Does Acupressure Work?
Does Acupressure Work?
As you explore different avenues for your health, you might have encountered acupressure. “Used for thousands of years in China, acupressure applies the same principles as acupuncture to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease…Traditional Chinese medical theory describes special acupoints, or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. It is believed that through these invisible channels flows vital energy—or a life force called qi (ch'i). It is also believed that these 12 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian.”[1] The governing idea behind acupressure is that you or a practitioner can apply pressure to certain points on your body to relieve certain ailments. One popular example is the pressure bands one can buy to combat nausea by wearing them on the wrist.
For many people, acupressure can help relieve a variety of ailments, both mental and physical. “Positive results from acupressure can be seen within one session or may need multiple, depending on the severity of your concern—it differs from case to case.”[2] Additionally, acupressure is generally regarded as a low-risk practice. However, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting any new therapies, especially ones like acupressure that involve moving joints or muscles. In particular, deep tissue work such as acupressure may need to be avoided if any of the following conditions apply: the treatment is in the area of a cancerous tumor or if the cancer has spread to bones, rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone disease that could be made worse by physical manipulation, varicose veins, or pregnancy as certain points could induce contractions.[3]
Have you tried acupressure? Tag us on social media @therealbodepro and tell us how it went alongside your favorite flavor of Happy & Skinny!
[1] Stuart, Annie, and Sabrina Felson. “Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment for Pain, Nausea, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, 31 Oct. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment.
[2] Sachar, Anjan. “Benefits of Acupressure: How This Traditional Therapy Can Improve Your Health.” Vogue India, Vogue India, 23 Aug. 2019, https://www.vogue.in/wellness/content/benefits-of-acupressure-for-health-pain-relief-stress-anxiety.
[3] Stuart, Annie, and Sabrina Felson. “Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment for Pain, Nausea, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, 31 Oct. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment.