A form of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure involves stimulating various healing points on the body by applying pressure. According to the Stanford School of Medicine, acupressure may be useful as supplemental treatment for conditions such as allergies, colds and influenza, menstrual cramps, depression, fatigue, hangovers, nasal congestion and insomnia. Acupressure practitioners apply pressure with their fingers, knuckles or soft instruments such as pencil erasers. You can also buy instruments for home use that are specially designed to relieve nausea, reduce stress and promote improved circulation in the body.
Acupressure Mats
Designed to improve circulation and stimulate nerve endings, acupressure mats consist of a foam pad and a cotton cover lined with small plastic disks. On the surface of each disk are multiple tiny spikes. Depending on the size and design of the mat, it may contain between 6,000 and 14,000 individual spikes. As you lie on the mat, your body weight is equally distributed over the spikes so that they will not pierce your skin. Acupressure mat manufacturer Yantra Mat recommends lying on your back to stimulate points along the spine and relieve neck and back pain, or lying on your stomach to loosen respiratory muscles. Begin with 10 minutes and work your way up to 20 to 40 minutes of daily use. If you experience some discomfort, you can place a thin sheet on top of the mat. You may experience a warm sensation in the parts of your body that are in contact with the mat due to improved circulation.
Wristbands
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, acupressure on the inner wrist is useful in treating motion sickness, morning sickness or chemotherapy-induced nausea. Acupuncture wristbands contain an embedded plastic button to apply continual pressure on the P6 point on the inner wrist. You can find acupressure wristbands at drug stores, travel stores and health-food stores.
Acuball
Designed by chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. Michael A. Cohen, the Acuball is a plastic ball covered in small bumps, or acupoints. The Acuball uses pressure and heat to help flush out waste and toxins that have accumulated in your muscles. According to Dr. Cohen, the Acuball can help relax tight muscles, enhance joint movement, improve circulation and stimulate the release of natural pain-killing and mood-enhancing chemicals. To use the Acuball, immerse it in boiling water for 10 minutes or place it in the microwave for 50 to 60 seconds. Apply the heated ball to any areas of the body where you are experiencing discomfort. You can roll the ball into tight areas or simply apply pressure. The first 15 to 30 seconds may be painful if you have experienced tightness in the area for a long time. For back pain, you can lie on your back with the Acuball under your back, lean against a wall with the ball behind you, or place it against your back as you sit in a chair. A heated Acuball will provide approximately 40 minutes of heat.
Member Comments
davissar January 6
I love the Acuball - I've been using it for about 6 months and it's made a major difference in my low back and upper back pain. Thanks for turning me on to it!
Dave Marsden