acupressure THERAPY 

The starting point is traditional Chinese Medicine, which teaches that along the body runs a series of meridians. Each meridian is said to have a specific function, and each of the points along that meridian is claimed to have a different effect on that meridian and indeed on other parts of the body and the energy system.

Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine method of bodywork involving the application of pressure to specific body points. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points and meridians, but acupuncture employs stimulation with needles, while acupressure uses only the practitioner's hands.

Acupuncture has existed as part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for many years. Practitioners of TCM believe that energy called Qi flows around the body in channels (meridians). Equal and opposite properties called yin and yang are thought to become unbalanced, causing illness. The needles used in acupuncture aim to restore this balance. The way acupuncture works is being increasingly understood in general medicine.

Acupressure can be used to treat chronic back pain by stimulating the point in the web of the hand. Treat back pain by using acupressure with tips from a doctor of Oriental medicine in this free video on traditional Chinese medicine.

Two techniques of acupressure are the "Shiatsu," and the "Jin Shin." Shiatsu acupressure, the most commonly used therapy, is notated for its vigorous and firm pressure application; while, the Jin Shin acupressure technique is a more gentle form -- whereby points are softly held for a moment or two. A typical acupressure session is done in a relaxing environment and does not require removal of the client's clothing.

The goal of Shiatsu acupressure therapy is to release blocked energy (Qi) to the body by stimulating these acupoints. According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, imbalance or obstruction in meridian energy flow results in a malfunction or dysfunction in the organ associated with the meridian. Thus acupressure strives to normalize the stagnation or excess energy flow in the meridian and the organ so that they may resume normal function and vitality. Shiatsu acupressure therapy has been especially beneficial to those in depression treatment facilities and trauma treatment centers.

There are three major healing arts in Chinese medicine: Asian Bodywork Therapy, Acupuncture and Herbalism. All three are based on the same principles of ancient Chinese medicine and philosophy. However, it is Asian Bodywork Therapy that utilizes the hand and the power of touch in healing, one of the most natural and intuitive forms of healing. Acupressure offers an alternative body therapy. It utilizes a combination of finger pressure with natural body weight and assisted-stretching techniques to specific acupoints on the body.