Acupressure is a traditional Chinese technique that's used to treat everything from addiction to digestive issues. It is sometimes included in massage therapy training or offered by acupuncturists. Unlike acupuncture, states do not usually require certification or licensing for acupressure practitioners, so it's important for people to ask questions about the practitioner's training and how many times a day or week the practitioner uses this skill, advises Matthew D. Bauer in "The Healing Power of Acupressure and Acupuncture." It's also important to discuss such treatment with your regular doctor, and to observe certain treatment precautions.
Injured Areas
People should not receive acupressure on skin that's broken, directly on lymph glands, or on areas with inflamed tissues such as a sprained joint, Bauer advises.
Avoid Treatment During Anxiety
Acupressure should be done when a person is relaxed and happy. It should not be done when a person is anxious or worried, according to "Acupressure: Heal Yourself," by R. P. Gupa.
No Drugs or Alcohol
People who have drugs or alcohol in their systems should not be treated with acupressure, Bauer said. It's also a good idea to avoid hot or cold drinks during the treatment period, according to Gupa. Receiving acupressure directly after a bath also is not recommended.
Care Near Eyes
Acupressure points that are on or near a person's eyes need to be treated carefully and gently, according to Gupa. These can be treated with finger or thumb when the person's eyes are closed.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not receive acupressure, advises Gupa. Certain acupressure points, most of which are on the legs, shouldn't be stimulated when a woman is pregnant. Neither should the point between the thumb and index finger. These points can encourage the uterus to contract, according to Bauer, though such cases are extremely rare.
Wrong Wavelength
If acupressure elicits a sexual response it is being performed incorrectly. Touch should unlock deep-seated energy blockages. These can connect across the body, mind and spirit. However, this touch shouldn't be titillating. Touch that produces such results is being performed on the wrong wavelength and is not therapeutic, Bauer says.
Not Considered Medical Supervision
Acupressure should never be substituted for medical consultation or advice, Gupa warns. It also should not be considered "medical supervision."
Over Stimulation
Performing acupressure too often is counterproductive, advises Gupa. This can produce toxins and weaken a person's body. In general a relief point shouldn't be stimulated more than twice in a 24-hour period, according to Gupa.
Other Considerations
Acupressure shouldn't be performed on a person who is extremely fatigued, advises Bauer. Gupa advises that acupressure should not be performed directly after excretion.
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