Acupressure

Acupressure is a treatment using the very precise placement of the fingers on particular points of the body to relieve tension, increase blood flow and restore the body’s innate healing ability.  The word Acupressure is based on the latin words ‘acu’ meaning sharp and ‘pressare’ meaning to press or squeeze.   Acupressure has been around for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine.  As with acupuncture, the basic concept is that energy or ‘qi’ flows through meridians in the body.  When specific points on these meridians are pressed, then this flow can be restored and will stimulate the body’s innate healing capability.  It differs from acupuncture because no needles are used, only pressure.

The index, middle finger or thumb is used to press on the various points.  Pressure is even but may vary in application.   Sometimes the manipulation may be a rhythmic or rotating motion.  Quite often, acupressure is offered alongside other treatments such as massage.  Benefits to acupressure include but are not limited to:  headaches, fatigue, asthma, constipation, back ache, nausea, motion sickness, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, mental stress, emotional stress, arthritis.

A typical session can last anywhere from 15-45 minutes.  The practitioner will do a consultation with the client about health background and specific body conditions or issues so as to assess which pressure points to use.