Acupressure is a complementary treatment that's used to treat a variety of different types of pain. It's similar to the better-known acupuncture, but does not involve the use of needles. You can see a practitioner for acupressure sessions or learn to perform simple acupressure on yourself for daily use, using a guide to the body's acupressure points.
Definition
Acupressure involves applying constant, strong pressure to certain points of the body. This application of pressure can help ease pain or discomfort in other parts of the body. Acupressure was developed from acupuncture, a common treatment in traditional Chinese medicine which involves the application of very thin needles into certain points of the body. Instead of needles, an acupressure practitioner uses her fingers or a device to apply the pressure. Acupressure can also involve stretching and massage.
How it Works
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body is made up of pathways through which "qi," or life force, flows. Qi can become blocked at certain points on these pathways. These points are associated with different health problems. Applying pressure to a certain point will unblock the qi, letting it flow freely once more and easing whatever health problem was associated with the particular point. The Mayo Clinic states that Western practitioners believe that acupressure and acupuncture work because the treatment stimulates muscles and blood vessels, which increases blood flow and releases natural painkillers.
Uses
Acupressure is used to treat several of the same conditions as acupuncture. It's often used to ease back pain, headaches and migraine, to reduce arthritis pain and as a fibromyalgia treatment. It can also be used as a complementary treatment for people undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. In addition, acupressure is often used to treat motion sickness using bands that press on certain points of the wrist.
Benefits and Risks
Acupressure eliminates some of the risks of acupuncture, such as injury from a misplaced needle or catching a disease such as hepatitis from a dirty acupuncture needle. Acupressure is also psychologically more comforting for many people than acupuncture because it doesn't use needles. Still, acupressure can cause soreness or bruising and, like acupuncture, can stimulate labor in pregnant women. Large amounts of pressure may also be inappropriate for people undergoing cancer treatment, warns the American Cancer Society.
Self-Treatment
While the full benefits of acupressure may only be experienced when done by a qualified practitioner, one of acupressure's benefits is that it's possible to self-treat by applying pressure to your own body. Guides to acupressure points (see Resources) allow you to practice on yourself and possibly lessen some day-to-day aches and pains. Note that you should not practice acupressure near a break in the skin.
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