Acupressure is a very old technique that has as a principle, using the fingers to press and massage certain key points in the body, according to the same theories of acupuncture, and it evokes the idea of sharp pain or puncture. It was given this term in the West. It is believed that the practice of this alternative therapy that is used as a treatment, in principle against pain, originated in India five thousand years ago; then it went to the Asian continent and part of Egypt. Today it is very well known and effective to solve problems with emotional balance as well, and it is for all this that you should know everything about acupressure.
With respect to its origins, the first writings on acupressure / acupuncture, the use of healing herbs and moxa, are in the classic of the internal medicine of the Yellow Emperor. The text also talks about the discovery that the Chinese made by being in constant harmony with nature and observing its cycles; as well as the fundamental theories on which traditional Chinese medicine is based, the theory of yin / yang and that of the five elements.
Now, what principles does acupressure cover? First of all it is based on acupuncture, as it has already been said; likewise, like most Chinese or Asian therapies, it seeks to maintain balance through health: Traditional Chinese medicine states that the energy contained in the human body is called chi or ki and it moves through it through some conducting vessels called meridians that intertwine and connect to all the organs of the body.
If by chance the nodules or points that contain these meridians are blocked and, if the Inn and lang (blood and energy) are altered, an imbalance occurs causing ailments and diseases. In this case, once the points that remain obstructed are located, when applying the pressure of the acupressure, it will harmonize the energy, restoring the circulation of the chi and thus the balance will return to the body; however, the location of these nodules sometimes is a little complicated, since they can be different depending on each person and this will bring variations, so it is recommended to practice this technique with an experienced specialist.
In such a way that when applying this technique, which derives from acupuncture, one must have well defined each point to work so that the efficiency is total; for this it is very important that the therapist explores the body very well and after getting the affected nodules, exerts the necessary pressure with the fingers, approximately fifteen to thirty seconds. Here the greatest importance lies when acupressure is applied, since each point is related to a specific organ. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine mentions twelve main meridians and each one involves a specific organ of the body, as just mentioned.
Currently, one of the reasons for the rise of acupressure is precisely that it is easier to apply than acupuncture, since nothing extra is needed, except knowing very well the location of the points of the meridians and know how to exercise well the exact pressure on them, while in acupuncture, the needles are the working medium, and this puts an advantage over acupressure, which is the depth and the most precise way of working the blocked points.
Likewise, it is still a very effective therapy to be applied if you suffer from the following ailments: states of chronic exhaustion and fatigue; stress, depression and anxiety; muscle pains in general or some contracture; menopause; menstrual disruptions; if you feel too tired during pregnancy or postpartum period; constipation; diarrhea, gastritis or intestinal colics; headaches, migraine, insomnia; sore throat; a feeling of nervousness; excess weight; problems with the sciatic nerve; colds and even tobacco and alcohol addiction, among other aspects.
Similarly, if you simply want to get massaged to keep your energy flowing, without there is any condition, you can do it without any risk. In the same way, there are other pathologies that have not been named here, but that can be treated and help in your recovery; remember that each point is connected to an organ of the body, so that recognizing the points very well and their location exactly, in addition to the organ that they influence, will be the success of the therapy.
However, there is a kind of division or areas that gives references on what aspect will be worked on if they are pressed. For example, the points in feet and legs can have effects on the digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. More directly, on the back of the foot, in the “V” groove between the first and second toe (second and third metatarsal), try to press with the index finger and thumb in the shape of a pincer, there you will relieve any tension on the body and emotional stress.
In the back of the leg, above the ankle bone, exactly with four fingers, press in the shape of a pincer with index and thumb, this way it will help to tone the digestive system and women’s reproductive system. If you are pregnant this point is contraindicated to be pressed. Also, in the back of the ankle, between the bone and the Achilles tendon, you can press with thumb and forefinger to benefit the bladder and the uterus; in addition, to help the lumbar region of the back to the back of the neck and the head.
Another area of points that also acupressure works on are the nodules on the torso. Especially, in the midline of the abdomen, two fingers below the navel, it is considered by Eastern medicine, the center where the total energy of the body is accumulated; for this reason, this nodule tones in a general way. In this area you must be very careful, since in some cases you can disturb the pressure if you do not do it properly.
A little higher, but from the midline of the belly that goes from the navel to the ribs, touch it and if you press lightly, you can tone the digestive function. Reaching the sternum, between the male nipples, specifically, you will clean the chest area, the diaphragm and improve breathing. Now, if you focus on the arms and hands, these points will deal with aspects related to circulatory and respiratory conditions. So between the bone that connects the wrist and the thumb (the first metacarpal), locate the midpoint from joint to joint and press. It will refresh the lungs and will be beneficial for irritated throats.
Also, the points of the face, neck and shoulder area will be used in combination with other nodules because they are first aid points, since they provide immediate relief of the symptoms.
The truth is that having information about the application of acupressure, you should consider applying to yourself it with a therapist that guarantees an adequate and effective therapy; also take into account that if you suffer from any serious health condition go to your doctor and help with this alternative therapy. The important thing is to keep flowing positively to improve your health.
ALFA