Pressure point therapy, or acupressure, is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine's (TCM's) healing practices and can trace its roots back to 100 B.C. According to the book "Chinese Bodywork," Chinese bodywork utilizes the same diagnosis theories to treat many different kinds of injuries and ailments. "The Acupressure Atlas" explains some of the "yin yang" and "five element" theories in detail, citing them as paramount in applying the proper acupressure techniques.
Meridian Maps and Guidelines
According to "The Acupressure Atlas," there are 12 meridians through which life energy, or qi, circulates. These meridians relate to the organs in the body. At specific points along these meridians the energy lines meet the surface of the body, and it is by touching these points that the meridian's imbalances can be addressed. The book recommends that both the practitioner's hands and client's skin must be clean and warm before beginning an acupressure treatment.
Pushing
The "Chinese Bodywork" manual lists many different techniques for performing acupressure therapy and Chinese massage, called Tui-na. The most common way to activate a point is to push into it. The hands--the thumb or index finger, and the palms and backs of the hands--are most commonly used to apply pressure. "Chinese Bodywork" lists pushing as being applicable to various parts of the body. The practitioner can sit upright or stand, pressing firmly on the body in a straight line and coordinating the push with the client's breathing cycle.
Grasping
Grasping can be done on the nape of the neck, shoulder, back, waist, arms and legs, according to "Chinese Bodywork." Practitioners use the pad of the thumb and fingers to literally grasp a specific area of the body, applying pressure gently. The book states that grasping is good for relaxing tendons, activating the blood, unblocking meridians, and relieving pain.
Pressing
Pressing a point is one of the simplest methods of acupressure. A practitioner will apply force directly at a specific point, using a finger, a part of the palm, or the entire palm. "Chinese Bodywork" recommends stabilizing the finger or thumb with the fingers of the other hand, keeping the digit straight. When using the palm, the practitioner must keep the arm straight and the wrist bent, and press rhythmically.
Kneading
Many people are familiar with kneading dough, and this particular technique is somewhat similar. It is usually used on parts of the body with stiffness, pain, or numbness. To knead an area, "Chinese Bodywork" says to use one finger or thumb or the whole hand, palm down. In this technique, it is important to remember that the hand or finger does not move from the spot it is touching. The practitioner selects the acupressure point, or points in the case of using the whole hand, and presses firmly. Once pressure has been applied, the hand or finger moves in a circular motion without lifting off the skin's surface.
Tapping
According to "Chinese Bodywork," this technique is applied just as it sounds. Gripping the middle finger firmly with thumb and index finger for support, the practitioner then uses the middle finger to tap a selected area firmly. Tapping is great for points on the face and head, as well as to help open joints. The book also recommends keeping the wrist and elbow bent, and lift the tapping finger off as quickly as possible.
References
- "Chinese Bodywork"; Chengnan, Sun; 2000
- "The Acupressure Atlas"; Kolster, Bernard MD, Waskowiak, Astrid, MD; 2003
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