Acupressure comes from China. It has numerous supporters, also in Europe, who say it is as effective as painkillers. It is a method of alleviating ailments by applying pressure to specific points on the body.

According toChinese medicinethe body functions thanks to the vital energy called chi. It flows through the channels -meridians . Each of them is responsible for the work of a specific organ in our body. So when the flow of energy through one of the meridians is inappropriate, the corresponding organ is ailing. Moreover, the failure of one of the elements of the entire system causes disturbances in the operation of subsequent ones. The task of the therapist usingacupressureis to find the place of the energy "blockage" and unblock it. This is achieved by stimulating 361 specific points located along the meridians. They can be punctured (this happens during acupuncture treatments) or just put pressure. Acupressure does not require such deep knowledge and practice as puncture treatments - anyone can learn it and use it on their own.

Why does acupressure work

Acupressure works especially as a supportive method of pain treatment, both sudden, acute and chronic (e.g. rheumatic ailments). There are several theories explaining the mechanism of this method. One of them claims that during the procedure, the brain releases more endorphins, hormones produced by the body with an anesthetic effect. According to another, the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure lies in the power of suggestion. Yet another one claims that the stimulation of acupuncture points blocks the transmission of pain stimuli in certain key points of the nervous system.

Compression and massage during acupressure

During therapy, the specialist usually combines acupressure treatment with Chinese massage. As a result, it not only relieves pain, but also stimulates the immune system to work, relieves stress and fatigue, removes tension and muscle blockages, and improves lymph circulation. The stimulation of points assigned to the appropriate organs improves their functioning. Therefore, acupressure can be used to alleviate existing ailments, as well as prophylactically to improve overall he alth. Acupressure therapists see in natural medicine clinics. If we want to deal with chronicailments, usually a dozen or so sessions are needed.

Acupressure - How To

Pain in temples

Press on the temple area, a thumb's width away from the intersection of the brow bone and the outer corner of the eye.

Headaches

Massage the point in the crease below the hairline.

Sinus pains

Apply pressure to the point between your eyebrows.

Headaches

Massage the point on the sole of the foot approximately 1/3 of its length.

Pains in the back of the head

Apply pressure to the point on the outer edge of your hand, where the so-called heart line.

Migraine headaches

Massage two points around the wrist. The first one is located at a distance of three tightly folded middle fingers of the other hand applied to the wrist flexion line. The second point, on the other hand, is at a distance of two folded fingers from this line, along the straight line marked by the index finger.

Headaches and other ailments

Press the thumb of one hand against the groove between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand (a mound should form above). Massage with small, circular movements, lightly pressing the point with your thumb, alternately strengthening and releasing pressure.

You must do it

In order for acupressure treatments to be effective, you should follow a few rules:

  • The selected point is pressed with the tip of the thumb or index finger perpendicular to the body, without tearing it off and slightly twisting during the pressure, first clockwise and then counter-clockwise.
  • If we feel more sensitive to pressure in one place than in another, we have found the right point. Sometimes there is a clear pain or thickening in this place, which will disappear after a dozen or so massage sessions.
  • Each point should be massaged from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If you feel pain during pressure, don't be alarmed; after some time the symptoms will disappear.
  • Massage of individual points should, in principle, last until the pain subsides, but no longer than 25-30 minutes. They can be pressed in any order.
  • The points on the face should be pressed much more gently than those on the body.

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