There are two ways that
acupressure points are manipulated: pressing (reinforcing) and reducing them.
Most are probably familiar with the first, but not with the second method.
On press points, use
something blunt. Usually the fingers are used to press, but I find that for
many points the fingers may be a bit too thick, so you'd have to press quite
long and firmly. Ideal would be something 3 to 4 mm thick, like a (preferably
used) pencil eraser that's on the other side of a pencil. Some points can be
pressed using a fingernail.
Pressing points for less
than half a second can already have a distinguishable effect. So for just
trying out a point you could press it only briefly. To get a full effect
however, pressure should be applied for at least half a minute, but preferably
longer. One to two minutes should do.
To reduce a point, turn a
finger over it in counter-clockwise direction, also for one to two minutes.
(What happens when you do this is explained in "What manipulation of points brings about.")
Clicking on the picture of points that need to be reduced displays a video
showing how this is performed (clicking again stops the video).
I think it's a good idea
not to get into the habit of doing the same points every day. Do them when you
feel you need them, don't overdo it. Pay attention to what effects points have
on you.
If you're weakened (from
age, disease or whatever), be sure to not reduce points more often then
necessary. You could also additionally press these points for a few seconds.
Do a point on both sides
of the body.
When you are not feeling
any effects from pressing points, several things may be the case.
You may not be pressing
on the exact right spot (acupuncture points are about 0.5 mm diameter, so
you'll have to be precise). Try different spots around the location you first
tried.
You shouldn't press
lightly, but you shouldn't hurt yourself either. Also, don't press for just a
few seconds (although if you're very sensitive you might already notice effects
then).
To feel if acupressure is
working (for knowing that the location of the point is accurate), I usually
sense what's happening in my face. Almost all points in the list on this site
have some effect here. Many of the points also have some subtle effect on the
quality of vision. You may see more clearly and more colors. Meditation will
develop your ability to feel the effects.
If you're using a point
quite often, or if you don't need a point, the effect may become very little or
unnoticeable.
If you're tense, you may
not feel much, although usually you'll become less tense by using the
techniques on this site.
To be able to use
information from other sources for locating points, you'll need to know what
the "cun" is.
The "cun" is
the standard unit of measurement for the body used in acupuncture. As
everyone's body has different dimensions, it is defined according to the person
whose body is to be treated.
1 cun = width of the thumb, in the middle, at the crease
3 cun = combined breadth of the 4 fingers, at the level of the pinky finger's first joint above the palm of the hand
12 cun = the distance from the elbow crease to the wrist crease.
3 cun = combined breadth of the 4 fingers, at the level of the pinky finger's first joint above the palm of the hand
12 cun = the distance from the elbow crease to the wrist crease.
Acupuncture points can be
manipulated in various ways. To keep things simple, acupressure books usually
just mention pressing the points.
If you've ever seen an
acupuncturist you may have noticed that he will turn needles after inserting
them or do other manipulations. Acupuncturists also apply heat by burning stuff
called "moxa" or using a laser, or apply electric currents.
By simply pressing a
point, you are reinforcing it. You, thereby, increase energy in areas that the point
influences. Reducing a point is actually not the opposite of reinforcing it. By reducing,
you remove a blockage of energy. A blockage may be felt as tension, pain or
heat. Energy accumulates there, which starts moving again after removing the
blockage. So if you reduce a point after you reinforced it, you get
reinforcement and removal of energy blockage. They don't cancel each other out.
In acupressure, you can
reduce a point by continually moving a finger counterclockwise over it. An
acupuncturist will turn his needle immediately after insertion.
It's also possible to
apply heat to a point to warm it. This is an advanced technique that may injure
your energy system, so it's best to stay away from this.
Why you shouldn't use needles
As for using needles,
I've tried that, but have been discouraged to continue using them by both an acupuncturist
and a healer. The acupuncturist thought it was dangerous because you can damage
tissue, and difficult as you can't access points that well yourself. You may
damage blood vessels, nerves, tendons or bone, which can all be quite painful.
On the breast or shoulders, you may puncture the lung.
On an energetic level,
the fear that comes with using needles on yourself may damage the First Chakra.
This may worsen your problems.
Using needles as an
amateur may not even be legal.
I found that I feel more
clearly what's happening in my body from acupressure than from acupuncture,
whether administered by a licensed acupuncturist or by myself.
I devised a safe and
effective way to press acupuncture points for an extended period of time. I use
adhesive tape for use on skin to press ball-bearing balls on points. It doesn't
work with all points (e.g. it does not work well for ST-36, the point beneath
the knees) but for many it's quite good.
The metal balls I use are
4 mm diameter and I apply nylon rings (also bought at a hardware store) on top
of them to supply a larger surface to the tape. The inside diameter of the
nylon rings should be 3 mm. Perhaps you could also use the more common metal
rings, but for some indefinite reason I prefer the nylon variety. The rings
avoid bulging and thus press the ball a bit deeper into the skin.
