Acupressure As A Natural Therapy

upressure is a natural alternative therapy even older than acupuncture, originating in China and dating back over 2,000 years. Not only is it used to heal many health problems, it's also been shown to be effective in preventing problems, particularly those that accompany 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.

While acupuncture uses needles to target key points, acupressure uses the human hand, the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles to press key points on the skin. Both procedures are painless, since needles used in acupuncture are so thin, you can hardly feel them. Acupressure and acupuncture both use the same key points, they only differ and how these key points are stimulated.

It's also possible to buy pressure bands, when constant, continuous pressure is required, such as with relief from nausea. Acupressure can be very useful for treating children who might be frightened by acupuncture needles. In adults, acupressure is often used to decrease stress, with amazing results. You can learn how to use acupressure in a short time and be able to apply to yourself or your family members, unlike acupuncture, which requires many years of specialized education and experience.

Chinese medicine has identified 14 channels, called meridians, which are used to transport the movement of chi or qi, (both pronounced 'chee', which is the '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 to treat everyday pains such as headache, stress and eye strain.

A study done at Dankook University in Korea showed acupressure to be effective in reducing labor pains, and length of labor. It has also been proven to effectively induce labor, which is why only someone experienced in acupressure can apply it on pregnant women.

In Taiwan, acupressure has been shown to be more useful in reducing lower back pains than traditional physical therapies, with results lasting six months after 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 there to increase your tolerance for pain. It shouldn't hurt. If you feel pain when pressure is applied, stop the pressure immediately. You may feel a slight numbness from acupressure, but you should never feel pain.

I don't know why western medicine seems to refuse the techniques from other cultures that have been providing good results for centuries. Maybe because modern day doctors feel that they will no longer be needed if everyone starts using alternative therapies and natural remedies for their health related problems.

By: Christian Goodman

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

Article Directory: http://www.articlewisdom.com

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated