Acupressure is the art of healing a person by applying pressure on specific acupuncture points present on the hands, feet and rest of the body. This is a natural therapy and does not involve the use of any medicine or instruments. There are no side effects of the treatment and no investigation is required.
The most important feature of the therapy is that it is preventive; it aids health and encourages relaxation. It is a holistic treatment; it treats the body as a whole, prevents disease from developing further, reduces pain and improves quality of life.
Acupressure and Reflexology is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Acupressure is one the oldest Chinese therapies used to heal many of our health problems. It involves use of pressure by your hand, elbow and other means. This form of healing has been in practiced for more than 5,000 years. A technique recommended by many and has been used world over. It is a simple technique if you know how to do it. Acupuncture is different than Acupressure since in Acupuncture needles are used on the pressure points to heal different ailments.
How does Acupressure work?
Acupressure is a plain and simple technique that has helped many people. Our body has many different pressure points all over. By applying pressure on these points, corresponding organs get energized, this leads to healing of the ailing body. The idea behind acupressure is harmony of body, mind and soul.
It helps in opening up energy blockages. There is a belief that our body gets charged by the ‘Qi’ pronounced as ‘Chi’. The energy moves along the surfaces of our bodies known as ‘meridians’. Applying pressure does all trick sending energy to places where it has been stuck for a very long time.
Two common ways of doing acupressure are the ‘Shiatsu’ and the ‘Jin Sin’. Shiatsu is the common therapy which uses immense pressure, whereas Jin Shin is the gentler form of acupressure that uses soft touch and gentle strokes. Irrespective of the techniques of acupressure, the basic aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Benefits of Acupressure
It is a very easy process and can be learnt without much difficulty. The best way to learn acupressure is to try it on oneself. Some of the common benefits which acupressure provides us are:
1. Relaxes your mind and body
2. Increases blood circulation
3. Relieves from stress related problems like fatigue, insomnia
4. Heals injuries
5. Helps with Menopause and PMS
6. Helps in relieving joint aches and pains
7. Acts as a first aid in case of injury
8. Builts in vigor
9. Reduces labor pain
10. Cures common illnesses like cold, sinusitis, migraine
11. Relaxes the muscular tension
12. Helps in improving muscle strength and tone
Precautions
– Learn acupressure from a thorough professional
– While practicing on yourself, have someone around you
– Avoid open wounds, surgery, broken bone, skin infection and other problems
– Prevent specific pressure points during pregnancy
– Avoid acupressure on full stomach
– Avoid cold drinks especially during winter
– Wear comfortable clothes
– Do acupressure for a limited period of time do not overdo it