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MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Touch & Movement
ACUPRESSURE


Described as "acupuncture without needles," acupressure probably predates its better-known sister therapy. Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is based on the theory of qi ("life energy") flowing through channels in the body known as meridians. Finger and thumb pressure is applied to acupoints to relieve specific conditions and to promote harmony and good health. Widely practiced in China, acupressure is less common in the West but gaining popularity. Many acupuncturists use acupressure as part of treatment, and claim it is suitable for self-treating minor ailments.

Tuina, A common form of acupressure.
The most common form of acupressure, called tuina in China and anma in Japan, is illustrated in this carved wooden netsuke from Japan.


MAIN USES OF ACUPRESSURE

  • Musculoskeletal problems, arthritis.


  • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Arthritis

    MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Arthritis, Osteo

    MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Arthritis, Rheumatoid

    MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Backache

  • Depression.


  • MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Depression

  • High blood pressure.


  • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Women's health.


  • MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

  • Gastrointestinal problems, nausea.


  • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Indigestion

  • Anxiety, stress.


  • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Anxiety Disorders

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Insomnia

    MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Stress

  • Headaches, migraines, & fatigue, CFS.


  • MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Fatigue

    MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Headache

    MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Migraine

  • Promoting health.





  • HISTORY

    An ancient system of massage aimed at encouraging qi ("life energy") to circulate through the body, acupressure probably predates acupuncture. However, the theory of stimulating points on meridians that circulate qi remains the same whether it is needles or fingers that are used. While acupuncture developed a high profile in the West during the 1970s, acupressure was imported later. It is regularly practiced by many Chinese people, particularly for self-treating common ailments and boosting the body's immune system.

    Tuina is The most common type of acupressure practiced in China. Other forms include shen tao, possibly the oldest system and sometimes referred to as the "mother of acupuncture", in which very light pressure is applied with only the fingertips. In jin shin do, relatively few acupoints are used and the patient is encouraged to enter a meditative state. The Japanese version of acupressure, anma, has developed into what is now called shiatsu.

    MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Acupressure Information & Techniques

    MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Acupuncture Information & Techniques

    MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Touch & Movement - Acupuncture

    MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Touch & Movement - Shiatsu





    EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

    Some of the benefits associated with certain acupoints have been confirmed by research, but attempts to explain the meridian system of energy channels in terms of Western physiology have proved unsuccessful.




    CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION

    Western conventional practitioners presume acupressure to be less effective than needles, and find it hard to believe that what is basically a form of massage may be able to influence the internal organs in such a precise way.




    CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER

    The practitioner will question you about your medical history, and assess you according to the Four Examinations (see Touch & Movement - Acupuncture). You lie down on a treatment table or on a floor mat. No oils are used and although it is not necessary to undress, you should wear loose-fitting clothes. Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and you may need up to 20 weekly sessions. Many people have regular treatment to promote health and a sense of well-being.

    The practitioner stimulates acupoints using her fingers, thumbs, and even feet and knees. Tuina, which translates as "push and grasp", involves vigorous body massage using many different techniques, including one-finger manipulation, as well as rubbing, kneading, and a unique rolling action claimed to recharge the body's energy levels.

    Pressure is applied directly down on the skin or angled in the direction of the meridian's flow, and acupoints on both sides of the body are massaged to balance qi flow. You should feel a slight discomfort when the acupoint is pressed.





    SELF-HELP ACUPRESSURE

    Self-help treatment is possible for many ailments and can be practiced at home or work. Self help points shown here may help common ailments.

    For digestive aid.
    Press the Leg Three Mile point on the Stomach meridian for five seconds to aid digestion.


    To ease nausea.
    Press the Inner Gate acupoint below the wrist crease in line with the ring finger to ease nausea or treat motion sickness.


    To aid digestion and relieve head and face aches.
    Press the Meeting of the Valleys acupoint between thumb and forefinger to aid the digestion and to relieve head and face aches.









    PRECAUTIONS

  • Certain acupoints should not be stimulated in pregnancy, except during labor.





  • LINKS

    Acupressure Institute

    Acupressure Tools

    Acupressure & Acupuncture Internet Resources

    Acupressure Techniques For Use During Labor & Childbirth





    MOONDRAGON'S HEALTH THERAPY

    PAIN CONTROL
    ACUPRESSURE
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