The Spiritual Health

Acupressure techniques, like the acupuncture techniques originated from China but the main difference between the two is that the acupressure techniques involve the use of finger pressure on specific points on the body rather than use of needles like in acupuncture technique. According to Chinese culture the acupressure techniques are useful to access and release the blocked chi energy centers in the body. The various techniques of acupressure include rubbing pressing, rolling, gentle stretching, kneading, chafing grasping, wiping and even corrective exercises. A specific point or the whole meridian may be addressed. The application of pressure needs the involvement of the whole upper body.

The acupressure techniques can be classified on the basis of two factors.

Pressing Points and Reducing Points:

According to one perception the acupressure techniques are of two types, one is pressing the points the other is reducing the points. The manipulation of the acupressure can be done in these two ways. The first technique of pressing the points is more famous and more practiced than the other technique of reducing the points.

• Pressing Points: Something Blunt has to be used for pressing the points. Usually the fingers are used for this but sometimes the fingers are found to be too thick to serve the purpose so one should use something that is 3-4mm thick. The best example for this is the pencil eraser on the other end of the pencil. Some points are such that they can be pressed only by your fingernail. The durations of pressing the point can last from half a second to 30 seconds and even longer to a minute or two.
• Reducing points: If you want to reduce a point, then turn your finger over that point in anti-clockwise direction. One should be properly trained for administering the Reducing Points technique of acupressure.

Light Touch, Deep Touch and Gentle Massage:

• Light Touch: Light touch is considered more effective for treating acute conditions. This involves application of slow and firm pressure on the point. The angle from the surface of the skin is 90degrees. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on your concentration when you move your fingers slowly inward and outward the point. The pulse at the point should be felt. The point should be held longer until the pulse balances.
• Deep Touch: Deep touch is considered more effective for treating chronic conditions. This provides and intense sensation. This sensation should be within the tolerance limit of the client. In this treatment the reflex points are of prime importance. This treatment focuses on pin-pointing the deep touch technique on these relevant reflex points. The vital energy flow is channeled to the most adversely affected areas of the body. This technique is used to find the nodular and tender areas in the feet and relate them to the anatomical areas of the body that are relevant.

• Gentle Massage: This therapy is mostly useful in patients suffering from arthritis. This improves circulation and brings relief from tension and stress.

These words are especially meant for those who usually get confused between acupressure and acupuncture because these two terms sound a lot similar. However, I would like to state that there is lot of difference between the two terminologies both in terms of theory and practice. Acupuncture means the inserting of those needles that are specially designed and crafted to be pierced within your body. Now this is to be done at specific point with great care and caution under expert guidance and supervision.

Acupressure is an ancient art of healing the human body with the use of fingers, hands and sometimes even the elbow. These fingers as well as other parts of the body are skillfully used to press those pressure points that automatically stimulate the body’s natural ability to cure and get rid of those headaches and migraines and even body pain.

Both acupuncture and acupressure, in spite of being different have something in common. The Chinese acupuncture seems to be the origin of both modern acupuncture and acupressure. The difference between the two is how the two therapies are administered to the patients. Instead of needles and pins that are inserted in acupuncture, we find that in acupressure some physical pressure is applied to certain pressure points of the body.

This practice works on the principle of different pressure points that are present in the human body. It’s these pressure points that when met with some force or some pressure would automatically get some relief from those stress or those headaches. There are different acupressure points in the human body and an ordinary person like you and I would never know as to where they are located. This surely needs to be under expert guidance and advice. And that is why it would be highly recommendable to go to an expert who is really associated with a good reputation and image for providing excellent acupressure services.

There are different acupressure points in our body and it may or may not be in the same and exact location as that of the acupuncture. This is especially for all those of you who have witnessed and undergone different sessions under both these practices.  I am sure this would be the first thing on your mind.