Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing.

5000 Year Old Therapy 

Developed about 5,000 years ago in China, acupressure involves applying pressure with thumbs and fingertips to the same points on the body stimulated in acupuncture, which uses needles. The complementary therapy has grown in popularity in recent years.Acupressure works on the principle that there are more than 360 "acupoints" all over the body and each has a specific effect on an organ or system, such as the bladder or intestine.

Each of the acupoints is located on one of 14 "meridians," which are the body's energy channels connected to all of its systems. Anything that disturbs the energy flow in the body can make us ill, but stimulating specific pressure points makes the energy flow freely again. There are different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for example, one of the Japanese forms, can be quite vigorous in application, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds. Another style, Jin shin, is gentler and involves pressing a point for a minute or more.

Acupressure vs. Acupuncture

Acupressure and acupuncture use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).

Acupressure and Acupuncture Accepted by Medical Community

There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity.

Acupressure Benefits 

Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. Additional benefits include, relieving/reducing:

• Ulcer pain,
• Menstrual cramps,
• Constipation,
• Indigestion,
• IBS,
• Tension headaches
• Anxiety,
• Lethargy
• Insomnia.

There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to increase circulation, help rid toxins, balance the body and maintain good health.  One of the most important benefits of self-acupressure is stress reduction.  By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. By focusing on relieving pain, discomfort and stress before it develops into a condition where the constrictions and imbalances cause further damage, acupressure can improve your condition, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, increase energy and improve your overall feeling of wellness. 

At Home Acupressure Tips for Tension Related Ailments

• There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs.
• The only equipment needed is your own two hands.
• You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.
• No cost.