Acupressure and Acupuncture are two therapies based in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. They both believe that symptoms and diseases in the body are caused by an imbalance or blockage of energy flow in the body. These techniques aim to restore the flow of energy to improve health and well being by applying pressure to specific points on the body to relax trapped nerves and release blockages.
Acupressure and Acupuncture are actually quite alike. In fact, acupressure is also referred as “needleless acupuncture,” since both uses the same points to achieve the desired results. The main difference between them is that an acupuncturist stimulates points by inserting needles, whereas in acupressure point is stimulated using finger pressure by therapist.
They involve the stimulation of certain points on the body. Stimulating these points can trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain. When endorphins are released, the pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing.
In these therapy, as with most traditional Chinese medicine concepts, local symptoms are considered an expression of the whole body’s condition. A person with a tension headache, for instance, may actually be suffering from pain or stress in the shoulder and neck. Our acupressurist would focus not only on relieving pain and discomfort, but removing the source of that pain and discomfort, before it develops into a more serious condition.
Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help in lowering stress and tension levels and strengthening the immune system. It can also relieve tension in the chest, enabling people to breathe more deeply and sleep better.
Like any other therapy, acupressure too has limitations. Patients should always consult with a licensed doctor before using acupressure as applying it abruptly or using too much force can lead to bruising and discomfort. One should be careful when applying pressure on points near the abdomen, groin, armpits, or throat. Special care should also be taken if patient is pregnant women or have recently-formed scars, burns, infections or skin lesions.