chinese medicine for migraines. It is an ancient Chinese healing method that uses techniques similar to acupuncture. Based on Chinese medical practices, acupressure focuses on specific energy channels in the body called meridians. These 12 invisible channels are thought to connect the fingertips, brain and then the rest of the body’s organs. Acupressure applies pressure – using devices, fingers, palms or feet – to these points to balance or unblock the channels.

Acupressure relieves pain, including migraine symptoms by targeting those specific meridians. Acupressure improves circulation, relieves stress, reduces tension and possibly releases the body’s natural pain killers called endorphins.

Acupressure points for migraine headaches

• Acupoint 01 lies in the crease between the thumb and forefinger when those fingers are pressed together
• Acupoint 07 an indented point on the wrist that lies in line with the thumb
• Acupoint 12 is found in the largest crease inside the wrist in line with the thumb
• Acupoint 26 pressure is applied by pinching the nostril
• Another point that is believed to relieve headaches is called L14 – this pressure point should not be used by pregnant women because it has been known to induce labor

Diabetes is the most threatening chronic disease that is caused due to increased level of concentrated sugar in blood. Acupressure is one of the latest methods used in the treatment of diabetes. Using acupressure can help patients to control their blood sugar levels when used with dietary precautions and exercise.

Every diabetes sufferer knows that there is no cure for diabetes. However, people who have undergone acupressure diabetes healing find improvement in their blood glucose or sugar level after their acupressure treatment. Acupressure uses different pressure points in the body to stimulate the internal healing process that improve a person’s health and wellbeing. It involves the use of fingertip pressure to certain points on the body with the goal of balancing the flow of energy.

Benefits of acupressure for diabetes

• It is non-invasive and does not require the use of drugs or other medical procedures.
• It can help reduce the negative physical effects of the disease.
• It can help to normalize the blood sugar levels.
• It may help improve kidney function in patients who have problems due to their diabetes.

Acupoints for diabetes

The important acupoints for the treatment of diabetes are:

• Spleen 6
• Liver 3
• Kidney 3
• Stomach 40
• Reflex points of liver, pituitary, pancreas, thyroid and adrenal

Using acupressure in the treatment of diabetes is quite safe and no cases of any complications are reported due to its use. It can be practiced by the patient himself after taking proper training. Acupressure is more effective in type II diabetes. Patents are advised to consult their doctors before staring treatment with acupressure.

A strong immune system is a great benefit to one’s body. From protecting against bacteria and viruses to enduring and surviving serious diseases, a healthy immune system can significantly impact quality of life issues.

Acupressure strengthens natural resistance to diseases. The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a condition that may be caused by a weak immune system.

• K 27 – it is located about one inch from the midline on the lower border of the collar bone. It reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system.
• LI 11 – it is located on the upper edge of the elbow crease. It is used preventively for colds and flues, and other immune-compromising conditions.
• L7 – It is located approximately two finger widths up your arm. It is good for bolstering your body’s defensive energy, helping to keep your immune system strong.
• St 36 – It is found about a hand length below the patella of the knee, just outside the prominent tibia bone. It helps tone and strengthens the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance.
• CV 6 – it is located two finger widths below the belly button, between it and the pubic bone. It tones the abdominal muscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems.
• CV 17 – it is located on the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone. It relieves anxiety, anguish, and depression; boosts the immune system and regulates the thymus gland.

Working with these points can help you get better quicker. You do not have to use all these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have free hand can be effective.

Back pain is among the most common reasons for people to seek medical treatment. Discs, nerves, muscles and arthritis are reasons that you could suffer from back pain. While treatments for back pain can vary from stretches to surgery and many things in between, there are acupressure points that can help to manage back pain.

By applying pressure to certain points of the back, and using massage techniques designed to target key focus points of the body’s nervous system, acupressure practitioners are able to indirectly allow these overly tense muscles to relax, thereby relieving residual pressure that these contracted muscles may have been placing on the skeletal structure of the back.
By using the principles of acupressure, there can be a set of acupressure exercises that can be carried out to relieve pain. Exercises targeting common problem areas such as the back can be practiced by the patient without external help also. One of the easiest acupoint you can find lies in the branching of your thumb and forefinger bones. If you place your other thumb on that location and apply pressure on it, you should feel pain even with the slightest amount of pressure. Continue doing so for several times, and your back pain should go away if you have done so properly.

When pressure points are used to relieve pain, it does both jobs: it covers the symptoms as well as it improves the condition of the patient, therefore it is very helpful and secured method of healing pain in all areas of the back, including low back, buttocks, shoulders and neck.

Acupressure for lower back pain has been proven to be amazingly effective in giving relief from pain in back. Acupressure, when applied to various points on the body, performs the role of stimulating coordinating organs and muscles to minimize and even eliminate the pain, and further facilitates the release of chi to return the body to a state of balance.

Asthma is a result of a blockage in the lungs or spleen meridian and it can be cured by unblocking the path. Acupressure helps in unblocking the energy path. it is a harmless and natural way of getting relief from the symptoms of asthma. It is a traditional remedy to treat an ailment in a natural way.

Acupressure points for asthma

• Point 1 – One of the points is located towards the outer part of the chest, close to the shoulders. The width of three fingers together below the collarbone is its exact location. This point can be found on both sides of your chest.

Benefit – relief from difficulties in breathing, chest tension, congestion, coughing and even tension caused by emotional problems.

• Point 2 – The hollow found below the collarbone located next to the breastbone is an acupressure point for asthma.

Benefit – relief from chest congestion, coughing, breathing problems, anxiety and other asthma symptoms.

• Point 3 – A very effective acupressure point for asthma is on the back. It is between the upper part of shoulder blades and the upper spine. You can feel for knots on both sides in this area of the upper back.

Benefit – Relieves asthma, coughing, sneezing, and severe muscle spasms in the shoulders and neck.

• Point 4 – On your palm pad’s centre, there is the base of the thumb. It is one of the points for acupressure. It is one of the more convenient points and you can press it anytime in the course of the day.

Benefit – relieves shallow breathing, swollen throat and coughing.

• Point 5 – Another convenient acupressure point for asthma on your hand is where your wrist ends and below the base of the thumb. You can press this point throughout the day .

Benefit – relieves lung problems, coughing and other asthma symptoms.

Anxiety is usually a normal reaction to a stressful situation that is occurring in your life. However, sometimes we may experience anxiety even though the stress is not that big, or we find ourselves worrying about everything in life. This excessive worrying can begin to disrupt our sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Phobias of social situations or other circumstances may also induce anxiety. In severe cases, anxiety can cause panic attacks with symptoms including shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, or uncontrollable crying.

Acupressure can be used to manage our anxiety or may function as complementary care along with prescribed medication or therapy. It has been an established medical practice in China for five thousand years. It is a great way for dealing with anxiety attacks. It is similar to the Chinese form of healing, acupuncture, but instead it mainly makes use of applying pressure to the hands, and sometimes to other parts of the body such as the feet and elbows. This form of healing is completely natural, with no side effects and yields instantaneous results, which is the number one reason for its popularity. Acupressure activates the free flow of energy in the body, and helps in healing disorders such as anxiety and stress.

During an acupressure session, the therapist will find out if there is any blockage of energy in the body. These blockages are usually caused by emotion, bad postures or other toxins generated by the body. For example, a lot of people complain about inflexibility on hamstring or calves area. In a lot of cases, their urinary and kidney meridian or energy channels are blocked.
There are several acupressure points that can help us manage anxiety with immediate relief. Acupressure should be applied from top to bottom, starting with Yin Tang, then Pericardium 6, and finally Kidney 1. Treating these acupressure points should have immediate effects on your mental state and provide a calming relief.