Acupressure
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure, like acupuncture, is an ancient Chinese technique based on the same principles, except rather than needles, the use of involving finger or thumb pressure on targeted points all over the body is present instead. With the assistance of electrical devices, Western scientists have confirmed the existence of meridian pathways; pathways connected throughout the body, like a map, that carry an energy called chi in Chinese culture, or ki in Japanese culture.
How does it work?
Treatment is administered much in the same way as a traditional massage, in that the use of the finger, thumb, or sometimes a blunt object, applied to an acupressure point on the body is then moved rapidly and consistently in a circular motion combined with the application of medium pressure for a period of 5 to 15 minutes at a time. Acupressure is a safe and effective form of body recovery; anyone, no matter their age group can benefit from the effects of acupressure massage therapy.
What can it treat?
Through acupressure massage therapy, the bodily energies within an individual can be activated to help restore harmony and fight illness. Certain acupressure points relate to specific regions of the body which can be manipulated to alleviate ailments such as aches and pains in those regions. More specific issues such as arthritis and even menstrual cramps, for example, can be targeted and alleviated in this manner much in the same way. Other acupressure points are more general in their effects which can, likewise, be manipulated to alleviate general ailments such as tension and stress.
Other ailments which can be alleviated through acupressure massage therapy include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches & Migraines
- Depression & Tiredness
- Insomnia & Dizziness
- Toothache & Nausea
- Digestive disorders, i.e. diarrhoea and constipation
Acupressure is not just a reactive treatment, in that it should only be undertaken once feeling the effects of an illness; it can also be administered as a form of general preventative health care
What can I expect from a treatment session?
When visiting a practitioner, it is best practice to remove any items of clothing that prevent direct skin contact between the recipient and the practitioner administering the acupressure treatment, as the barrier of clothing can restrict, and even prevent an energy exchange from occurring between the two individuals. Depending on the ailments being alleviated, a therapy session can last between 30 and 60 minutes.
