1. High Chi
The basis of acupressure is the idea that the body needs constant energy flow on what it calls meridians. According to Chinese medicine, there are twelve major meridians on our bodies and they correspond to vital internal organs. These meridians accommodate the flow of blood and chi energy throughout the body. By putting pressure on these various pressure points, it facilitates this flow. The use of acupressure is not only for treatment but it is also an illness prevention measure.
2. Learn the Pressure Points
Identify what the condition or stressors are and then locate the corresponding pressure point. For instance, a common stressor for people that work in an office is that they sit stationary for a large part of the workday. Excessive sitting can cause issues with the stomach and spleen meridian. This a person would locate the pressure points associated with these meridians and apply the appropriate pressure to this area. The spleen and stomach meridian pressure point is located on outside of the person's calve three inches below the kneecap and just to the outside of the shinbone.
3. Applying Pressure
To apply the necessary pressure a person can use one of three instruments. These are the index finger, the knuckle of the index finger and the eraser point of a pencil. With any of these methods, it is important to apply deep pressure but not to damage the pressure area. Once you locate the pressure point, apply pressure for fifteen to twenty seconds at a time. It is also necessary to apply the same method to the corresponding point on the other side of the body.
4. When Not to Use
For thousands of years Asian cultures used acupressure in various forms to treat ailments but there are instances where acupressure should not be the first method of treatment or used at all. If a person is seriously ill or injured then the person should seek traditional medical assistance immediately. Acupressure can cause more harm than good for people that are pregnant or have a heart condition. Finally, if a person recently ate a large meal, exercised, or bathed then do not use acupressure twenty minutes after these events.
5. Balance
Acupressure not only tries to balance the body but to balance the mind as well. Therefore, when a person uses this alternative medical treatment they should find a quiet place where they can relax and be still before the treatment. You should avoid noisy music, working out, food, drugs or alcohol immediately prior to or while using acupressure on the body.
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