ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is a type of bodywork that involves pressing specific points on the body with the fingers, knuckles, and palms to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote general good health. Developed in China over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is part of the holistic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine that also includes acupuncture. Interestingly, the use of acupressure predates acupuncture by 2,500 years.

How Does It Work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine views health as the constantly changing flow of vital energy, or qi throughout the body. If that flow is hindered, health problems may develop. The goal of acupressure (and acupuncture) is to release blocked energy by stimulating specific points--called acupoints--along the body's 14 primary meridians, or energy channels. Pressing firmly and steadily on the proper acupoints can promote energy flow to a part of the body that is experiencing discomfort, enabling it to heal itself more readily. While acupuncture involves stimulation with needles, acupressure typically uses only the practitioner's hands to restore the balance of qi.

Combined with gentle Shiatsu stretches and Intuitive Energy healing, an Acupressure session creates a powerful opportunity for the body to heal and re-balance itself.  It helps the practitioner to get to the root cause of health imbalances and helps release, rebalance and heal.

Reported Health Benefits

Acupressure is used to treat all types of health imbalances and lowered energy and vitality in the body. It is reported to be especially beneficial for relieving pain, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. Allergies, chronic sinusitis, hormonal imbalances, infertility, insomnia and anxiety related disorders have also been shown to respond positively to acupressure treatments. However, acupressure is beneficial for everyone to maintain health and vitality, cope with everyday stress and fatigue.

An Acupressure Session

A treatment session typically lasts 1 hour. The practitioner has the client sit or lie on a massage table. The practitioner locates and works on specific acupoints that relate to the health condition. Each session in tailored specifically to meet the changing health needs of the individual. Often, the practitioner includes other holistic modalities such as deep breathing, shiatsu stretches, therapeutic essential oils or hot stones to increase the benefits of the treatment. A series of three to eight sessions is typically required to see the desired health benefits.