Acupressure

Believe it or not, acupressure is almost as old as Chinese culture itself. The earliest records date back to 2600 BC. Apparently the original texts describing this technique were hidden until the 17th century, when Western healers experienced the benefits of touching certain body points and began to spread its benefits around the world.

There is certainly no inventor of acupressure, but since the spread of acupressure around the world there have been great experts who have perfected the technique and added additional areas to those that were known thousands of years ago.

It is important to clarify that acupressure was part of another group of traditional Chinese treatments against ailments such as generalised pain, stress, nausea and illnesses resulting from the energy accumulated in the human muscular system. So acupressure did not start out as an isolated and unique method, but rather as an offshoot of a cluster of other forms of healing.

Because of its oriental origin, all known points within it are in the Mandarin language, it has been the tradition of physiotherapists not to translate the names in an attempt to preserve the essence of the technique.

Although traditional Chinese medicine, which encompasses acupressure and acupuncture, is older than modern medicine, the latter does not accept the philosophical basis of touching strategic body points to achieve healing.

There are millions of testimonials from all over the world that speak of multiple improvements after attending sessions of this type of therapy. However, in several countries, there are registered specialists who support these traditional techniques. These specialists are certified to apply both acupressure and acupuncture, which are sister modalities.

In short, modern science has not taken the trouble to record and endorse the actual benefits of both therapies. But this has not prevented more and more people from joining as practitioners and trainers of this therapy considered alternative by official bodies.

Yes, acupressure has achieved significant improvements in patients who have not had favourable results with modern Western medicine. In the words of specialists, this healing method replaces modern treatments using drugs and surgical interventions.

More and more specialists in traumatology, endocrinology and psychology are joining the use of acupressure as an alternative and complementary form of holistic treatment in order to achieve a definitive solution to people's health problems.

Nearly 50% of the world's population is familiar with various traditional Chinese techniques, including acupressure. Half of this population attends sessions to reduce the side effects of modern conventional treatments, also as a complete replacement for drugs and as a form of effective health-promoting prevention.

Acupressure is the channelling of accumulated energy into specific areas of the body. By applying pressure to trigger points, associated points and meridians, this energy is released and muscle tension is relieved. It is a holistic method, so there are no magic formulas to find relief, everything will depend on the patient's predisposition and the therapist's knowledge.

We told you earlier that this therapy is the sister of acupuncture, both share the same philosophical principles and knowledge about how to achieve a greater production of endorphins in the body to obtain physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.

Unlike acupuncture, acupressure does not use needles. All that is needed is strength and skill in the hands, and knowing where and when to apply pressure, based on the initial needs of the patient.

The ultimate goal of acupressure is to achieve concrete improvements for the patient. Sometimes this is achieved in a single session, but it often takes several sessions before significant changes are noticed.

It regulates basic bodily functions such as digestion, blood circulation, sleep levels, energy flow, metabolism and the mood of people who see acupuncturists. It is also useful for relieving pain in the muscles called trigger points, but should only be used for general ailments and not when there are physical injuries.

A good therapist must take into account some fundamental aspects in order for it to work: the first thing is to know beforehand what the patient's needs are in order to know which points are going to be touched. Before starting to exert pressure, a light touch should be done first to measure the sensitivity of the person, we do not want the session to be uncomfortable instead of pleasurable.

In a single session, fingers, knuckles, palms and even just the thumbs can be used, depending on the location of the point to be worked on. The movements can be circular and light or with friction and strong pressure.

A vital aspect to bear in mind is that the same pressure must be maintained on both sides of the selected area. An example of this is the points on the soles of the feet, if the thumbs are touched with force, the index fingers should offer the same pressure, thus maintaining an energetic balance.

And although the hands are often used, there are specific products such as the ones you will see in this list:

• Acupressure mat + cushion: These are perfectly sized to treat large areas such as the back or legs. It has thousands of pressure points and has a small pillow to support the neck.
• Individual acupressure cushion: Although it comes with the mat, it can also be purchased separately. The entire head and neck rests on it, so the hundreds of points available do their job.
• Acupressure hand and foot massager kit: This is a complete kit to work on hand and foot ailments in every session. It comes with a foot roller, two spiked massage balls, a hard Lacrosse ball and a double Lacrosse ball.
• Manual foot massager with roller: This is the perfect size for treating the soles of the feet. Although they are specially designed to be applied to the feet, they are also used on the hands. It relieves the feeling of tightness and cramps in the limbs.
• Lacrosse myofascial massage balls: These come in different sizes, weights and textures. Each one is adjusted to the sensory capacity. They can be single balls, double balls and soft balls. Most come with a handy bag. And most importantly, you'll get an instruction manual.
• Hook massager or manual back massager: These hooks are curved and long, and have additional points and extensions to cover more areas at once. In a single session, points on the neck, back and shoulders are stimulated.

• LI-4 (Hegu)
• Du23 Shangxing
• Vb14 Yangbai
• Ren24 Chengjiang
• Ig17 Tianding

• Pc2 Tianquan
• P4 Xiabai
• Pc3 Quze
• P6 Kongzui
• Pc7 Daling

• R27 Shufu
• E14 Kufang
• Ren20 Huagai
• E17 Ruzhong
• B14 Fujie

• H9 Yinbao
• E36 Zusanli
• E40 Fenglong
• H5 Ligou
• E31 Biguan

• E42 Chongyang
• E43 Xiangu
• H1 Dadun
• B3 Taibai
• B4 Gongsun

• Acupressure is any technique in which the fingers of the hands are applied to allow the flow of energy in the body.
• Shiatsu massage is applied with the fingers, but it is not just one-off touches. The hands are used to rub, touch and activate particular areas of the musculature. Its origin is Japanese, but nowadays it has assimilated principles from traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupressure and acupuncture are sister techniques. They have the same origin and are based on the same philosophical principles. The only real difference is that acupressure uses hands, fingers and knuckles; acupuncture uses needles.

Dry needling uses a single fine needle to stimulate muscles one at a time. This function is best recognised in modern medicine because it relieves myofascial pain. It seeks an intense physiological response to reduce muscle pain and soreness.

Yes, more and more medical specialists are calling for the use of alternative therapies such as acupressure to achieve results that conventional Western medicine does not offer patients. There are millions of people around the world who claim to feel improvements to ailments such as stress and migraine, which drugs do not solve.

In reality, there is no evidence that excessive therapies are counterproductive to people's health. It should only be noted that there are points that should not be touched in pregnant women.

In addition, in cases of serious injuries such as sprains, dislocations and fractures, the points in the affected areas should not be touched. Allow a medical specialist to make a full assessment of the injury.

No. Acupressure is intended to relieve pain, not to amplify it. In case you experience severe pain while activating these points, the technique should be stopped immediately. Remember that it should only be used for minor injuries. In chronic injuries, its use should be suggested by a specialist.