Acupressure – ˈakjʊˌprɛʃə/ noun
1. A form of alternative therapy in which manual pressure is used to stimulate specific points on the body along what are considered to be lines of energy.
Origin – 1950s: blend of acupuncture and pressure.
Use over time – acupressure.
Reflexology – [ ree-flek- sol – uh -jee ] – noun – a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the hand to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.
Medicine/Medical – the study of reflex movements and processes.
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain. The human body has fourteen “meridians” that carry energy throughout the body. These meridians start at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the organ associated with the specific meridian.
Acupuncture and Acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture uses needles, while Acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands. There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective.
Acupressure is the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure deals with all the aspects of a person as a whole: body, emotions and mind as one, not as separate parts. It relaxes muscular tension and balances the vital forces of the body.
Common Benefits:
• Relieve stress and tension
• Relax mind and body
• Increase blood circulation
• Aid in the removal of toxic wastes
• Provide relief from head, neck and shoulder aches
• Promote the healing of injuries
• Increase energy levels
• Increase overall feeling of well-being
• Decreasing labor pains
Acupressure uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they relieve muscular tension and promote circulation of blood and the body’s “life force” to aid healing.
Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, back aches, arthritis, muscle aches and tension due to stress. There are also great advantages to using Acupressure as a way to balance the body and support good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
Acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into a “disease,” that is, before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. By using a combination of self-help methods, you can improve your condition as well as feel more alive, healthy and in harmony with your life. This treatment involves stimulating the vital-energy points along the meridians on our body to effect maximum energy flow.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are over 800 vital energy points along the meridians that run from the head down to the heels, especially along either side of the spinal column. (The meridians connect the interior and exterior of the body). Every point has specific therapeutic effects on the related organ. By massaging these points, the corresponding body area receives specific therapeutic treatment. It can be used to treat internal organ diseases, relieve internal discomfort, and relax yourself; or to promote overall well-being of the body.
Western scientists have shown that many of these points are located at key crossways of the autonomic nervous system. This may explain in part why they can affect pain that the patient experiences in a part of the body far from where the pressure is applied.
***It’s important to drink plenty of warm water after treatment, to help clear away toxic substances in our body.
Caution: If you have a serious or life-threatening illness such as heart disease, or cancer, please consult with your physician before practicing Acupressure.
Source: HerbalShop.com
I received an Acupressure Reflexology pad as a gift four or so years ago. It’s one of the best gifts that I’ve ever received in my life. I have to admit, I didn’t use it immediately despite all of its benefits then; one day I decided to give it a try.
There was some discomfort while using it for the first time and I noticed that my feet and abdomen began to itch. After about a minute, the sensation I felt was no longer “annoying,”… it was nothing short of sheer elation and relief. I actually experienced a burst of energy running through my body. I felt “happy.” I laughed. I was utterly taken aback at how wonderful this cheap thingamajig made me feel and how quickly my health improved (after a week of daily usage). It’s a blessing to have something so simple and cheap yet, tremendously beneficial at our fingertips – literally. Enough about me. Here’s what it can do for you:
– relieve mental tension, headaches, depression, worry, hysteria and insomnia
– provide energy, strengthen the memory and increase sexual power
– treat sinuses, asthma, sciatica, colds/coughs, pneumonia, toothaches, arthritis, tonsillitis, as well as lung, respiratory, thyroid/parathyroids, reproductive, eye and ear disorders
– relieve knee, back, shoulder and foot pain
– treat gout, gas, diabetes and hernias
– correct urinary/bladder, stomach, colon, digestion, kidney and sigmoid disorders
Most herbal and alternative health food stores sell pads, mats, shoes and other reflexology related devices such as the one pictured above. This pad is known as the “Power Pad.” It will cost you about 20 Riyals. You may come across more expensive ones of higher quality at finer shops. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to benefit your health. Price shop if possible.
*Note: Older folks and people with sensitive skin should wear socks while using these devices for the first time until they become comfortable enough to remove them.
Till next time…
Desert Diaries 