Acupressure

HEALING WITH ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure therapy is a standard treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure consists of applying pressure using the hands, thumbs, fingers or devices, to specific points on the body along pathways called “meridians.” It is similar to acupuncture but does not require needles. The purpose of acupressure is to stimulate the points that correspond to particular organs, emotions, or sensations. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, the disease is caused by imbalance or blockage of the flow of energy or “qi.” Therefore, it is believed that acupressure stimulates energy flow, unlocks the power, and rebalances energy, resulting in healing. Most of the acupressure points are located near the nerves. 

The researchers suggest that applying pressure to these points can block the transmission of pain signals. Some experts suggest that acupuncture could release natural pain relievers called endorphins and brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals can naturally reduce pain and affect mood.

Acupressure or the incredible power of the fingers

According to a vast medicine sector, it is a therapy even older than acupuncture, which can be of great relief for treating certain diseases.

As in most alternative therapies, its purpose is to restore the energy balance lost by the stresses of life today. All of it is achieved with the fingers’ pressure on the body’s specific points to positively channel their energy since diseases arise when these flows are not in perfect balance. 

Acupressure points

There are two types of acupressure points:

• A local point: This is the point on the body closest to the patient’s pain.
• A trigger point: This is a pressure point that is distant from the painful area but is pressed because it is directly related to the pain point. When this trigger point is massaged, the benefit circulates through a human electrical channel called a meridian to the painful area. Meridians are distinct channels connecting acupressure points and internal organs, circulating electrical energy through the body. That is why our professionals at MBS Holistic Clinic may press on sites that are not close to your pain areas.

Process of acupressure

The therapist will press a specific trigger point for a particular ailment, so you will need to know where you want to stimulate the reflex point. Healing with acupressure requires certain experience and it is best to go to a therapist.

An acupressure therapist will use their thumbs, knuckles, or fingers to apply firm but gentle pressure to local and trigger acupuncture points on certain parts of the body. This pressure lasts from thirty seconds to two minutes, after which it slowly subsides. This operation can be repeated three to five times. The area around the point can also be massaged or ‘stretched.’

Practitioners at MBS Holistic Clinic apply acupressure massage while the person is fully dressed on a gentle massage table, with sessions generally lasting about an hour.

Some people may feel dizzy for a short time after an acupressure session or even sore pressure points, but this soon goes away. An acupressure session is not considered a painful procedure. We would highly recommend you to go to a therapist as they know the exact points and it is always better to seek professional help.

How is acupressure applied in practice?

Here are seven keys to understanding how acupressure is applied and how the technique differs from other oriental massages:

1. The massage is used for clothing and, therefore, without oils on the skin.
2. The therapist applies pressure perpendicular to the surface of the skin.
3. Only the thumbs and palms of the hands are used for pressing.
4. You don’t exert force with each finger but instead protect your body’s dead weight onto the point of contact.
5. There are no rotary movements that accompany the pressure.
6. The contact follows the path of each meridian.
7. Both hands remain in contact with the body: one makes pressure, and the other identifies the effect generated on each specific point.

Acupressure improves specific ailments

Healing with acupressure is indicated to relieve mild headaches and back pain. It is also useful for treating colds, flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, menstrual cramps, sprains, sinusitis, tennis elbow, and all kinds of problems related to periods of anxiety and nervousness, for which this therapy is beneficial. In any case, acupressure offers relief from specific ailments that can undermine our quality of life. Nowadays, it has also been proven that acupressure can be of great help as a non-aggressive technique for those patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Recent research recommends it as an alternative therapy to deal with the general weakening that this cancer treatment undoubtedly produces.

Precautions and side effects

If you feel any pain during the therapy, you should inform the therapist immediately. Following an acupressure session, some people may feel pain (not very severe) or bruise at the acupressure points. You may also feel temporarily dizzy.

The pressure should be gentle on fragile or sensitive areas, such as the face.

 Any medical conditions such as osteoporosis, recent fractures or injuries, cancer, easy bruising, a bleeding disorder, heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, etc., or are using antiplatelet medications. You should consult with your doctor before having an acupressure session.

If you are pregnant, you should also consult with your doctor. Acupressure is generally not performed on the abdomen or at specific points on the leg or lower back during pregnancy.

Thus, here at MBS Holistic we provide every kind of acupressure service you would need in your therapy session.