Considered healing arts, acupuncture and acupressure form the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. The practices follow ancient principles that redirect and balance the energy flow of the body, restoring health. Acupuncture and acupressure help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with a number of medical conditions with few side effects.
Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Underlying Principles
In a healthy body, the yin, the passive, cold and slow forces, are counterbalanced by the yang, the active, hot and excited forces, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. When the yin and yang are out of balance, disease, pain and discomfort occur. Imbalance blocks the pathways along which the vital energy of the body, called qi, flows. Acupuncture and acupressure restore balance and redirect the energy flow along these pathways, or meridians, through pressure or needles applied to specific points that connect to the meridians.
Similarities and Differences
Both acupressure and acupuncture follow the premise that blocked qi leads to disease, says the Acupuncture Today website. Both techniques use the same points to achieve balance. The difference is that an acupuncturist inserts thin metal needles into the points to stimulate energy flow, while an acupressurist uses gentle fingertip pressure on the same points. During acupuncture, the practitioner manipulates the needles with his hands or with mild electrical stimulation. A gentle touch on the points may be enough to achieve results during acupressure; firm or hard pressure is usually unnecessary.
Benefits
The traditional practices of acupressure and acupuncture use no medications or other substances so there are no side effects, according to the Acupuncture Today website. The practices involve little to no special equipment, although training and licensure are required.
Uses
Acupuncture and acupressure help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and pain associated with migraines and chronic headaches, childbirth, dental surgery, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, says the Mayo Clinic. The practices are also used to treat low back pain and menstrual cramps.
Cautions
Consult your regular health care provider before scheduling an appointment with an acupuncture or acupressure practitioner, suggests the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Be sure you see a certified practitioner. Most states require acupuncture and acupressure practitioners to be licensed. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are required to be sterile, but infections may occur. Needles inserted incorrectly may puncture an organ. Acupressure applied incorrectly or too firmly may cause bruising, says the Acupuncture Today website.
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