What Is Acupressure And How Does It Work?
Acupressure has been around for ages and is a proven method for healing pain and relieving muscle tension
Acupressure is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often considered acupuncture without needles both of which have been the primary form of medicine in China for over five thousand years. At the core of the Chinese medicine philosophy is the belief that the body is a microcosm of the Universe and that we are an integral part of the natural world. Just as there are daily and seasonal cycles in nature, there are cycles of change within our bodies. Each of the five major organs is associated with one of the five seasons, five elements and five positive or negative emotions as seen bellow.
Liver - Spring Wood Kindness/Anger
Heart - Summer Fire Love/Cruelty
Spleen - Indian summer Earth Righteousness/Worry
Lungs - Fall Metal Courage/Grief
Kidneys - Winter Water Gentleness/Fear
Just as the body is a microcosm of the Universe, there are microcosms within the body such as the hands, feet and the ears. Every organ is represented in each of these by an acupoint and is connected to its corresponding organ by a meridian.
What are meridians?
Meridians can be thought of as rivers or energy channels that carry vital life force known as “chi” or “qi” throughout the body. It is an intricate web of channels and junctions consisting of 20 meridians, twelve major ones and eight others that correspond to all the organs and functions within the body. Highly trained practitioners are able to “see” these channels through their fingertips. By checking the pulse of each meridian they can determine the strength or weakness of its flow and which organs are being affected.
How Acupressure Works
Once it has been determined where the energy is blocked, points along that meridian are stimulated by applying pressure, most often with the fingers, in a gradual but steady downward force for 2 to 5 minutes. The length of time is determined by how the point feels. Some will feel hard and tense while others will be sore. Each point corresponds to the organ that needs healing, and as increasing pressure is applied, more energy flows to that area. In addition, herbs and food remedies may be recommended in order to bring the body back into its natural rhythm and balance.
More Than Symptom Relief
So, as you can see, the practice of acupressure is very complex but is also very basic. It works with the meridians on the physical level by clearing the “traffic jams” along the information highways but also seeks to discover the underlying cause of an individual’s imbalance at a spiritual and emotional level. The ultimate goal is permanent change resulting in true health and vitality from head to toe.
The Science Behind Acupressure
This system has always been a mystery to modern scientists and until recently meridians have been “invisible” to the Western world.
Over the last 15 years, however, scientists have been gathering clinical evidence to support the existence of meridians and their properties. Through infrared imaging they have glimpsed the first images of meridians in a few living people. While sages of the ages have never needed modern science to confirm what they already know, for the Western world, if seeing is believing, then this is exciting news.
However, proof of their existence does not change the fact that in the hands of skilled practitioners individuals have been experiencing profound healing for thousands of years. It is a wonderful alternative or compliment to Western Medicine and a great way to achieve and maintain optimum health. Contact a chiropractor and give it a try.
Luke Edmond is a freelance writer and works with the Denver Integrated Spine Center. His interests include current medical trends and chiropractic treatments.
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