Have you ever pressed your forehead with both hands when you have a headache? Or when you have a pain somewhere on your body, you feel relief when you press that part for a while and then touch it, right? In fact, we do this without realizing it, a simple treatment method that dates back thousands of years to Chinese medicine. This is called `Acupressure`. Simply put, it is like acupuncture without needles. Let's talk about this in a little more depth today.
What is `Acupressure`? What is the theory behind it?
``Acupressure`` is an Asian health treatment method that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). To be precise, it has some similarities to the official medicine we have in our country.
According to this Chinese medical theory, our bodies are surrounded by an invisible network of energy pathways, called ``meridians''. Our life force, or ``qi'' (pronounced 'chi'), flows through these pathways. They believe that these 12 main energy pathways connect to various organs in our bodies, creating a communication system throughout the body. These energy pathways start at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the corresponding organs.
According to this theory, a disease occurs when there is a blockage or imbalance in one of the energy pathways (meridians). Treatments such as acupressure and acupuncture aim to remove these blockages and rebalance the body's energy flow.
Not everyone in Western medicine accepts the existence of these energy pathways (meridians). However, they suggest that the relief from this treatment may be due to factors such as reduced muscle tension , improved blood circulation , and the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by our bodies.
How to do an `Acupressure` treatment?
During an `acupressure` session, you lie down on a soft mat, completely clothed. The practitioner uses their fingers, palms, elbows, and sometimes even feet to apply gentle pressure to specific points on your body, called `acupoints`.
Sometimes this treatment may include things like stretching or acupressure. A session usually takes about an hour. For best results, you may need to have several sessions.
What are the most commonly used acupressure points?
In fact, there are hundreds of `Acupressure` points on our body. These are some of the most important and commonly used points. You can try these at home.
| Point Name | Location | Opportunities that may be useful |
|---|---|---|
| Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) | The soft, fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and index finger, near where the two bones meet. | To reduce headaches, toothaches, neck pain and stress. |
| Liver 3 (LR-3) | On the top of your foot, go a little above the gap between your big toe and the next toe. | To provide relief from stress, back pain, high blood pressure, and menstrual pain. |
| Spleen 6 (SP-6) | Place your fingertip on the inside of your leg, about three fingers' width above your ankle bone. That's where it is. | Digestive problems, insomnia, and problems related to the menstrual cycle. |
How do you tighten these points?
Find one of these points and press it with the thumb of your other hand for about a minute or two, massaging it in a circular motion. Apply deep, steady pressure. If you feel any pain, ease off the pressure.
What health problems can be relieved by acupressure?
Research on the health benefits of acupressure is still in its early stages, but patient experiences have shown that it provides significant relief from a number of health problems.
| Health problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Nausea and Vomiting | Several studies have shown that applying pressure to the wrist can help relieve nausea after surgery, chemotherapy, pregnancy, and motion sickness. There are even special wristbands designed for this purpose. |
| Pain | There is preliminary evidence that acupressure can help with back pain, post-surgical pain, and headaches. Some studies suggest that it may also provide some relief from arthritis pain. |
| Cancer-related Symptoms | In addition to reducing nausea after chemotherapy, there are reports that it can also help reduce stress, increase energy, and relieve pain in cancer patients. However, this is not a cure for cancer, it is only a relief from the symptoms. |
| Depression and Anxiety | Several studies have suggested that acupressure can improve physical and mental health. Further research is needed on this. |
Are there any things to consider before getting acupressure?
Generally speaking, acupressure is a very safe treatment . However, if you have a chronic condition such as cancer, arthritis, or heart disease, you should definitely talk to your doctor before starting this type of treatment. It is very important.
Also, check to see if the place where you receive this treatment is licensed and certified.
It is wise to avoid deep tissue work such as acupressure in the following cases:
- If the cancer has spread to an area where there is a tumor or to the bones.
- If you have rheumatoid arthritis, a back problem, or a bone disease that can be made worse by physical stress.
- If you have varicose veins in your legs.
- If you are pregnant. Because pressing on some of the official sites can cause uterine contractions. Therefore, be sure to seek medical advice before undergoing this treatment during pregnancy.
Take-Home Message
- Acupressure is a traditional treatment method that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, similar to acupuncture without needles.
- This can provide great relief from things like nausea, some pains (like headaches, backaches), and stress.
- This is not the only solution for every illness, but it can be very useful as an additional treatment.
- Although acupressure is generally safe, if you have a chronic condition or are pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting this treatment.
- It is very important for your safety to choose a qualified, experienced, and certified professional for treatment.
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