Acupressure: A Healing Touch for Your Body and Mind!!

Acupressure, an ancient healing technique that originated in China, has been recognized for its therapeutic potential against a variety of medical conditions. Acupressure is a type of acupuncture that involves activating acupoints across the body's meridians. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure involves the application of physical pressure on specific points along the meridians to release muscular tension, balance physiological energy flow, and promote overall health and wellness. This non-invasive, needle-free, and cost-effective method is known to offer multiple benefits, including pain relief, improved physical comfort, and patient satisfaction.

Acupoints:

https://www.dc-acupuncture.com/physical-health/how-acupuncturists-choose-acupuncture-points

Acupoints are specific points on the body surface that are used in acupressure to elicit functional responses and treat diseases. They are areas of high electrical conductance on the body surface and are determined in terms of body inch (BI) or Cun, which is one thumb width at the base of the fingernail. Activation of acupoints is the first step in acupressure, and they can be stimulated by applying pressure using elbows, fingers, feet, knuckles, palms, thumbs, or specific tools. There are two types of acupoints, local points (LP) and distal points (DP). LPs are points closest to the surface of the skin, and the application of acupressure on LPs exhibits therapeutic responses on the autonomic nervous system. DP, on the other hand, is located away from the area of pain or discomfort and is used to treat other parts of the body. Tender points (TP) are the third type of acupoints, and they are located on nociceptors and polymodal receptors. Activation of TP sensitizes polymodal receptors and results in better effects on pain relief. Acupoints have different physical effects according to location and can cause different sensations when pressure is applied to them. They can be activated using various techniques, including traditional methods like Bian Stones or modern tools such as acupressure or elastic bands with a protruding plastic button.

How does it work:

Acupressure is a technique in traditional Chinese medicine that uses pressure to stimulate acupoints for therapeutic purposes. It helps to correct the imbalance of Qi, the vital energy of life, which leads to the treatment of diseases. Acupressure works by improving the physiological functions of human internal organs by re-equilibrating Qi. The Gate Control Theory suggests that acupressure stimulates pleasurable impulses that block pain messages from reaching the brain. Biochemical mechanisms are also involved in acupressure that leads to complex neuro-hormonal responses. This therapy modulates the physiological response by increasing endorphin and serotonin transmittance to the brain and specific organs through nerves and meridians. Acupressure has a moderating role in respiratory function, helps prevent surgical hemorrhage, and accelerates the healing process.

Acupressure Devices:

Acupressure devices are portable devices designed to provide the benefits of acupressure therapy. They come in various forms such as elastic or inelastic bands, mats with plastic points, and devices generating electrical impulses and vibrational energy. These devices are designed to target specific pressure points on the body, which can help to improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. While most acupressure devices apply constant pressure to the pressure points, nerve accommodation can reduce their effectiveness, resulting in short-term benefits. Newer devices have been developed that use advanced technology to automatically modulate the pressure intensity and frequency, providing optimal stimulation of pressure points for longer-lasting benefits, including reduced pain and stress, improved sleep, and increased energy levels. Acupressure devices can be a useful tool for people seeking the benefits of acupressure therapy in a portable and convenient form, and by utilizing advanced technology, these devices can offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional acupressure therapy.

Types: 

Different types of acupressure techniques have been classified based on their origin, method, and combination with other techniques.

1. Shiatsu: Shiatsu is a Japanese acupressure technique that originated in China and is well-known in Japan. In this technique, pressure is applied perpendicularly to the skin using the thumb, elbow, or knee on acupoints, along with passive stretching and joint rotation. Diagnosis of diseases is done by body touch, finger pressure, finger massage, palms, and heels are used to stimulate specific points along the body's meridians to cure pain. Shiatsu is practiced in various styles and theoretical bases worldwide, with Zen Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Healing Shiatsu, Tao Shiatsu, Seiki, Namikoshi Shiatsu, and Hara Shiatsu being the known techniques.

2. Jin Shin Do's: Jin Shin Do's is a body-mind acupressure technique that combines western psychology with Japanese acupressure, Chinese acupuncture theory, and Taoist philosophy. It provides a platform for pain management and unique mental health counseling.

3. Auricular acupressure (AA): Auricular acupressure is a non-invasive therapy that is performed on the outer ear to treat numerous ailments. It is based on the theory that specific points on the auricles correspond to major organs of the body, and thus, therapeutic effects on the corresponding target organ can be achieved by manipulating the auricular acupoints. AA therapy is considered a form of micro-acupuncture that can affect the whole body and is practiced worldwide.

4. Tapas acupressure technique (TAT): TAT, also known as 'Power therapy,' is a technique that uses tapping or holding specific acupoints with specific mental imagery for the treatment of a wide range of medical and psychological maladies. It is a mind- intervention technique.

Acupressure and Ayurveda

The earliest method of Indian surgery, known as marma chikitsa, dates back to the Vedic era. In Ayurveda, acupoints are referred to as "Marma." The 107 Marma points, or vital spots, are located throughout the human body. These spots are dispersed over the skin, tendons, bones, veins, arteries, and bodily joints. Marmas are divided into 5 groups according to how trauma affects them, as seen in the table. Marma points are determined by several physical qualities and depend on the nature, kinds, components, and effects of trauma.

Some of the health benefits of Acupressure:

*Pain relief: Acupressure is effective in relieving pain caused by conditions such as eingheadach, menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and arthritis. The pressure applied to specific points on the body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.

*Stress reduction: Acupressure is also effective in reducing stress and anxiety. The therapy promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension, and calms the mind, leading to a sense of peace and well-b.

*Improved sleep: Acupressure is effective in promoting better sleep. The therapy helps to relax the body and mind, leading to deeper and more restful sleep.

*Boosts immune system: Acupressure stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help to fight infections and diseases.

*Promotes digestive health: Acupressure can help to relieve digestive problems such as nausea, constipation, and bloating. The therapy promotes the flow of energy through the body's meridians, which in turn helps to improve digestion.

*Headache relief: Acupressure is effective in relieving headache pain. The pressure applied to specific points on the head and neck can help to reduce tension and promote relaxation, leading to a reduction in headache pain.

*Balances energy: Acupressure helps to balance the flow of energy throughout the body's meridians. When the energy is balanced, the body functions more efficiently, and overall health and well-b are improved.

Acupressure is a safe and non-invasive therapy that can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. It is a cost-effective and simple therapy that can be performed by anyone with the proper training. With its numerous health benefits, acupressure is a valuable therapy that can help to improve the quality of life of people suffering from a wide range of health conditions.

Limitations:

*Limited scientific research: While there is evidence to suggest that acupressure can be effective for certain conditions, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations. Many studies are small and have limitations in their design, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

*Short-term effects: Acupressure may provide short-term relief from symptoms, but it may not offer a long-term cure for chronic conditions.

*Potential side effects: While acupressure is generally considered safe, there is a risk of bruising, soreness, or even injury if the pressure is too intense or applied incorrectly. In addition, if acupressure is not performed correctly or if the acupressure points are not properly selected, it may cause adverse effects.

*Limited accessibility: Acupressure may not be accessible to all people due to its reliance on specialized training and access to trained practitioners.

*Not a replacement for medical treatment: While acupressure can be used as a complementary therapy, it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. Acupressure should be used in conjunction with other treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

*Limited effectiveness for certain conditions: While acupressure is effective for certain conditions, such as pain relief and stress reduction, it may not be as effective for other conditions.

In Conclusion, acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that can provide numerous health benefits by stimulating specific acupoints on the body. It works by correcting the imbalance of Qi, improving physiological functions, and modulating the physiological response through biochemical mechanisms. Acupressure devices have been designed to provide the benefits of acupressure therapy in a convenient and portable form. While traditional acupressure therapy can have limitations and side effects, advanced technology has led to the development of automatically modulating acupressure devices that offer longer-lasting benefits with improved patient comfort and ease of application. Overall, acupressure and its devices can be a safe and effective alternative therapy for a wide range of conditions.

Source:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388088/