An eastern technique which encourages the free-flowing of energy through application of
pressure to particular key points on the body. It is a healing system from Asia which is almost 5,000
years old
REPORTED USES
Can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant. You will not need to undress for your acupressure session but it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing
so the acupressure practitioner can get easy access to the pressure points on the body.
The practitioner will apply pressure to specific acupoints using their fingers, thumbs, elbows and sometimes knees. You may feel a mild sensation but it should not be painful. Many patients find the sensation extremely relaxing.
Acupressure has proved to be an effective therapy for many people with varying
conditions. Cancer patients are among those who have benefited from the therapy
through the relief of nausea brought on by chemotherapy. The therapy is also
becoming increasingly popular during pregnancy helping alleviate morning sickness, backache, and heartburn.
You may find that you feel the benefits of acupressure from your first treatment
and after your first two or three appointments you and your acupressure practitioner will have a good idea of the effectiveness
of the treatment. It is recommended that a course last between four and six treatments
but your acupressure practitioner will advise you on this based on your progress.
Make sure your skin is clean and dry but avoid applying creams
or oils as these can make the skin slippery to the touch. Also avoid wearing
earrings and watches as these cover pressure points
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
The history of acupressure predates that of acupuncture with
evidence suggesting its use some 5,000 years ago. Although acupressure didn't evolve in any specific country, it is often
attributed to ancient Asian civilisations. Records document the use of acupressure by the Chinese Shang dynasty between the
16th to 11th centuries BC.
Acupressure now forms part of what is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) and has evolved into a number of styles including Jin Shen, Shiatsu and Tuina. These acupressure
techniques focus on the body's 'meridian' system and associated pressure points. East Asian martial arts also make use of
the system for self-defence. The pressure points are said to incapacitate opponents.
Acupressure, as with other TCM Therapies, was introduced
to 17th century Europe by returning doctors and missionaries from the Far East. The first medical studies of acupressure in Britain didn't begin until the 1950s.
Ancient Chinese philosophy states that acupressure restores the balance of
Yin and Yang by freeing our life energy or qi (chi) that flows through channels (known as meridians) under the skin. By putting
pressure on specific points (known as 'acupoints') of the channels that have become blocked, the acupressure practitioner
stimulates the body's healing response and thereby helps to restore its natural balance.
A scientific explanation for acupressure is that the pressure applied to the
acupoints releases tension in muscle fibres and stimulates deep sensory nerves in the body. This causes a chemical release
of endorphins and other substances. These substances, once released in the body, can help with pain relief, assist healing
or be used for anaesthetic purposes.
Acupressure techniques also involve elements of massage which
improves other functions in the body such as hormone release (responses to injury and stress), circulation
(blood pressure and heart rate) and digestion (secretion of gastric acid).
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REPUTED BENEFITS
The reputed ailments where benefits are claimed to be experienced include:
Abdominal Pain, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Blood pressure, Breathing disorders, Bronchitis,
Childbirth, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Circulation Problems, Constipation, Depression, Digestive Problems, Disc Problems,
Dysmenorrhea, Ear Ache, Eczema, Endometriosis, Epilepsy, Fainting, Fractures, Frozen Shoulder, Headaches, Heart Burn, Immune
System Dysfunction, Incontinence, Indigestion, Infant colic, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Joint Pain, Ligament Sprain,
Lumbago, Lymphodeama, M E, Menopausal symptoms, Migraines, Muscle cramps, Muscle stiffness, Neck pain, Neck stiffness, Obesity,
Period pain, Post operative pain, Postural problems, Pregnancy, Repetitive strain injury, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Scoliosis,
Shoulder pain, Sinusitis, Spinal Injury, Sports injuries, Sprain (Ankle, Knee), Stomach cramps, Stress, Stroke, Tennis Elbow,
Tiredness, Varicose Veins, Whiplash
CONTRAINDICATIONS
If under medical supervision or taking prescribed medication, all clients are best advised to verify
in advance that their medical adviser has no objections to them receiving this technique.
Most insurance companies would expect practitioners to take due note of the following partial and total
contra-indications and, where appropriate, only give treatments subject to medical adviser permission.
Certain acupoints on the body are unsafe particularly during pregnancy or
if you have a heart condition.
If an acupoint has a mole, varicose vein or break in the skin, pressure should
not be applied. Consult with your GP and acupressurist about any medical problems
or concerns you may have.
MEMBERSHIP BODIES
There is no Governing Body.
A number of organisations train therapists and may offer them access to group
insurance schemes for a membership fee.
These may include:
There is no official Membership Body for Acupressure.
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