Alternative medical treatments are becoming more and more popular. These treatments are thought to be helpful in treating various medical conditions. In the case of acupuncture and acupressure, there are studies that show that they can be beneficial in the treatment of pain. Which treatment you choose can be a matter of personal preference.
Features
Both acupressure and acupuncture rely on the same theory, which in the case of Chinese practitioners is the idea that Qi is energy running through the body which needs to be balanced in order to cure certain conditions. This is done through activating certain points in the body called pressure points or acupuncture points. In Western medicine, practitioners tend to think of these points as good places to stimulate connective tissue, muscles and nerves in order to increase the flow of blood and relieve pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. (See References 1)
Differences
The main difference between acupressure and acupuncture is the fact that acupressure uses pressure applied to these points with the fingers while acupuncture uses thin needles that are inserted at these pressure points. Acupressure is often practiced by massage therapists, while acupuncture is often practiced by medical professionals. Whichever method you choose, you will want to use someone who is licensed and certified in the technique. (See References 3)
Benefits
Studies show that using acupressure and acupuncture for pain can be beneficial. In the case of acupressure, a study done by the Institute of Preventive Medicine at National Taiwan University at Taipei showed that acupressure can be better than physiotherapy at treating back pain. (See References 4) The German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) for Chronic Low Back Pain showed that both acupuncture and sham acupuncture had much better results than conventional therapy in treating this type of pain. (See References 2)
Considerations
Some people are not good candidates for acupuncture and acupressure. These include pregnant women, since stimulating some of these points can bring on early labor. Those with bleeding disorders should also avoid these treatments. One type of acupuncture includes mild electrical pulses to the needles, and this could cause a problem for people with pacemakers. (See References 1)
Expert Insight
The Arthritis Foundation lists acupuncture and acupressure as alternative treatments for people to consider. This is because of the possible anti-inflammatory effects they have, as well as the fact that they might release endorphins. They recommend that you keep in mind that different people react differently to these treatments, so you should discuss your options with your doctor and not expect the same results as your friends might have gotten. (See References 3)
