Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.
Acupressure can be used as a session of massage therapy, or as a self-treatment for common aches and illnesses. A practitioner examines a patient very thoroughly, looking at physical, mental and emotional activity, taking the pulse usually at the wrists, examining the tongue and complexion, and observing the patient’s demeanor and attitude, to get a complete diagnosis of which organs and meridian points are out of balance. When the imbalance is located, the physician will recommend specific pressure points for acupuncture or acupressure. If acupressure is recommended, the patient might opt for a series of treatments from a massage therapist.
While giving self-treatment or performing acupressure on another, a mental attitude of calmness and attention is important, as one person’s energy can be used to help another’s.
Loose, thin clothing is recommended. There are three general techniques for stimulating a pressure point.
Tonifying is meant to strengthen weak chi, and is done by pressing the thumb or finger into an acupoint with a firm, steady pressure, holding it for up to two minutes.
Dispersing is meant to move stagnant or blocked chi and the finger or thumb is moved in a circular motion or slightly in and out of the point for two minutes.
Calming the chi in a press`ure point utilizes the palm to cover the point and gently stroke the area for about two minutes. Acupressure facilities provided by Vivekanand Hospital Yogashram:
Individual treatment. We provide acupressure in various packages.