Acupressure is a typical therapy of oriental medicine which has its roots in the traditional Chinese one; exploits the basic concept of chi: the flow of energy that crosses the body along lines called meridians. These meridians can be accessed by acting on specific points and manipulating the flow of energy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Acupressure
Step 1. Understand the concept behind acupressure
It is a traditional medicine practice developed more than 5000 years ago and which uses the application of fingers and pressure on specific points of the body.
- It is believed that these points are arranged along channels, called meridians; stimulating these areas releases tension and increases blood flow.
- Some people believe that acupressure and other similar practices are able to correct imbalances and eliminate blockages in the flow of vital energies.
Step 2. Learn what it's for
Acupressure is done to manage various health problems; the most common purpose is to relieve pain, such as back pain or headache. People practice it to stop nausea and vomiting, fatigue, mental and physical stress, to lose weight and even to overcome an addiction. It is thought to be able to give deep relaxation and relieve muscle tension.
- Many doctors, health professionals and holistic health advocates are convinced that acupressure has positive and healing effects on the body. UCLA has a center for oriental medicine that studies the scientific basis of this practice, provides explanations and recommends practical applications for the various techniques.
- There is no school to become an acupressure practitioner; however, many follow a training path as a physiotherapist or massage therapist and then deepen their studies in this practice. Physiotherapists are health professionals who attend a degree course that includes lessons in anatomy, physiology, clinical methodology, emergency medicine and which develops over three years.
Step 3. Spend time on acupressure
If you want to use this practice, you have to repeat the procedures and massages over time, as they have a cumulative effect on the body; every time you manipulate the pressure points you help restore the body's balance.
- Some people notice results immediately, while others need several sessions. Although the relief can be almost instant, the pain can return; this is a completely normal phenomenon, because acupressure does not immediately "cure" the problem. This technique relieves suffering by reducing energy blocks and restoring the body's balance.
- You can practice it as often as you like, several times a day and even many times in an hour; as you manipulate the pressure point, you feel a reduction in pain as the body heals.
- Most people suggest doing it daily or, if this is impossible, at least 2-3 times a week.
Part 2 of 3: Performing Acupressure Correctly
Step 1. Exercise the right amount of force
When you stimulate the points, apply deep, firm pressure. The intensity depends on your general health; you may feel a little achiness or pain as you press, but you should find the right balance between pain and pleasure.
- Some areas may be tense, others painful or sensitive to touch when you press them; if you feel extreme or worsening pain, gradually reduce the pressure until you find a good balance.
- Do not think that acupressure is used to improve resistance to pain; if a treatment is so painful that it becomes unbearable or excruciating, stop.
Step 2. Use the right tools to press
Typically, fingers are used to massage, rub and stimulate pressure points, but in some cases, knees, elbows, knuckles, legs and feet are also used.
- The middle finger is the best for applying pressure because it is the longest and strongest; some therapists also use the thumb.
- To manipulate zones correctly, use a blunt object; in some cases, the fingers are too big, but objects with a diameter of 3-4 mm (such as a pencil with an eraser) are ideal. The avocado pit and the golf ball are other widely used elements.
- Some pressure points need to be stimulated with the nails.
Step 3. Press the zone
When you stimulate it, you reinforce it; this is the most common method for this oriental medicine practice. To do this, use a blunt object without pressing or rubbing, while maintaining constant pressure.
- If you notice that the skin is being pulled, it means that you are applying pressure at the wrong angle. The force must be perpendicular to the center of the point.
- Make sure you are stimulating the correct site. The acupressure zones are very small and require a lot of precision; if you don't see any benefit, try stimulating different points.
- During the session you have to look for the painful points; if there is no blockage, you do not perceive any sensation by stimulating the area and therefore there is no need to treat it.
- Relaxation helps to broaden the effects of therapy.
Step 4. Maintain pressure for the correct time
This technique involves the application of forces at specific points; if you press one for half a second, the body starts reacting. This method is a good technique for finding the correct spots when starting out.
- For maximum benefits, press a zone for at least 2-3 minutes.
- If you feel tired in your hands, release the pressure slightly, shake them and breathe deeply; then continue to press on the area.
Step 5. Gradually release the force
After stimulating a point for as long as desired, slowly raise your fingers; you don't have to just remove your hand abruptly because a gradual process helps the tissues to heal by reacting correctly to the release of pressure.
Most therapists believe that gradual pressure and release makes the treatment even more effective
Step 6. Practice acupressure when the body is in the right state
You should be relaxed and be in a room where some intimacy is guaranteed. You can sit or lie down during the session and try to eliminate all sources of distraction and stress; turn off your cell phone and play some calming music, take advantage of aromatherapy and any other technique that promotes relaxation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Constricting clothing such as belts, tight pants, or even shoes can block circulation.
- You shouldn't use acupressure techniques just before a large meal or on a full stomach; wait at least an hour after eating to avoid feeling nauseous.
- Do not consume very cold drinks which can counteract the effects of the therapy; instead, sip a very hot herbal tea at the end of the session.
- Wait at least half an hour after engaging in strenuous physical activity or taking a bath.
Part 3 of 3: Knowing the Common Pressure Points
Step 1. Try to stimulate the GB20 point
It refers to the gallbladder, is also identified with the name feng chi, and is recommended for managing headaches, migraines, blurred vision or fatigue, lack of energy, cold and flu symptoms; this point is located in the neck.
- Squeeze your hands together and then April leaving your fingers intertwined; cup with your palms and use your thumbs to massage.
- To find this pressure point you need to place your clasped hands behind your head and use your thumbs to press at the base of the skull. The GB20 is located approximately 5cm from the center of the nape, just below the skull and close to the neck muscles.
- Press it with your thumbs in and slightly up, towards the eyes.
Step 2. Take advantage of the GB21 point
This is also related to the gallbladder and is called jian jing; it is typically stimulated to manage pain, neck stiffness, shoulder tension and headache. It is located on the shoulders.
- Tuck your head forward. Find a round knot in the upper part of the spine and the ball bone at the end of the shoulder, the GB21 is located in the midpoint between these two references.
- Use one finger to apply steady downward pressure; you can also press the point by "pinching" it with the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, massage the area downwards with your fingers for 4-5 seconds and then release the grip.
- Proceed with caution on pregnant women, as this pressure point is also used to induce labor.
Step 3. Locate the LI4 point
It is an area related to the large intestine and is also called hoku. It is stimulated to free the patient from stress, facial pain, headache, toothache and neck pain; it is located on the hand in the area between the thumb and forefinger.
- To stimulate it, apply pressure to the webbed part between these two fingers, concentrating on the central part of the hand, the one between the first and second metacarpal bone; exerts constant and firm pressure.
- The LI4 point is also associated with the stimulation of labor.
Step 4. Use stitch LV3
Also called tai chong, it acts on the liver and is recommended to manage stress, low back pain, hypertension, menstrual cramps, pain in the limbs, insomnia and anxiety; it is found in the soft and fleshy part between the big toe and the second toe.
- Find the point located at a distance of two fingers from the area where the skin of the big toe joins that of the second toe; apply firm pressure using a blunt object.
- You must perform this treatment without shoes.
Step 5. Try to work on P6
The eastern name is in the guan and is related to the pericardium. Its stimulation is recommended for nausea, gastric discomfort, motion sickness, carpal tunnel pain and headache; it is located just above the wrist.
- Extend one hand so that the palm is facing you and the fingers are facing up; place the first three fingers of the opposite hand perpendicular to the wrist and touch the wrist with the thumb just below the index finger, you should feel two large tendons.
- Press this point with your thumb and forefinger, remembering to repeat the treatment on both forearms.
Step 6. Learn to recognize the ST36 point
It is connected to the stomach and has the name of zu san li. It is generally stimulated to counteract gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, stress, fatigue and to strengthen the immune system; it is located under the kneecap.
- Place 4 fingers under the kneecap, in the front of the leg; just below the fingers you should feel a depression between the tibia and the muscle, the ST36 point is on the outside of the bone.
- Press it using your thumb or forefinger nail; this way, you can get as close to the bone as possible.
Step 7. Act on LU7
It is associated with the lung and also takes the name of lieque; it stimulates itself to manage pain in the neck, throat, teeth, asthma, cough and to improve the overall health of the immune system. It is located in the arm.
- Make the consent gesture with your thumb. Find the slightly depressed area at the base of this finger in correspondence with the two tendons; the pressure point is at a distance equal to the width of the thumb starting from this area, along the side of the forearm where the bone protrudes.
- Awards; you can use your thumb nail or index finger.
Advice
- You can perform many simple acupressure treatments on yourself; however, if you suffer from severe, long-lasting or complex illness or pain, consult a licensed professional.
- Do not use a pressure point that is under a nevus, wart, varicose vein, abrasion, hematoma, cut, or any skin lesion.
Warnings
- Do not continue stimulation or massage if it causes new or more severe pain.
- The information contained in this article is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician.
- Do not try new therapies without first talking to your doctor.
- While you can benefit and help others through acupressure, only practice it on friends and family; in many states it is not possible to perform massages or medical therapies without an appropriate license.
