What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is derived from a Latin word acus : ‘needle’ and pressure. It is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to acupuncture.

It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices.

The points are commonly called “acupuncture points,” “pressure points,” “acupoints” or “acupressure points.”

Traditional Chinese medical theory describes special acupoints or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. It is believed that through these invisible channels flows vital energy or a life force called qi (ch’i). It is also believed that these 12 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian.

According to this theory, when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure and acupuncture are among the types of TCM that are thought to help restore balance.

Acupressure techniques: Pressing and reducing points

There are two ways that acupressure points are manipulated: pressing (reinforcing) and reducing them. Most are probably familiar with the first, but not with the second method.

Pressing points: Usually the fingers are used to press, but fingers may be a bit too thick, so you’d have to press quite long and firmly. Ideal would be something 3 to 4 mm thick, like a (preferably used) pencil eraser that’s on the other side of a pencil. Some points can be pressed using a fingernail. Pressing points for less than half a second can already have a distinguishable effect. To get a full effect however, pressure should be applied for at least half a minute, but preferably longer. One to two minutes should do.
Reducing: To reduce a point, turn a finger over it in counter-clockwise direction, also for one to two minutes.

We spoke little about acupressure in previous and now we continue.Acupressure points, like reflexology points in the soles of the feet, are described as areas of the skin where meridians or channels terminate from connections to various parts of the body.

These meridians provide a circulation system for electrical energy throughout the body and can be thought of as a communications network. Simply, they can be used to direct the body’s nervous system to release muscular tension and assist the flow of blood to injured parts.

It is thought that negative magnetic energy plays a major role in this process within the body and the use of negative magnetic stimulus externally can be most effective.

What is Magnet Therapy?

When acupoints are used with Magnets, it is called as ‘Magnet therapy’.In Magnet therapy, very small magnets are placed on acupoints which help in restoring the bioenergetic balance.They are sometimes attached by placing them underneath an elastic bandage, or taping them into position using medical tape made of a comfortable fabric.

As a result of such effects, magnet therapy can function as an antibiotic, eliminating many microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including strains which may be resistant to pharmaceutical antibiotics or other drugs.

Recently, it has also been discovered that the cells of the brain themselves contain a substance called magnetite. Magnetite is a naturally occurring crystalline material with weak magnetic properties, and which receives its charge from the Earth’s magnetic field. As a result of these mechanics, applying a therapeutic magnet to the head stimulates production of the hormone melatonin, thereby improving the quality of sleep, balancing the person’s sleep cycle, and otherwise facilitating relaxation and altered states of consciousness.

Ways to use acupressure

The Applications of Using Acupressure include relieving pain, balancing body energy, and maintaining good health.
Acupressure’s healing touch reduces muscular tension, increases circulation, and enables deep relaxation.