Search:

Acupressure-A Natural Therapy

By: Christian Goodman Acupressure is a natural alternative therapy which has been around for over 2,000 years. It originated in China, and is even older than acupuncture. It is used to heal many health problems, and it has proven to be effective in preventing problems, particularly those that come with aging.

Chinese medical practitioners, acupuncturists and massage therapists all incorporate acupressure into their treatments. It's considered an effective way to help your body regain balance, an important aspect of the homeostasis the body is constantly striving for, particularly in the fast-paced, high pressured, stressful lives most of us lead.

While acupuncture uses needles, acupressure is completely non-invasive and uses the human hand and its parts, like fingers, thumbs, and knuckles to press key points on the skin. I should point out though, that both procedures are relatively painless. The needles used in acupuncture are so thin, they're hardly felt at all. Acupuncture and acupressure recognize the same key points, but one stimulates with needles and the other uses the hand or some other blunt object.

You can also use pressure bands, when constant and continuous pressure is needed, such as with relief from nausea. Children who might be afraid of acupuncture needles can use acupressure for treatment. Adults often use acupressure to relieve them of stress, with amazing results. Acupressure can be learned in a short time, and can be used on yourself and your family members. Acupuncture, on the other hand, requires many years of specialized education and experience.

Chinese medicine has named 14 channels, called meridians, which are used to transport the movement of chi or qi (both pronounced as 'chee', which is the 'life energy') inside our body. By applying pressure to key points along each meridian, acupressure helps your circulation, reduce tension, balance the body, increase endorphins, and strengthen resistance to illness. It can also be used to cure everyday pains like headaches, stress, and eye strain.

Acupressure can also reduce labor pains as well as shorten the length of labor, results show in a study done at Dankook University in Korea. It's also been found to be an effective way to induce labor, and for this reason, only someone experienced in acupressure can apply it on pregnant women.

In Taiwan, acupressure has been shown to be more useful in reducing lower back pains than traditional physical therapies, with results lasting six months after treatment. One recent study shows that acupressure applied to the P6 (located in the wrist) had significant results in relieving acid reflux.

Acupressure is not intended to increase your tolerance for pain. It shouldn't hurt. If pressure is applied and pain is felt, stop the pressure immediately. You may feel a slight numbness from acupressure, but you should never feel pain.

I don't know why western medicine seems to refuse the techniques from other cultures that have been providing good results for centuries. Maybe because modern day doctors feel that they will no longer be needed if everyone starts using alternative therapies and natural remedies for their health related problems.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Christian Goodman is a popular natural Health alternatives researcher and the creator of the Natural Health Blog. His newest work is the Vertigo Treatment, which has now helped thousands of people heal their vertigo naturally.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated