About Acupressure

Person receiving a massage on their back in a clinical setting.

Acupressure is a gentle therapy that uses massage on pressure points.

Acupressure, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a holistic practice focused on balancing the body's vital "Qi" (life energy) to encourage healing. This gentle yet effective technique involves the precise application of pressure or massaging of specific points along the body's intricate energy pathways.

By stimulating these designated acupuncture points, acupressure is believed to work through mechanisms such as stimulating nerve impulses and releasing natural endorphins. This targeted pressure promotes deep relaxation, effectively alleviates tension, and significantly enhances overall well-being. Through this ancient, needle-free method, individuals can harness therapeutic benefits that foster a profound sense of balance and harmony within the body.

Potential Benefits

  • Pain Relief: Acupressure may help alleviate various types of pain, including headaches, back pain, and menstrual cramps.

  • Stress Reduction: By influencing the autonomic nervous system and releasing endorphins, acupressure can promote relaxation and reduce stress.

  • Anxiety Management: Acupressure has been shown to be effective in managing anxiety, with studies showing promising evidence for anxiety relief.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: Acupressure may help manage nausea and vomiting, particularly in the context of chemotherapy or surgery.

  • Other Potential Benefits: Acupressure may also address insomnia, low back pain, migraines, and constipation and other health issues.

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AcuKITS™

20 Acupressure location cards

Acupressure works exceptionally well in combination with auriculotherapy to enhance and boost overall health and well-being.

AcuKITS™ includes 20 key acupressure points that are commonly used in clinical settings due to their proven effectiveness and straightforward application. These points are simple enough for you to comfortably locate and stimulate by yourself, allowing you to engage in self-care within the comfort and privacy of your own home, empowering you to actively participate in your healing journey.

The Science

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees the body as having energy pathways called meridians where "Qi" flows. Acupressure works to balance this energy by applying pressure to specific points along these pathways.

Modern Scientific Explanations:

  • Nerve Stimulation: Applying pressure to acupoints can stimulate nerves, potentially leading to pain reduction and other physiological effects.

  • Endorphin Release: Acupressure may trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.

  • Autonomic Nervous System Influence: Some studies suggest that acupressure can influence the autonomic nervous system, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormone levels.

History Of Acupressure

  • Close-up of a section of the Great Wall of China with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

    In China

    Acupressure likely started about 2,500 years before acupuncture. Around 6,000 years ago, the Chinese used sharp bones and stones for healing. Archaeological finds show acupuncture and acupressure were used by 2,000 BCE. By medieval times, both methods were common in China. Acupressure, also called tuina massage, is mentioned in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine from about 100 BCE. Both techniques work by stimulating the body's energy, called "qi."

  • View of the Taj Mahal framed by a decorative arch window with a river in the foreground and trees.

    In India

    Acupressure has deep roots in India, with evidence suggesting its practice dates back thousands of years. It was an integral part of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, and was also known as "Marma-Chikitsa" (treatment of marma points). Historical texts like the Charaka Samhita mention acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, suggesting that pressure point therapy was already known and used.

  • Ancient stone fortress wall and tower against a clear blue sky

    In Japan

    Shiatsu is a traditional form of massage that utilizes the hands, thumbs, or other parts of the body to apply direct and targeted pressure on specific points or energy channels throughout the body. It is a specialized form of acupressure rooted in principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Massage itself is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years across numerous cultures. Shiatsu is among the diverse range of massage therapies people turn to for relaxation, healing, pain relief, and overall well-being.