Acupressure has been in vogue in China since ages. Acupuncture is another method also developed in China. It has then spread to other countries and in our country it is being practiced in many parts.
Acupressure involves pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain. It is done by placing physical pressure, by hand, elbow or with the aid of other devices on different pressure points on the surface of the body. Such a pressure brings relief through much balance and circulation of energies in the body. The intention is to balance the energetic system of the body and affect and treat human body, mind, emotions, energetic fields and the spirit.
There are fourteen meridians in the body that carry energy throughout the body. Actually these meridians start at the finger tips and connected to the brain and then connected to the organ associated with the specific meridian. This concept of meridian arises from the techniques and doctrines of traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture and acupressure as in the case of reflexes in the body connected to the various organs of the human body. Of course, one has to the accurate about the degree of pressure and the correct meridian to be given the pressure.
These practices, are based on their inference that the body’s vital energy flows through the body traveling along specific inter-connected channels and these channels are termed as Meridians. Disruptions of the energy flow in the meridian which are affected by disruptions have to be stimulated to release the disruption. For this purpose, pressure, needles or other devices are used. Acupressure deals with all such aspects as a whole body, emotions, mind and spirit as one single element with no separate parts. Muscular tensions are removed to balance the vital life forces.
In Acupressure, many of the accupoints on the Meridian pathways are used. The appropriate accupoints are located and identified and then pressure is laid with the finger tips and at times at the edge of nails. The prime factor to be borne in mind is that the pressure should be constant and not intermittent and should be applied in the general direction of the flow of energy in the meridian. Circular motion also stimulates the flow of energy more efficiently. It might be because such a motion allows the pressure on the exact pressure point. Sometimes it may be slightly off amounting to error factor. Rounded wooden applicators are also used or small roller devices are also used.
This treatment generally lasts for several minutes on each acupoint and can be repeated many times each day over the course of treatment period. Those individuals who are taught this therapy can practise individually as often every day as it is easy.
For immediate results in the case of certain ailments like headache also, it can be used. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms caused by the chronic ailments.
BENEFITS
1) Relieve tensions and stress
2) Relax mind and body
3) Increase blood circulation
4) Aid removal of toxic wastes
5) Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches.
6) Promote the healing of injuries.
7) Increase energy levels.
Increase an over-all feeling of well being.
However, the most essential aspect is that it should be well learnt and understood to get the skill of locating and identifying the meridians and the technique of the accurate application of pressure will of curse be through constant practice.
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