| Article covering Acupressure information, benefits | | | | used to improve the seriousness of and |
| thereof and the history of acupressure. | | | | sometimes treat certain conditions; it can also |
| Acupressure | | | | ease tension and aches and pains as well as |
| Acupressure is essentially a technique used to | | | | reducing stress levels, and preventing future |
| access and release blocked or congested energy | | | | illness. |
| centers in the body. Chinese cultures believe the | | | | Acupressure has many benefits; some of which |
| points to be junctures of meridian pathways that | | | | are listed below for you: |
| carry energy called chi. Modern scientists have | | | | - Pain relief |
| also map out and prove the existence of these | | | | - Relief from Headache |
| points using electrical devices. | | | | - Relief from Migraines |
| The Tradition | | | | - Relief from Insomnia |
| Acupressure is based on the principles of chi, | | | | - Relief from Depression |
| which is a fundamental concept of the Traditional | | | | - Relief from Toothache |
| Chinese Medicine that energy flows through the | | | | - Relief from Dizziness |
| fourteen meridians of the body. During Holistic | | | | - Relief from Menstrual pain |
| Massage finger pressure is applied to a number of | | | | - Relief from Digestive disorders including diarrhea |
| points along the body to relieve great amounts of | | | | and constipation |
| tension and treat specific ailments. There are | | | | - Relief from Nausea |
| about 365 acupoints in total, although only 32 are | | | | - Relief from Morning sickness |
| used in Acupressure; each a delicate nerve ending | | | | - Relief from Motion sickness |
| which acts as valves to stimulate the flow of chi | | | | - Relief from Stress and tiredness |
| (energy) through the meridians (energy channels), | | | | During Swedish Massage, pressure is applied for |
| and rebalance the body’s internal network. | | | | 15-30 seconds to pressure points along the |
| The key focus of this treatment is to harmonise | | | | energy channels down the back. By working down |
| the body and balance out the Yin and | | | | the points it becomes apparent where there may |
| Yang’ which are opposite, yet | | | | be the absence of energy; where the point feels |
| complimentary forces believed to underline all | | | | hollow’ and cool, to the area of tension |
| aspects of life. This compromises both the | | | | which can usually be felt as a fiery and active due |
| sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous | | | | to the blockage of energy, this point is stimulated |
| systems, which is important for general well being | | | | for a further 10 -20 seconds three times. The |
| and tranquillity. | | | | previous acupoints are revisited to stimulate the |
| The Science | | | | flow of energy which can result in a release of |
| The accumulation of toxins in muscle tissue | | | | tension unknown previously. Relief can be |
| causes stiffness throughout the body and puts | | | | temporary, but once points are identified further |
| abnormal pressure on the nerves, resulting in | | | | acupressure and massage can be applied as |
| tension and lack of feeling, and blood and lymph | | | | necessary. |
| vessels, which can affect both skeletal systems | | | | As in any medical treatment there are some |
| and internal organ functioning. Acupressure | | | | times when Acupressure would be inappropriate |
| promotes natural self-curative abilities and | | | | and should be avoided. These include: |
| removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic | | | | - If the person has a heart condition |
| build up that accumulates by applying pressure to | | | | - Just before, or less than 20min after exercise, a |
| the areas. | | | | meal or a bath |
| Acupressure applied during Holistic Massage can be | | | | - On areas with large moles, warts, abrasions etc. |