Acupressure
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Acupressure is a healing therapy developed in China 5,000 years ago. Often performed as an alternative or complement to acupuncture, acupressure involves pressing specific points on the body, called acupoints. This pressure is applied to points on the body which run along the major energy pathways of the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, every living being has a life force, or energy, called qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). When this energy, which runs along meridians, is in balance and flowing freely, the body is in a state of health. When this energy is blocked or deficient, illness can result. These energy disruptions are often the result of stress or injury.
During acupuncture, a qualified practitioner will use their fingers, knuckles, palms, elbows, and sometimes feet to activate certain energy points along the body. By activating these points, energy blockages can be released in order to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Western medicine has not been able to determine the extent of benefit achieved through use of acupressure. It is believed that acupressure causes the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins play an important role in immune function, pain relief, stress reduction, and slowing the aging process.
During acupressure, a practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's chief complaints and medical history. They will also conduct a physical examination that may involve testing the pulse at different points, checking the appearance of the tongue, and more. A practitioner may inquire about mental and emotional health to get a more complete picture of one's state of being. Once they understand your condition, they will develop an individualized plan of treatment.
Acupressure can take anywhere between fifteen minutes to over an hour to complete. Usually each point will be pressed for three to ten seconds. Treatments will typically be repeated for a number of sessions to achieve optimum results.
