Acupressure is an ancient technique of applying pressure along the invisible lines of energy channels. This methodology dates back to over 5000 years and is an intregal part of Ayurveda. It was further developed by the Chinese into the new field of acupuncture.

The body is defined as being interconnected by these energy channel and affects every organ in the body. By applying various levels of pressure at specific energy points; the energy is permitted to circulate freely, removing blockages increasing energy flow, reduce stress and promote health.

Used for thousands of years in Asia, acupressure applies the same principles as acupuncture to aid relaxation and wellness and to treat disease. Sometimes called pressure acupuncture, acupressure is often thought of as simply acupuncture without the needles.

The theory of acupressure?
Acupressure is just one of a number of Asian bodywork therapies with roots in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

Traditional medical theory describes special acupoints, or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. Through these invisible channels flows vital energy or a life force called qi (ch'i). It is also believed that these 12 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian.

According to theory, when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure and acupuncture are among the types of CAM's that are used to help restore balance. Herbal and nutritional therapy, meditation, and therapeutic massage may also help.

How does acupressure work?
Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also involves stretching or acupressure massage as well as other methods.

During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table. The practitioner gently presses on acupressure points on your body. A session typically lasts about one hour. You may need several sessions for the best results.

The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health and balance to the body's channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that therapists can transmit the vital energy (external qi) to another person.

Not all Western practitioners believe that this is possible or even that these meridians exist. Instead, they attribute any results to other factors, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, or stimulation of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

What are commonly used acupuncture points?
There are literally hundreds of acupuncture points on the body -- too many to name. Here are three that are commonly used and that you can massage yourself.

Large intestine 4 (L14): This is in the soft, fleshy web between your thumb and forefinger.
Liver 3 (LR-3): This is in the soft flesh that sits between your big and 2nd toes. It's an area similar to L14.
Spleen 6 (SP-6): This is about three finger widths above your inner anklebone. It is a tender area of the lower calf muscle.
You can try massaging these points with your fingers and thumbs for a few minutes one or two times a day, several times a week. You should feel some tenderness or a dull achy sensation when you apply pressure.

Which health problems benefit from acupressure?
Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its infancy. Many individual (anecdotal) reports support its use for a number of health concerns. More well-designed research is needed, though. Here are a few health problems that appear in some people to benefit from the effects of acupressure.

Nausea. Several studies support the use of wrist acupressure to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. Effectiveness has been reported for nausea:

after surgery
during spinal anesthesia
after chemotherapy
from motion sickness
related to pregnancy
You can use your middle and index fingers to press firmly down on the groove between the two large tendons on the inside of your wrist that start at the base of your palm. This is the PC 6 acupressure point. You can also try special wristbands that are sold over the counter. These press on similar pressure points and work for some people.

Cancer. In addition to relieving nausea right after chemotherapy, there are individual reports that acupressure also helps reduce stress, improve energy levels, relieve pain, and lessen other symptoms of cancer or its treatments. More research is needed to confirm these reports.

Pain. Some preliminary evidence suggests that acupressure may help with low back pain, postoperative pain, or headache. Pain from other conditions may benefit as well. To relieve headache, try the L14 pressure point.

Arthritis. Some studies suggest that acupressure releases endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects, helping with arthritis.

Depressionand anxiety. More than one study suggests that fatigue and mood -- both depression and anxiety -- may benefit from the use of acupressure. But better designed trials are needed to be sure.

Are there any specific precautions to take with acupressure?
In general, acupressure is very safe. If you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or a chronic condition, be sure to have a discussion with your doctor before trying any therapy that involves moving joints and muscles, such as acupressure. And, make sure your acupressure practitioner is licensed and certified.

Deep tissue work such as acupressure needs to be avoided if any of the following conditions apply:

If the treatment is in the area of a cancerous tumor or if the cancer has spread to bones
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone disease that could be made worse by physical manipulation
If you have varicose veins
If you are pregnant (because certain points can induce contractions)