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.