What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an holistic therapy.  Holistic therapies are a form of healing.  They consider a person as a whole in terms of body, mind, spirit and emotions in the quest for optimal health and wellness.

In this series of blog posts, we are going to be looking further into some of the more popular holistic therapies available.  We aim to get a better understanding of what each therapy is, what it involves and what it does. But what is Acupressure?  Today we explore the treatment in more detail.

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is a blend of acupuncture and applied pressure which is an alternative to acupuncture itself. Acupressure was developed over 5,000 years ago as part of Chinese medicine.  It uses precise finger placement and pressure over certain points along your body. Using the power of your hands, Acupressure therapy is effective of relieving stress through the certain points in your body. It releases tension, increases circulation and reduces pain.

Acupressure as a beauty treatment

Acupressure is great as a beauty treatment as it improves your skin condition and tones your facial muscles. This can lessen the appearance of wrinkles without drugs or surgery. The therapy is also good for back care as it is highly effective for relieving muscular tension in all areas of the back. The pressure points on your back are either side of the spine and on the upper back. Acupressure relaxes the tight muscles that result from emotional stress and trauma.  The advantage of this therapy is that you work directly with the body to relieve the physical ailment and muscular tension.
Acupressure can vary in different rhythms and pressures for stimulating the certain points throughout your body.  Pressure points are in the hands, fingers, arms, legs, back and even feet.

Things to consider

When practising or performing Acupressure it is very important that you consider the following:

• Use the abdominal points carefully, especially if you are ill and avoid entirely if you have a life-threatening disease or if you are pregnant.
• Lymph areas such as groin, area of the throat just below the ears and the outer breasts near the armpits as these are all sensitive and should only be touched lightly.
• Avoid burns, infections, scars or injury areas and keep at least a few inches away from the affected area.
• After a session your body heat is lowered so your body will be vulnerable. Make sure you wear extra clothing and keep warm once your session has finished.

Further information

If you are thinking of adding Acupressure to your current treatment list, make sure you attend a fully accredited training course.  You should also have adequate insurance for any treatments you undertake.  Acupressure is a standard treatment under our Holistic Gold insurance policy providing you have a qualification in the treatment.  Check out our Acupressure Insurance page for further information.

Disclaimer: It’s always advisable to contact a medical professional before undergoing any form of alternative medical treatment. Have you tried any of these therapies? Got any others to add? Join in the conversation on Facebook.