Acupressure is the stimulation the natural self-healing abilities of the body through the application of pressure on the most vital acupressure points on the body using the elbow, palms, fingers, or even feet. This technique is a very old Chinese method of healing that has been developed for over 5000 years in Asia.
Efficacy of Acupressure Therapy
Acupressure shown to work well in resolving a multitude of illnesses related to stress. It also can actually develop a person’s overall health, boost blood flow, alleviate pain, and lower tension. Aside from healing ailments associated with stress, acupressure has also been known to improve skin tone, detoxify the body, and improve the function of the reproductive organs.
Acupressure helps prevent the body from developing any unwanted diseases and strengthens the resistance power of the body. By understanding about the different pressure points and techniques, this therapy can be self-administered in order to treat certain health problems such as emotional trauma, learning disorders, mental stress, muscular pain, and much more.
How Does Acupressure Work?
In a typical acupressure session, the practitioner will ask you to lie down on a massage table (you’re not required to take your clothes off). He then begins to gently apply pressure on the pressure points and massage them. A session may take up to an hour to finish. To acquire the best outcomes, you may need to undergo multiple sessions.
The main objective of any bodywork therapy like acupressure is to bring back the overall health of a person by normalizing the negative and positive energies circulating in the body. Some folks believe that this therapy not only can heal energy fields but also the spirit, emotions, and mind of a person as well.
Commonly Used Acupuncture Points
The human body is peppered with pressure points too many to list down. The most widely used acupressure and acupuncture points however, are as follows:
SP 6 (Spleen 6)
This acupressure/acupuncture point for resolving illnesses associated with the liver lies at a distance of three finger widths just above the ankle. This part of the lower calf muscle is extremely tender.
LR 3 (Liver 3)
This acupressure/acupuncture point is used for the treatment of diseases associated with the liver. The LR 3 is located between the second toe and big toe.
LI 4 (Large intestine 4)
The acupoint is used to treat conditions associated with the large intestine and is found in the thick flesh between the thumb and forefinger.
Who Can Benefit from Acupressure?
While a lot of people state that acupressure can resolve a wide range of illnesses, one has to admit that the treatment and its capacity to cure a number of health problems are still not scientifically proven. Proper studies need to be done prior to making any statements such as, “In these several weeks, acupressure can treat so and so condition effectively.”
Nonetheless, acupressure has time and again helped better certain medical issues. There is scant but definite proof that it can cure the medical conditions listed below:
1. Anxiety and Depression
Several studies performed on various individuals show that acupressure can successfully treat anxiety, depression, and fatigue, as well as better the mood of people.
2. Arthritis
Research shows that joint inflammation can be significantly lowered by applying acupressure on people suffering from arthritis. The scientific basis behind this is that the use of acupressure causes the release of endorphins that are able to generate anti-inflammatory effects in the joints, thus decreasing the suffering of people with arthritis.
3. Various Pains:
There are some preliminary evidences that acupressure can meaningfully relieve headache, postsurgical trauma and pain, and lower back pain. Ailments produced by other medical problems may also get better through the use of acupressure. Manual pressure is applied to the healing point as far as a headache is concerned.
4. Cancer:
Besides lessening post chemotherapy nausea, acupressure according to a lot of individual reports, is believed to alleviate tension, reduce pain, increase energy levels, and lessen stress, in cancer patients.
5. Pre and post pregnancy nausea
Wrist acupressure has shown to successfully work in most cases above.
The acupoint for relieving nausea and vomiting, PC 6, is situated between the two nerves that begins at the base of the palm. Customized wristbands that can regulate this medical issue are widely sold in the market.
6. Nausea and vomiting
Several case studies have shown that wrist acupressure can actually treat nausea and vomiting caused by various reasons such as: motion sickness, post chemotherapy, prior or post injection of spinal anesthesia and post operative nausea and trauma.
Preventative Measures
Generally speaking, acupressure is considered a safe treatment. Nevertheless, it is recommended that people suffering from health issues like heart disease, arthritis, cancer, or any other chronic condition should talk to their doctor before trying this therapy. This is merely a precautionary measure.
Conclusion
Although acupressure therapy is still in its infant stage, most individuals who have tried it seem to be satisfied with its outcomes. This is definitely one of the best therapies around for most people that can lead towards a healthy lifestyle. The only requirement is that it has to be performed under the skilled hands or supervision of a reputable acupuncturist in Cleveland.