What is acupressure?

Indications and Procedures

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese procedure that uses pressure from the fingertips, knuckles, or a blunt-tipped instrument called a tei shin to stimulate points on the body. (The Japanese version is known as shiatsu.) The rhythmic, moderately deep massage is used to treat muscular pain, migraines, insomnia, backaches, and gastrointestinal and gynecological problems. The procedure can be performed by the patient and is beneficial for relieving chronic pain and increasing the range of motion by loosening tight muscles. Practitioners claim that acupressure can alleviate fatigue because it opens blocked energy pathways.

Uses and Complications

Acupressure works on the body’s organ, glandular, and muscular systems. Like acupuncture
, acupressure targets designated points on the body along lines called meridians. Meridians are not nerve pathways; rather, they correspond to energy pathways through which healthy Chi (pronounced “chee”) energy flows. (Chi is comparable to the Western idea of vitality or life force.) These body points are believed to correspond to various organs and body functions. Practitioners believe that when these points are stimulated, the balance of energy in the body is restored and the patient finds relief from physical illness or disease.

Muscle tension causes the large muscle groups to contract and so restricts the flow of Chi. The body is then out of balance, and the ability of the patient’s body to heal is inhibited. Acupressure massage seeks to increase blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and unblock energy pathways.

Practitioners of traditional Western medicine believe that acupressure stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s own chemicals that act as pain-blockers. Other benefits of acupressure have been recognized and accepted by traditional medicine. Acupressure is used in sports medicine to relieve muscle spasms and pain. The increased blood flow and muscle relaxation help to minimize possible or further injury to the body. Acupressure is often used in connection with other traditional Western medical treatments because no known risks are associated with the procedure.

Bibliography

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Borimnejad, Leili, et al. "The Effects of Acupressure on Preoperative Anxiety Reduction in School Aged Children." HealthMed 6, no. 7 (2012): 2359–2361.

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Gach, Michael R. Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments. New York: Bantam Books, 1990.

Lee, Jeong-Sook. "Acupressure for Treating Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Neuroscience 121, no. 8 (August, 2011): 409–414.

Meeus, Cathy. Secrets of Shiatsu. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.

Saul, Helen. Healing with Acupressure. Chicago: Keats, 2002.

Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa. A Complete Guide to Acupressure: Jin Shin Do. Tokyo: Japan Publications, 2002.