The History, Types, And Uses Of Acupressure

Even as far back as 5000 years, the use of acupressure was already known and practiced in India, but it was abandoned by practitioners and went to Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) where it took the form of Acupuncture. Nomadic Aryans and Buddhist monks brought it to China and Japan from Sri Lanka, and today, it is China that’s propagating acupuncture to the world. In the 1600’s, acupuncture was known to be practiced by the Red Indians in the North American continent. Studies done in the United States in the 20th century, has made a major impact in the development of this treatment. Acupuncture is practiced by a lot of naturopathic and allopathic physicians in that country, and the World Health Organization, has deemed this therapy as a valid, easy, and simple system of healing for various health problems.

Acupuncture is made up of two words, “Acu” which means needle and Puncture which means to prick. It is a healing technique that treats illnesses by sticking needles into specific parts of the body. Acupressure is a healing technique of treating illnesses by the application of pressure on specific body parts through a rubber or wooden stick (jimmy) or figure, or the thumb.

Objective

Acupressure is often used to stimulate the natural healing powers of the body. When strategic acupressure points on the skin surface are pressed, it eases muscular tension boosting the flow of vital life energy or chi and blood in the body. Acupressure may be utilized to address various conditions; among which are back pain, anxiety, fatigue, menstrual disorders, allergies, pains & aches, shoulder and neck pain, headaches, stress, etc.

Risks

The use of acupressure is contraindicated for certain conditions that necessitates medical attention, such as serious as infections, ulcers, or severe burns. In the use of stomach acupressure points, care should be taken, more so when the patient is ill. When the patient is pregnant or has a potentially deadly illness, such as intestinal cancer the stomach area should not be treated with acupressure.

Description

When applying pressure, acupressure therapists usually use a jimmy device, their fingers or thumbs. The obstruction in the flow of chi along the energy pathways or meridians can result is stress, tension, pain, and physical discomfort. Applying pressure on the acupoints can help eliminate blockage by easing the muscles that enables blood to flow more smoothly. Acupressure can also release pent up tension liberating an emotional block. The pressure can also free up lactic acid that has built up in the muscle tissues. During an intensive exercise, the muscles produce lactic acid. It is usually taken out from the body by the liver through the blood. However, it can build up in the muscle. Different systems of acupressure are in use today In the West. They include:

1. Shiatsu: This forceful massage involves the measured pressing of acupressure points.
2. Do-In: This form of self acupressure entails the massaging of muscles and acupoints as well as stretching, and exercises and deep breathing movements.
3. Jin Shin Jyutsu: Another type of self acupressure that entails the gentle touching of the body instead massage types movements.
4. Acu-Yoga: This massage technique involves a series of yoga postures and whole body stretches that presses and stimulates acupoints on the meridians.

Mild to medium pressure spun in a tight circle is administered on acupressure points during an acupressure therapy. This technique is mainly done with the hands, thumbs, and fingers. The knees and elbows are occasionally for important acupressure points. Because there are extremely sensitive or tender acupoints when pressed, the reaction can help pin down the correct location. If there is no reaction, either the pressure may not be strong enough or the acupoint location may not be the right one. During an acupressure procedure the felt sensation should fall some-where between pain and pleasure.

The Benefits of Acupressure

Diagnosis: Proper and immediate diagnosis – medical checkup without any examinations.

Cure: Address illnesses including bran/cancer conditions.

Prevention: Thwart all forms of illnesses including paralysis, heart conditions, and even cancer.
From a health perspective, the World could be divided into:

1. Approximately 15 percent – These people need surgery, medicine and medical attention. The world has enough hospitals and practitioners that can provide help for these people. Later on, with the use of acupressure, they also can be prevented from becoming sick.

2. Approximately 25 percent – These are people who are presently suffering who can be cured very affordably with acupressure and prevented from falling ill again.

3. Approximately 60 percent – These are people (including babies about to be born) who are healthy but can fall to illness. Their illness can be thwarted by getting acupressure treatment on a regular basis.

Risks: We do not recommend acupressure used as a substitute for necessary conventional medical treatment although acupressure can be combined with other types of treatment.

Goldfarb Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center
1339 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 973-325-8884
www.acupuncturewestorange.com