Acupressure & Massage Technique

Acupressure is a healing method used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, called TCM. Acupressure and TCM therapies seek to improve each person's circulation of qi, or life force energy, and create a healthy balance in the body. Acupressure is delivered through different massage techniques and is generally safe as long as you are working with a certified health professional. Get medical advice before using acupressure, especially if you are pregnant or have a life threatening illness, such as cancer or heart disease.

Acupressure vs. Acupuncture

Acupressure is related to acupuncture, which improves the flow of qi by inserting needles at specific points in the body. The same points are used in acupressure and acupuncture, but acupressure relies on massaging the points and does not use needles, according to Michael Reed Gach in "Acupressure's Potent Points." People who fear needles but are interested in the benefits of acupuncture may feel more comfortable with acupressure massage.

Techniques

Acupressure massage uses firm pressure, slow motion kneading, brisk rubbing and quick tapping, according to Gach. Firm pressure is applied with the fingers, thumbs, palm and side of the hand. The fingers, thumbs and heel of the hand are used to slowly knead and squeeze larger muscle groups. In brisk rubbing, friction is created by swiftly moving the hands over the surface of the skin. Brisk rubbing is good for warming up cool or numb areas. Fingers can be used to quickly tap tender areas of the body. A loose fist can be used to tap larger areas of the body, such as the back and buttocks.

Pressure

The level of pressure and amount of time to apply pressure varies for different acupressure points and individuals. In general, pressure is gradually increased on a point, massaging for around three minutes. According to Gach, pressure should be firm enough to cause a gentle ache, but should not cause unbearable pain. The point of acupressure is not to test pain endurance. Massage recipients should still be able to relax while receiving an acupressure massage.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is the most common form of acupressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical School Center for Integrative Health. Shiatsu uses a variety of massage techniques to relieve pain, stimulate healing and promote a balanced flow of qi in the body. Acupressure can be self-applied in a matter of minutes, whereas shiatsu usually involves a longer, more formal massage given by a certified massage therapist.

Benefits

In a study involving 85 shiatsu practitioners in Austria, Spain and the UK, 60 to 80 percent of participants experienced benefits from Shiatsu, a form of acupressure. The most common symptoms addressed in the study were muscle tension, low energy levels and joint and body structure problems. After six months, around 80 percent of participants said they had made positive lifestyle changes because they had received shiatsu. Acupressure works similarly to acupuncture, which is used to treat nausea, vomiting, pain, stroke, headaches, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain and asthma. Acupressure is not a substitute for medical treatment.