4/18/2013

how to apply acupressure

Acupressure techniques: Pressing and reducing points

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.

 


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.



the contraindications of acupressure


                    

 

WHAT ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ACUPRESSURE?

 
 
 
 
Acupressure, also known as Shiatsu, is an ancient alternative health treatment which is closely aligned with massage therapy. While in general acupressure does not commonly present dangers, when performed by a trained professional in a clean environment, there are certain circumstances, or contraindications, in which acupressure may be dangerous to your health.

ACUPRESSURE BASICS

The practice of acupressure varies from other forms of massage like Swedish by using more specific pressure with the fingertips, instead of long strokes or kneading. The practice uses finger placement to apply pressure to specific acupoints on the surface of the skin, which practitioners believe can help encourage the body's natural self-curative properties. It's important to note that more research is needed to determine how effective acupressure is, as well as whether or not the claims made by practitioners are valid.

 

 

CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS

Cardiovascular conditions in general are a contraindication for both acupressure and massage unless specifically approved by your physician. This includes heart disease, a history of blood clots, clotting disorders and other blood-related disease. For example, acupressure is especially dangerous for those with risks for blood clots, as the pressure applied to the skin may release the clot, causing the clot to travel to the brain or heart, resulting in serious health conditions like a stro

 

 

 

CANCER

Cancer is also a contraindication for acupressure. Originally the contraindication revolved around the concern of changes in blood circulation, resulting in a greater risk for metastasis or spread of the cancer. However, new research continues to no longer support this theory, according to oncology massage therapist William C. Handley Jr., LMT. However, there are other concerns with cancer patients in regard to acupressure, such as the increased risks for tissue injury, bleeding and embolization from the pressure used during acupressure. This is especially an issue in cancer patients going through chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

OTHER CONTRAINDICATIONS

Along with the two major contraindications involving cancer and cardiovascular health, there are varying other contraindications in which a physician should be consulted before having acupressure performed on your body. These include pregnancy, acute fever, inflammation, poisoning, open wounds, broken bones, ulcers, contagious skin conditions, tuberculosis and venereal diseases. If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor before scheduling your acupressure appointment.

4/16/2013

Let's try these...

For Tension Headache
  • when you are suffering from tension headache, there are simple hands on technique that will help you relieve pain and reduce tension
  • here are some spots you want to start
  • focus a spot in your hand betweem the thumb and the index finger
  • close your hand and find that mount of flesh right between the thumb and index finger
  • open that spot and press that area with your other thumb
  • press your thumb on that spot for 30 seconds and release for 2 seconds and do it for five minutes alternate with the other hand
  • you should feel some discomfort but tolerable pain
  • you should feel some relief from tension headache
For menstrual cramps
  • Sit comfortably on a chair or on the edge of the bed
  • Focus a spot on the lower leg
  • Cross your leg and find a spot right above the inner ankle
  • with your otherthumb press on that spot for 6 seconds and release for 2 seconds and do this for 5 minutes each leg
  • you should feel some discomfort but tolerable pain
  • repeat as much as you can
  • you should feel some relief

4/15/2013

Use of Acupuncture for Pain

Acupuncture, among the oldest healing practices in the world, is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, this regulates the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, 1.4 percent of respondents (an estimated 3.1 million Americans) said they had used acupuncture in the past year. A special analysis of acupuncture data from an earlier NHIS found that pain or musculoskeletal complaints accounted for 7 of the top 10 conditions for which people use acupuncture. Back pain was the most common, followed by joint pain, neck pain, severe headache/migraine, and recurring pain.
A doctor performing acupuncture.
© Bob Stockfield

What the Science Says About Acupuncture for Pain

Acupuncture has been studied for a wide range of pain conditions, such as postoperative dental pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, low-back pain, menstrual cramps, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow.
Overall, it can be very difficult to compare acupuncture research results from study to study and to draw conclusions from the cumulative body of evidence. This is because studies may use different acupuncture techniques (e.g., electrical vs. manual), controls (comparison groups), and outcome measures.
One particularly complex factor in acupuncture research is choosing the controls for a clinical trial. The choice depends in part on whether the researchers want to study a particular aspect of acupuncture (e.g., effects on the brain) or to determine whether acupuncture is useful compared with other forms of care. Examples of control groups include study participants who receive no acupuncture, simulated acupuncture (procedures that mimic acupuncture, sometimes also referred to as "placebo" or "sham"), or other treatments (in addition to or in place of acupuncture or simulated acupuncture).
An emerging theme in acupuncture research is the role of the placebo. For example, a 2009 systematic review of research on the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture compared with placebo (simulated) or no acupuncture was inconclusive. The reviewers found a small difference between acupuncture and placebo and a moderate difference between placebo and no acupuncture; the effect of placebo acupuncture varied considerably, and the effect of acupuncture appeared unrelated to the specific kind of placebo procedure used. All of the study participants received standard care, typically consisting of analgesic drugs and physical therapy.
The following sections summarize research on acupuncture for a variety of pain conditions, including those reported by NHIS respondents who had used acupuncture. In general, acupuncture appears to be a promising alternative for some of these pain conditions; however, further research is needed.
 

4/11/2013


Benefits of Acupressure Therapy

Developed in ancient Asia around 5,000 years ago, Acupressure is a traditional art of healing using the hands. Acupressure is exerting pressure on certain points in the body with the motive of restoring body’s positive energy flow. some of the advantages of acupressure are discussed below:

 

Stress Management and body energy balance

Acupressure helps a person in the management of stress. It calms the nervous tension and improves an individual’s stress resistance as it directly works on autonomic nervous system. Acupressure enhances relaxation of the body and creates positivity of mind. Acupressure is potent in relieving discomfort and works greatly in improving one’s mental well-being as well as emotional well-being as it a key to learning disorders and emotional trauma. By relieving stress, acupressure improves one’s immunity to various ailments, promotes wellness and restores positive energy flow in the body.

 

Relieve Pain

Acupressure is known to have long-lasting effects on pain in different body parts. Acupressure is practiced worldwide to treat arthritis, muscular pain in the arm and neck, cervical pain, joint pain, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, pain caused by sports and athletics and other body pains. Acupressure therapists hold that acupressure must be used as primary treatment for locomotive disorders. One can learn self-care acupressure applications to deal with fatigue, headaches, chronic muscular pain and fibromyalgia. With acupressure techniques, one can get rid of neurological disorders such as paralysis of the face, peripheral neurological disorders, epilepsy, vertigo, multiple sclerosis, sinusitis, insomnia, libido problems and stomach disorders.

 

Deals with Maternity

Acupressure is helpful in dealing with the changes and risks of pregnancy. Practicing acupressure during pregnancy relaxes your muscles, balances your mood and emotions, relieve physiological symptoms associated with pregnancy such as bloating, water retention, muscular cramps, pain in the neck, the back, the hips, sciatica, headaches, nausea, blood pressure, bloodstream etc. In the last trimester of pregnancy, acupressure induces a late labour, eases the expulsion process and reduces labour pain. After childbirth, it helps a woman by strengthening the healing power of her body. It naturally relieves postnatal depression, stress, lactation issues and genital disorders. Acupressure massage therapy greatly helps a woman in postmenstrual trauma, menopause, menstrual pains, mood swings and back pain.

 

Improves Sex Life

The practice of acupressure cultivates sexual energy and makes lovemaking better.  It is known to improve fertility, seduction and sexual endurance. Lovers have a bonus point of stimulating each other’s acupressure points by full body embraces, kisses and  secret touches. It improves the chemistry of love in a relationship and makes it ever lasting. With acupressure, you can find solutions to sexual problemssuch as inhibited sexual desire, premature ejaculation, impotency, infertility and sexual frustration. It helps you to attain deeper sexual communication and sexual satisfaction.

Benefits of Acupressure Therapy

Developed in ancient Asia around 5,000 years ago, Acupressure is a traditional art of healing using the hands. Acupressure is exerting pressure on certain points in the body with the motive of restoring body’s positive energy flow. some of the advantages of acupressure are discussed below:

 

Stress Management and body energy balance

Acupressure helps a person in the management of stress. It calms the nervous tension and improves an individual’s stress resistance as it directly works on autonomic nervous system. Acupressure enhances relaxation of the body and creates positivity of mind. Acupressure is potent in relieving discomfort and works greatly in improving one’s mental well-being as well as emotional well-being as it a key to learning disorders and emotional trauma. By relieving stress, acupressure improves one’s immunity to various ailments, promotes wellness and restores positive energy flow in the body.

 

Relieve Pain

Acupressure is known to have long-lasting effects on pain in different body parts. Acupressure is practiced worldwide to treat arthritis, muscular pain in the arm and neck, cervical pain, joint pain, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, pain caused by sports and athletics and other body pains. Acupressure therapists hold that acupressure must be used as primary treatment for locomotive disorders. One can learn self-care acupressure applications to deal with fatigue, headaches, chronic muscular pain and fibromyalgia. With acupressure techniques, one can get rid of neurological disorders such as paralysis of the face, peripheral neurological disorders, epilepsy, vertigo, multiple sclerosis, sinusitis, insomnia, libido problems and stomach disorders.

 

Deals with Maternity

Acupressure is helpful in dealing with the changes and risks of pregnancy. Practicing acupressure during pregnancy relaxes your muscles, balances your mood and emotions, relieve physiological symptoms associated with pregnancy such as bloating, water retention, muscular cramps, pain in the neck, the back, the hips, sciatica, headaches, nausea, blood pressure, bloodstream etc. In the last trimester of pregnancy, acupressure induces a late labour, eases the expulsion process and reduces labour pain. After childbirth, it helps a woman by strengthening the healing power of her body. It naturally relieves postnatal depression, stress, lactation issues and genital disorders. Acupressure massage therapy greatly helps a woman in postmenstrual trauma, menopause, menstrual pains, mood swings and back pain.

 

Improves Sex Life

The practice of acupressure cultivates sexual energy and makes lovemaking better.  It is known to improve fertility, seduction and sexual endurance. Lovers have a bonus point of stimulating each other’s acupressure points by full body embraces, kisses and  secret touches. It improves the chemistry of love in a relationship and makes it ever lasting. With acupressure, you can find solutions to sexual problemssuch as inhibited sexual desire, premature ejaculation, impotency, infertility and sexual frustration. It helps you to attain deeper sexual communication and sexual satisfaction.