Natural Therapies - Acupressure

Acupressure is a natural alternative therapy which has been around for over 2,000 years. It originated in China, and is even older than acupuncture. It is used to heal many health problems, and it has proven to be effective in preventing problems, particularly those that come with aging.

Chinese medical practitioners, acupuncturists, and massage therapists all include acupressure into their treatments. It is an effective way to help your body regain balance, an important aspect of homeostasis the body and always looking for, especially with the fast-paced, high pressured, and stressful lives we all lead.

Acupuncture uses needles, while acupressure uses the human hand and its parts, like the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles, to press key points on the skin. It should be pointed out though, that both procedures are painless. The needles used in acupuncture are so thin, they are hardly ever felt. They both recognize the same key points, one through the use of needles, and the other through the use of hands or some other blunt object.

You can also use pressure bands, when constant and continuous pressure is needed, such as with relief from nausea. Children who might be afraid of acupuncture needles can use acupressure for treatment. Adults often use acupressure to relieve them of stress, with amazing results. Acupressure can be learned in a short time, and can be used on yourself and your family members. Acupuncture, on the other hand, requires many years of specialized education and experience.

There are 14 channels identified by Chinese medicine, called meridians, which are used to transport the movement of chi or qi (both pronounced 'chee', which means 'life energy') inside our body. By applying pressure to key points along each meridian, acupressure helps to improve circulation, reduce tension, balance the body, increase endorphins, and strengthen resistance to illness. It can also be used as treatment for everyday pains like headache, stress, and eye strain.

A study done at Dankook University in Korea showed acupressure to be successful in reducing the pain of labor as well as shortening the length of labor. It's also been found to be an effective way to induce labor, and for this reason, only someone experienced in acupressure should apply it on pregnant women.

In Taiwan, research showed acupressure to be more useful in decreasing lower back pain than traditional physical therapies, with results lasting six months following treatment. One recent study shows that acupressure applied to the P6 (located in the wrist) had significant results in relieving acid reflux.

Acupressure is not intended to increase your tolerance for pain. It shouldn't hurt. If pressure is applied and pain is felt, stop the pressure immediately. You may feel a slight numbness from acupressure, but you should never feel pain.

I'm not sure why Western medicine seems so reluctant to embrace techniques from other cultures that have been providing proven results for centuries. Perhaps modern day doctors fear their services might no longer be needed if everyone started using alternative therapies and natural remedies for their health related problems.

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Christian Goodman is a popular natural Health alternatives researcher and the creator of the Natural Health Blog. His latest work is the Vertigo Treatment, which has now helped thousands of people cure their vertigo naturally.

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