Body Acupressure

Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a complex system of subtle energy lines. Qi, or universal life energy, flows throughout these lines, ensuring that all body systems function smoothly. Acupressure points lie along the lines, also called "meridians." Where qi fails to flow freely, pressing and massaging these key points can clear blockages and allow qi to flow again.

Theory

According to traditional Chinese medicine, all illness is a product of qi imbalances and blockages. If qi stagnates for too long in any area of the body, it eventually condenses and solidifies, pooling as phlegm, infections or even tumors, according to the website of the Jing-Qi-Shen Foundation. Negative emotions, injury and stress are common causes of traffic jams in the meridians. Positive emotions, exercise and meditation help increase the flow of qi. Acupressure is one of several forms of treatment designed to help get qi moving before serious illness arises.

What to Expect

In a typical acupressure session, a practitioner will diagnose you using traditional Chinese medicine practices. She will look at your tongue for any swelling, redness or coating, take your pulse and ask you about any stress or concerns you might have. This diagnosis helps her decide which points on your body to treat. She will use fingertip pressure and some massage on various areas of your body to relieve any stagnation. At the end of the session, expect to feel refreshed and energized. If you're suffering from pain, acupressure can offer some relief. Many people find they have increased blood circulation and feel deeply relaxed after a treatment, according to Acupressure.com.

Methods

A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner employs many types of touch on body points to promote healing, depending on what ails you and your tolerance for touch. Light or deep pressure applied to pressure points, gentle or firm massage on a point, or massage of an entire area or energy line are all part of an acupressure session, according to John Cross, doctor of acupuncture and author of "Acupressure: Clinical Applications in Musculo-Skeletal Conditions."

Considerations

Acupressure protocols are available for a plethora of conditions. If you've never experienced acupressure before, consult a professional. Once you know how to identify points and can find them on your own, it is possible to deliver self-treatments for conditions like pain, headache, allergies, digestive upset or PMS, according to Acupressure Online.

Research

As of 2010, an increasingly large body of evidence is available to support acupressure's effectiveness, even in cases of serious illness. In a study published in 2010 in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Suzanna Zick and colleagues of the University of Michigan Medical Center examined the effects of acupressure on cancer survivors. Those who received instruction on how to self-administer acupressure experienced significant reductions in their fatigue levels, a common symptom during cancer recovery. Zick and colleagues concluded that acupressure could be a viable way for cancer survivors to help themselves overcome the consequences of their battle with disease.