Acupressure

The healing art of Acupressure is at least 5,000 years old and remains the third most popular method for pain and illness relief in the world. It is a complete health system that has been documented to be used for over 3000 conditions. Anyone looking for options to their current treatments or are concerned about situations in which they may not be able to get to medical help, should consider this as the first treatment choice for any home self care system.

Based on the same principles as Acupuncture using pressure instead of needles, Acupressure works by stimulating specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run through the body, called meridians. There are fourteen main meridian lines each of which corresponds to an individual organ of the body. When the vital energies are able to flow through the meridians in a balanced and even way the result is good health. However, when we experience pain or illness it is an indication that there is a block or leak in the energy flow within your body.

There is a natural source of healing power in everyone. When this healing power is activated, it triggers a series of complicated internal processes producing a Healing Response. Pain or injury act to alert the body that damage control is needed, at which point the Healing Response begins and endorphins are generated to repair the affected area. This increases the heart rate and alters the blood pressure to speed up the elimination of toxins from the damaged area.

Acupressure induces this Healing Response by simulating injury through pressure. When applied to specific sore points along the meridians at different points for different conditions, this pressure tricks the body into thinking it has been damaged. The body then produce endorphins to relieve distress in the organs and systems corresponding to that Acupressure point. While the body is healing at the point of pain, it produces a Healing Response all along the meridian.

The goal with Acupressure is to learn the points that will produce the Healing Response for the conditions we want to fix. Through repetitive Acupressure treatments, the body learns a new and effective way to activate the Healing Response on its own and increases the power to heal itself without any outside intervention.

For the conditions listed below, you will find points that the experts agree help these conditions and that are easy to find. Sometimes you only need a few points to get results. The points follow (as shown in the diagrams below):

* GB 20 – just under the base of the skull in two small muscular grooves at the back of the neck
* GB 21 – on top of the shoulder, 2"-3" from the side of the neck
* GB 30 – near the "ball-joint" of the hips in the depression formed by squeezing the buttocks (relax before stimulating)
* Li 4* – on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, in the center of the large bone on your finger – to be probed inward toward the main body of the hand, directly on the bone
* Li 11 – on the extreme end of the outer crease of the elbow – bend arm tightly to find point (open arm and relax before stimulating)
* SP 6* – on the front of the leg, just behind the shin bone – the width of one hand (three thumbs) above the crown of the inner ankle
* St 36* – in the trough or valley just away from the most prominent shin bone, the width of one hand (three thumbs) below the bottom of the kneecap toward outside of leg the width of one thumb.
* T 5 – on the forearm two thumb widths above the most prominent crease of the upper wrist, in line with the middle finger
* UB 54 – at the rear of the knee, in the center of the crease between the two ligaments
* UB 60 – in the hollow or valley behind the crown of the outer ankle

*Pregnant women should avoid using SP 6, Li 4, and St 36.

Conditions:

* Allergies: Li4,11 SP6 St36
* Arthritis: GB20 Li4,11 St36 T5 UB60
* Asthma: Li4 GB20,21 SP6 St36
* Bronchitis: Li4 GB20,21 St36
* Cold and Flu: Li4,11 T5 GB20 St36 SP6
* Constipation: St36 SP6 Li4,11
* Diarrhea: St36, SP6 Li4
* Ear Infection: Li4,11 T5 St36 GB20
* Fainting: St36 Li4 GB20
* Fatigue: St36 GB21
* Fever: Li4,11 T5
* Hemorrhoids: Li11 SP6 UB60
* Indigestion: SP6 St36 Li4
* Infection: Li4,11 St36
* Insomnia: SP6 GB20 St36
* Menstrual Cramps: Li4 St36 GB20 SP6
* Motion Sickness: GB20 St36 SP6
* Multiple Sclerosis: GB20 UB60 St36 SP6
* Nausea: GB21 St36
* Pain Control: Li4 SP6 St36 Gb20 UB60
* Pneumonia: St36 Li4,11
* Sciatica: GB30 UB54,60 SP6
* Sinusitis: GB20 Li4,11 SP6
* Toothache: Li4,11 St36
* Vertigo: Li4 GB20,21 UB60 T5 St36

Administration:

To find the appropriate point, read the description and look at the diagram illustrating the location of the point, and then find the general area on your skin. Gently probe the area until you find that point which gives you a "funny bone" feeling or is sensitive, tender or sore. Then press hard enough to make the point hurt.

You can use a steady pressure or a five seconds on and five seconds off rotating pressure for the time you stimulate the point. Usually one minute is sufficient for each treatment session.

Regular, systematic treatment usually gets the best results because the effects of Acupressure are cumulative. At first, frequent treatment is recommended. Treatment three times daily for five to ten minutes may be necessary. Or treat more frequent, such as every two hours, until you start feeling relief. You cannot overdose.

Some report almost immediate results; others may need a few weeks to get lasting results. Acupressure is safe. Side effects are very rare. Treat while sitting down and do not administer after meals.

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Acupressure for Menstrual Cramps

Acupressure for Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps affect more than 50 percent of women worldwide and more than 15 percent suffer from severe cramping that limits physical activity. The process of acupressure, which involves applying pressure to spots on the body known as acupoints that correspond to junctions of physiological systems, can reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
What Kind of Acupressure Relieves Menstrual Cramping?

Women suffering from menstrual cramps can use a variety of acupressure points to relieve pain and other symptoms. The basic technique is to locate the acupressure point and apply pressure using the tip of the finger, the knuckle or a soft rounded object, such as a pencil eraser. Pressure should be applied for 1 to 3 minutes, but care should be taken to ensure that the fingers remain comfortable while applying pressure.

Acupoints are named for the part of the body they correspond to rather than the part of the body where the acupoint is located. For instance, an acupoint commonly used for menstrual cramping is “Three Yin Intersection” (the Chinese term for which is San Yin Jiao), which is located behind the calf, about three inches from the ankle. The acupoint is also known as SP-6 or “Spleen 6” because it is part of a pathway that Chinese medicine specialists believe includes the spleen.

Other acupoints known to help with menstrual cramping include:

* The Sea of Energy (Qi Hai) located two finger widths below the belly button. Also called Conception Vessel (CV) 6. The CV-6 point is also used to treat digestion problems, edema, and bloating.

* The Inner Pass (Nei Guan) located approximately 2 inches from the wrist on the inner arm. Also known as Pericardium (PC) 6. This point has also been demonstrated, in clinical studies, to relieve vomiting and abdominal problems during pregnancy.

* The Union Valley (He Gu) located in the webbing between the thumb and the forefinger. Also known as Large Intestine (LI) 4. This point is believed to aid in any problem involving chronic pain.

* The Wind Pool (Feng Chi) located at the rear of the skull about two to three inches from the ear. Also called Gall Bladder (GB) 20. The GB-20 point is often prescribed for headache and hypertension.

* The Leg Three Li (Zu San Li) located about one finger width from the juncture of the tibia on the outside of the leg. Also known as Stomach (ST) 36. The ST-36 point is also used to relieve any other issue involving the stomach or spleen.

* The Middle Gate (Mu Guan) located about one finger width from the wrist crease on the palm. This is an extra point discovered by Master Tong, although it is on the Pericardium (PC) pathway. Mu Guan is also used for heel pain.


What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture, moxibustion, and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Medical manuscripts and other artifacts indicate that Chinese healers have been using acupressure for at least 3000 years to treat ailments from fractured bones to depression.

There are two views on how acupressure works. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is believed to be composed of channels of energy, known as meridians, that connect all the body’s organs and other components into a single system. It is believed that by applying pressure to certain points (acupressure) or piercing the points with needles (acupuncture), the flow of energy (qi) is altered. These changes in energy result in corresponding effects on the body.

Research indicates that acupuncture and acupressure can alter levels of neurochemicals, which are chemicals that flow through the bloodstream and regulate a variety of bodily processes. It is also possible that by altering body chemistry, acupressure can have an effect on a variety of ailments.

Experiments have indicated that acupressure is highly effective at relieving tension and stress. It has also been shown to have significant positive effects on pain and circulatory problems. Some medical professionals have suggested that by relieving stress in one part of the body, acupressure may have peripheral effects on other parts of the body, including lessening sensations of pain.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramping, known as “dysmenorrhea,” is a painful affliction that accompanies menstruation in approximately 50 percent of women. As the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins breaking down during menstruation, dying tissues release hormones called prostaglandins into the blood stream. Prostaglandins cause the muscles of the uterus to contract as they force the endometrial material through the cervix and the vagina.

As pieces of the uterine lining pass through the cervix, pressure from contracting muscles may cause pain in the uterus. Most menstrual cramps last from 15 to 90 seconds and generally start in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Pain can be continuous or periodic and usually lasts for 2-4 days.

The intensity of menstrual cramping is related to the concentration of hormones and other neurochemicals in the blood. Women with narrow cervical canals also tend to suffer from more painful cramping. The cramps endured by some women during menstruation are similar to those experienced by women during early stages of childbirth.

While traditional medicines and pain relievers are often used to treat the symptoms of menstrual cramps, some women prefer a more naturalistic approach. Certain types of exercise, dietary changes, and herbal remedies have all been developed to address cramping. As information about Traditional Chinese Medicine has become more widely available, a number of women have turned to treatments like acupuncture and acupressure as potential solutions to menstrual cramps.

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Acupressure Cautions to Consider

Acupressure Cautions to Consider

* Apply finger pressure on acupressure points gradually in a slow, rhythmic manner to enable the layers of soft tissue and muscle fibers to respond. Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way.

* Use the abdominal acupressure points cautiously, especially if you are ill. Avoid the abdominal area entirely if a patient has a life-threatening disease, such as intestinal cancer, tuberculosis, serious cardiac conditions, and leukemia.

* Gently press or touch lymph areas, such as in the groin, the area of the throat, in the soft tissue just below the ear lobs, and the area around the breast near the armpits. These areas are often extremely sensitive and thus should be touched only lightly, not pressed.

* Do not work directly on a serious burn, an ulcerous condition, or an infection: for these conditions, medical care and attention is indicated.

* Do not work directly on a recently formed scar. During the first month after an injury or operation, do not apply pressure directly on the affected site. However, gentle continuous holding a few inches away from the periphery of the injury will stimulate the area and help it heal.

After an acupressure point session, your body temperature is lowered; thus your resistance to cold is also lower. Because the tensions have been released, your body’s vital energies are concentrating inward to maximize healing. Your body will be more vulnerable, so be sure to wear extra clothing, do not eat cold foods or drinks, and keep warm after receiving an in-depth acupressure routine.

Acupressure Boundaries & Limitations

Patients with life-threatening diseases and serious medical problems should always consult their doctor before using acupressure or other alternative therapies; it is important for the novice to use caution in any medical emergency situation, such as a stroke or heart attack, or for any serious medical condition such as arteriosclerosis or an illness caused by bacteria. Acupressure therapy must be used as an adjunct to western medicine and other complementary treatments for cancer, contagious skin diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases. In conjunction with proper medical attention, gentle touch on acupressure points safely away from the diseased area or internal organs can soothe and relieve a patient’s distress and pain.

Acupressure for Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid the abdominal area during pregnancy. Use special care applying acupressure points during pregnancy by using lighter pressure – consciously approaching the pressure points slowly and gradually. Please refer to chapters 29 and 36 in Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach for pregnancy points and breast feeding acupressure points are effective, what points to avoid during pregnancy, acupressure points for relieving discomforts due to pregnancy, labor pain pressure points, postpartum recovery points, acupressure points for nursing, and further acupressure therapy guidance.

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Better Than Sedatives: Acupressure Calms Children Before Surgery

An acupressure treatment applied to children undergoing anesthesia noticeably lowers their anxiety levels and makes the stress of surgery more calming for them and their families, UC Irvine anesthesiologists have learned.

According to Dr. Zeev Kain, anesthesiology and perioperative care chair, and his Yale University collaborator Dr. Shu-Ming Wang, this noninvasive, drug-free method is an effective, complementary anxiety-relief therapy for children during surgical preparation. Sedatives currently used before anesthesia can cause nausea and prolong sedation.

"Anxiety in children before surgery is bad because of the emotional toll on the child and parents, and this anxiety can lead to prolonged recovery and the increased use of analgesics for postoperative pain," said Kain, who led the acupressure study. "What's great about the use of acupressure is that it costs very little and has no side effects."

In this study, Kain and his Yale colleagues applied adhesive acupressure beads to 52 children between the ages of 8 and 17 who were to undergo endoscopic stomach surgery. In half the children, a bead was applied to the Extra-1 acupoint, which is located in the midpoint between the eyebrows. In the other half, the bead was applied to a spot above the left eyebrow that has no reported clinical effects.

Thirty minutes later, the researchers noted decreased anxiety levels in the children who had the beads applied to the Extra-1 acupoint. In turn, anxiety levels increased in the other group. Overall, they found the use of acupressure had no effect on the surgical procedure.

"As anesthesiologists, we need to look at all therapeutic opportunities to make the surgical process less stressful for all patients," Kain said. "We can't assume that Western medical approaches are the only viable ones, and we have an obligation to look at integrative treatments like acupressure as a way to improve the surgery experience."

Surgery is traumatic for most children, and Kain leads research to find integrative methods, such as soothing music, massage, and Chinese acupuncture and acupressure treatments, to make the surgical period more calming for patients and their families.

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Simple Acupressure weight loss method

Simple Acupressure weight loss method

Friends from overseas came back, not seen for two months,her figure become so fine, weight was reduced by as much as eight kilograms. How can she get so fast weight loss? She told me that the latest weight loss acupressure technique is popular in London , not only do not need to take weight loss pill, but also do not have any instruments, but can be done anytime, anywhere, as long as the use of a short period of time to spare a few minutes. Is the most easy way to lose weight.

1. Acupressure lips before meal

Put the forefinger on the Point Renzhong, thumb on the upper lip of the front-end, rapid pinch for 30 times, this method can control the appetite, so that the stomach is no longer feel hunger. However, this method should not be done in public places, easy to eye-catching.
2. Avoid snacking method

Use the front-end of the two fingers hand, to pressure inside of the wrist, by the thumb to little finger slowly in front of the bottom, can be used right-hand man. slowly moved from the bottom of the Thumb to the front of the little finger, each hand can be used.

3. Press stomach when eating by the middle finger

Put the fingertips of index and middle fingers on the center between the sternum and the navel, this method can control the filling of hunger. 30 times around in 10 seconds.

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Acupressure for LIVER problems

Liver and Vision-enhancing Massage


1. Thumb-knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the skull, 30 times.
2. Place the thumbs on the temples and use the middle knuckles of the index fingers to press the inner canthi of eyes, then scrape apart along the upper and lower orbits, 30 times.
3. Thumb-knead the inner sides of the eyebrows (Bl2), 30 times.
4. Pinch the nasal bridge closest to the inner canthi of eyes (Bl1), 30 times.
5. Thumb-knead the temples, 30 times.
6. First rub the hands together to get them warm, then put them over the closed eyes with the palms for 30 seconds; then slightly rub the eyeballs 10 times or more.
7. Nip and knead on the middle part of the palm web (Li4), between the thumb and index finger, 30 times.
8. Knead the sides of the ninth thoracic vertebra (Bl18), 30 times.
9. Knead the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each foot.

This massage enhances liver function and helps improve vision. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure for liver and vision enhancement

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Acupressure for hair loss

Stimulating acupressure points will help reduce hair loss.

For who have thinning hair, hair loss is a very serious trouble.
Hair loss is caused by various factors such as poor food balance and bad shampoo method. The main causes are heredity and psychological stress. Is there any effective acupressure point for stopping such fallen hair?
In China, it has been thought that blood raises hair. The deep black hair is a proof whose blood is abundant (because blood carries nutritive substance to hair).
Therefore, it is important for the measure against hair loss to improve the flow of the blood of the head first.
The acupressure point that has an effect in improving the blood circulation of a head is the “Paihui” located in the top of the head.

Paihui

The “Paihui” is located in the top of the head, at which the extension from a nose crosses the extension top of an ear on either side.
Stimulation method

Use about ten toothpicks bundled with the rubber band to stimulate the “Paihui.” Also, let's stimulate the portion from which hair tends to fall. And finally please give a stimulus uniformly to the whole head. Generally, perform the above method for 2 to 3 minutes, once a day. Be careful not to damage the head at this time.
In addition, it is still more effective if "a head massage" is practiced.
Head massage

As shown in the figure, with five fingers of one hand, push the “Paihui” and its surroundings lightly in the vertical direction. It is because many acupressure points that have an effect to hair loss exist in the surroundings of the ”Paihui.”

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