Before understanding what acupuncture acupressure is, it is important to know the difference first between acupuncture and acupressure. Basically the primary difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that the first involves the use of needles when addressing health concerns. Acupressure on the other hand doesn’t involve breaking the skin. But despite their difference, these two forms of holistic medicine have something in common. Both of these methods touch the meridians that carry the chi or energy throughout the body. In TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, ailments are believed to have been caused by blockages of the energy or chi somewhere in the 14 meridians. So acupuncture acupressure is a combination of two techniques that encourages the flow of energy to flow freely once again. This is most commonly used to treat arthritis, allergies, depression, migraine headaches, nausea, anxiety and menstrual cramps. This is according to the TCM philosophy.
As the word suggest, acupuncture punctures the skin using very thin and long needles. The needles used do not resemble the needles commonly seen in a western doctor’s office. Acupuncture needles are flexible lengths of disposable needles and they are made up of hypoallergenic, sterile metal that only trained acupuncturist can insert it beneath the skin, muscle or tissue. Acupuncture doesn’t hurt at all as long as the procedure is executed properly. The purpose of this treatment is that the needles must reach certain points called pressure points to break up the blockages of chi.
Acupressure can be different from acupuncture in terms of application of the technique. Acupuncture has to be performed by a practitioner experience in TCM. More than a few pressure points are accessed at the same time in specific combinations. The patient usually disrobes since the acupuncturists needs to reach the bare skin.
Anyone can learn acupressure and it can be achieved by reading a handbook about pressure points that relieve discomforts. It is even possible for you to perform miniature massages on yourself. It is believed to relieve dehydration if you massage the muscle located between your index finger and thumb. It even eases motion sickness if you press a spot inside your forearm. An acupressurist only touches two or maybe one points at a time since they use their thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows. This can technique can be administered through loose clothing this is similar to massage.
Acupressure is believed to be older than acupuncture and it has started way back in 2500 BCE in China. Acupressure and acupuncture have been evaluated by the standards of western medicine and there are studies conducted that show they are effective.
Generally, since acupuncture tool is so thin it requires much accuracy therefore giving quicker relief. Acupressure on the other hand is less precise since it involves the use of wide tool like the fingers and if this form of treatment is rushed, this could result side effects since the muscles will be realigned and toxins were released. Acupuncture clinic in Miami offers a wide range of non-needle treatment services like acupressure and this is the best way to get the health benefits of acupuncture without being anxious about acupuncture needles.