Acupressure in nutshell
Acupressure in nutshell – ETHOS HEALTH CARE.
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.
