Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body to promote relaxation and wellness
. It is an ancient form of massage used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practiced for thousands of years
. Acupressure is often thought of as simply acupuncture without the needles
. The main goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit
. During an acupressure session, a practitioner uses their fingers, palms, elbows, or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians
. A typical session lasts about one hour, and several sessions may be needed for the best results
. Acupressure can be used to treat various conditions, such as headaches, backaches, and fibromyalgia, and can aid in healing within soft tissues, increasing recovery
. Some benefits of acupressure include:
- Decreasing pain
- Clearing tension in muscles
- Increasing blood circulation
- Promoting deep states of relaxation
Acupressure is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner or even by the person themselves
. However, it should not be used as the only treatment for serious illness or chronic conditions but can be used in addition to treatment by a licensed physician
. To find a qualified acupressure practitioner, one can consult the American Massage Therapy Association's directory of massage therapists nationwide, many of whom have been trained in acupressure
