Acupressure

Acupressure
The term ‘acupressure’ originates from the Latin words acus, meaning ‘needle’, and premere, meaning ‘pressure’. In Japan, the term shiatsu is used. This pressure massage is performed in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. As with acupuncture, points are activated along the twenty meridians where the life force qi circulates. This allows various different physical and psychological ailments to be treated. Acupressure is often used instinctively, for example when you massage your temples to relieve a headache. However, medical pressure massages often treat areas on the body that are a long way from the cause of the ailment but that are connected to it via the meridians. The twelve principal meridians are connected to the most important organs. In healthy people, qi flows easily through the meridians. However, should a blockage occur, the energy cannot flow properly and the corresponding organ cannot function correctly. When the meridians are stimulated with a pressure massage, the energy flow can be reinstated or the blockage can be eliminated. During the treatment itself, the therapist uses the balls and the sides of their hands, their knuckles and fingernails to stimulate the pressure points. They knead, press, rub and tap the areas requiring treatment. The patient should relax and concentrate fully on their breathing during the session. A treatment session lasts around one hour but can be extended to two if required. If acupressure is required for medical reasons, a total of ten sessions should take place to guarantee success. Self-treatment is also necessary and very common in China. It is, however, important to know where the correct points are located and to discuss self-treatment with a therapist. Acupressure is also popular as a holistic massage for relaxation and stress relief. Exclusive massage parlours offer this type of massage in a comfortable atmosphere usually in combination with other erotic massages. In this case there is no therapeutic aim; instead the physical and emotional well-being of the recipient are targeted. Nevertheless, it is always best to check with a trained therapist regarding the safety of an acupressure treatment. Expectant mothers in particular should exercise caution. Those suffering from infections, inflammations, tumours and fresh wounds should also avoid acupressure treatments. Therefore it is very important to seek advice from a doctor or an alternative practitioner. When used in medicinal therapy, acupressure is very versatile. Its applications include joint pains, headaches, respiratory illnesses, digestive problems, menstruation pains, travel sickness, nausea and vomiting. It can also help treat sleep disorders, nervousness, exhaustion, stress and depression.