Acupressure
Definition:
Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.
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Self-treatment:
Acupressure is easy to learn, and there are many good books that illustrate the position of acupoints and meridians on the body. It is also very versatile, as it can be done anywhere, and it's a good form of treatment for spouses and partners to give to each other and for parents to perform on children for minor conditions.
While giving self treatment or performing acupressure on another, a mental attitude of calmness and attention is important, as one person's energy can be used to help another's. Loose, thin clothing is recommended. There are three general techniques for stimulating a pressure point.
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Tonifying is meant to strengthen weak chi, and is done by pressing the thumb or finger into an acupoint with a firm, steady pressure, holding it for up to two minutes.
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Dispersing is meant to move stagnant or blocked chi, and the finger or thumb is moved in a circular motion or slightlyin and out of the point for two minutes.
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Calming the chi in a pressure point utilizes the palm to cover the point and gently stroke the area for about two minutes.
There are many pressure points that are easily found and memorized to treat common ailments from headaches to colds.
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For headaches, toothaches, sinus problems, and pain in the upper body, the "LI4" point is recommended. It is locatedin the web between the thumb and index finger, on the back of the hand. Using the thumb and index finger of the otherhand, apply a pinching pressure until the point is felt, and hold it for two minutes. Pregnant women should never pressthis point.
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To calm the nerves and stimulate digestion, find the "CV12" point that is four thumb widths above the navel in thecenter of the abdomen. Calm the point with the palm, using gentle stroking for several minutes.
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To stimulate the immune system, find the "TH5" point on the back of the forearm two thumb widths above the wrist.Use a dispersing technique, or circular pressure with the thumb or finger, for two minutes on each arm.
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For headaches, sinus congestion, and tension, locate the "GB20" points at the base of the skull in the back of thehead, just behind the bones in back of the ears. Disperse these points for two minutes with the fingers or thumbs. Alsofind the "yintang" point, which is in the middle of the forehead between the eyebrows. Disperse it with gentle pressurefor two minutes to clear the mind and to relieve headaches.
Precautions:
Acupressure is a safe technique, but it is not meant to replace professional health care. A physician should always beconsulted when there are doubts about medical conditions. If a condition is chronic, a professional should be consulted;purely symptomatic treatment can exacerbate chronic conditions. Acupressure should not be applied to open wounds, orwhere there is swelling and inflammation. Areas of scar tissue, blisters, boils, rashes, or varicose veins should be avoided. Finally, certain acupressure points should not be stimulated on people with high or low blood pressure and on pregnant women.