Acupressure

Acupressure

Acupressure massage

 

 

     Acupressure is a form of massage therapy that originates in Ancient China and is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that is still widely used today. It's done to free up energy blockages that could cause some undesirable effects. It uses the same basic principles as acupuncture but is done with fingertip pressure on certain points of the body instead of needles. It can be done by an acupuncturist or massage therapist. You can also give it a go on yourself, but you need to be careful with this and do your research before you start poking and prodding random body parts. Please, always speak to your doctor or regular healthcare provider before you try it, especially if you are pregnant or are managing a health condition. 

     Acupressure is used to therapeutically release blocked energy that flows round your body through channels called Meridians. These connect everything in your body together, from your joints to your soft squishy bits. The pressure encourages the release of endorphins, which are the natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. It can also influence the Autonomic Nervous System (I swear my fingers got tongue-tied typing that) which is part of the main Nervous System. This controls things like the heart, digestion and breathing.

     There are 361 pressure points on 14 meridians. The points are the same as those used in acupuncture and a therapist will apply pressure to specific points to restore a healthy energy flow and the points they choose will depend on your symptoms. With how meridians run, pressure points used may be quite some distance from the area of your complaint. For example, there’s an acupressure point on the foot may be used to relieve a headache.

 

A few other commonly used pressure points include:

 

  • Lie Que (LU-7) on the thumb side of your wrist may help stimulate your immune system.
  • Qu Chi (LI-11) on the elbow is used for fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
  • Zu San Li (ST-36) below the knee is used for loss of appetite, acid reflux, and constipation.
  • He Gu (LI-4) in the hand may reduce chemotherapy side effects, menstrual pain, and headaches.
  • Shen Shu (BL-23) on the lower back is used for lower back pain.
  • Liang Qiu (ST-34) above the knee may prove useful for osteoarthritis knee pain.

 

What Is Acupressure Used For?

 

Most people try acupressure to manage a wide range of health conditions, including:

 

  • Insomnia
  • Stress management
  • Headache
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Motion sickness
  • Muscle tension and pain
  • Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning sickness
  • Nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy

 

Benefits of Acupressure

 

     As with any natural or medical treatment, one thing can work for me but not for you. I’ve found that massage, acupressure, essential oils and other natural treatments work for me much better than the majority of prescribed meds. That doesn’t mean to say that I’ve told my doctor to skedaddle, though. I still go to my doctor when needed and they know about my natural healing remedies and we’ve managed to come to an understanding.

     I find acupressure massages very beneficial for my Fibro pain and freeing up any blockages in my energy flow. Also, I often get motion sickness (mainly on buses but generally all transport) and use a pressure point band to help me not throw up on unsuspecting passengers. The band is elasticated with a little stud o it. it fits quite snug and it it took a little bit of getting used to, but now I can barely feel it's there. Have a looksy below:

 

Safety and Side Effects of Acupressure

 

     Acupressure should never be painful. If you feel any pain, tell your therapist immediately and they will lighten the pressure.

     Some people may feel a little tender or have light bruises at acupressure points after a session, but these will never last long and will ease off over the course of your sessions. You may also feel a tad lightheaded for a while.

     Pressure should always be light and gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face.

     If you're pregnant, definitely speak to your doctor and/or midwife before trying acupressure.

During pregnancy, acupressure must not be done on:

 

  • The abdomen
  • Certain points on the leg
  • The lower back

      I'm sure I spoke about this in my "Pregnancy and baby massage" blog, but thought I'd mention it briefly again.

Acupressure should never be done over any of these areas:

 

  • Open wounds
  • Bruises
  • Varicose veins
  • Swollen areas

Contraindications

 

If any of the following apply to you, please have a chat with your doctor before trying acupressure.

 

  • Osteoporosis
  • Recent fracture or injury
  • Cancer
  • Easy bruising
  • A bleeding disorder
  • Heart disease
  • Uncontrolled blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Use of prescription blood thinning medications, such as warfarin.

 

     I hope you've all enjoyed this week's blog. Next week, I think I'm gonna speak about spiritual healing. This is very close to my heart as I am a spiritual healer and would love to share it with you.

 

Take care, my darling. Love and light to you all xxx

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