Problems with the neck, back pain, an incipient cold, headaches: for people “who have almost everything”, acupressure is often the right treatment method. Acupressure also opens up the possibility of effective self-treatment. Acupressure is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It originated in the court of the Chinese emperor more than 2,000 years ago, and its origins date back as far as 6,000 years.
What is acupressure?
The human body finds its equivalent on the fingers and on the back of the hand. Stimulating certain points on the hand with needles can have a positive effect on the affected organs. For example, various pains then subside. Hand acupressure is similar to reflexology. The definition for point is “acus” and for “premere” pressure. Medical scholars at that time found that pressure massage on certain points and pathways is able to relieve and cure diseases. To this day, Chinese family doctors use this massage technique. They believe that the life energy can flow better in the body this way. Nieji is the name of the acupressure method specially developed for children, which is transmitted in China already in kindergarten. Each point is located on one of the 14 energy pathways, the meridians, which are named after organs of the body. Pressure from the acupressure points sends energy as a signal through the body’s muscular membranes. They are reflected by various tissues and organs of the whole organism. There are 361 acupressure points in total. The theoretical basis of pressure massage includes the understanding of Qi, Yin and Yang: within TCM, illness means deregulation, deficiency, a congestion or excess of energy. Conversely, health means the balance of energies. This can be achieved by means of massage of certain points, which are distributed like switches over the whole body.
Function, effect and goals
Application is acupressure against acute diseases. More severe or chronic diseases should be treated by the orthodox physician. Within the healing massage different procedures are used, learnable is the technique through practice relatively quickly. Most acupressure points are identical with the so-called trigger points. Trigger points are the starting points for pain in the muscles. For headaches, one massages points at the back of the head and just above the eye. A slight pain when pressing shows that the right point has been hit. Firm pressure with the fingertip is the basis of acupressure. The thumb or other individual fingers are used. The edge of the hand can also be used to apply pressure. In general, the pressure points should not become numb. The points are pressed constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until just before the pain threshold. This also has a positive effect on the eyes, tension and sinus problems. A sensitive point on the top of the hand, exactly in the triangle between the index finger and the thumb, can be worked on for all painful conditions of the head and the beginning of colds. With a little practice, you will find the point, also because a nerve pathway runs right next to it. In addition, a rising foot bath pumps energy into the body. The temperature of the bath can go up to 42°C. This is supposed to get rid of the common cold, of course in combination with the right acupressure points. You can treat tension yourself with simple hand acupressure. Click to enlarge. One of them is also on the forearm, another on the back of the hand. Much relief is also provided by pressure on points right next to the nostrils and just above the root of the nose. Many people suffer from tension in the back. Here the most important acupressure point is on the foot below the ankle. Working these points on both feet at the same time is best, but working them gradually is also effective. For laymen, the foot points are located far away from the back. Nevertheless, they are located on the so-called bladder meridian, which runs from the head through the back twice through the body. This meridian essentially determines the condition of the back. All tensions and painful areas are treated through this meridian. Two pressure points on the back between the collarbone and the shoulder blade also lie on it. Their acupressure relieves many types of headaches. Thanks to the relaxing and soothing massage of just these two points, a stiff neck will soon be a thing of the past. How often and how long can you use acupressure?In case of mild, acute diseases, it is not necessary to treat them for weeks. Apply the healing massage for 2 to 3 days until the symptoms have subsided. Three times a day, one can uncomplicatedly enjoy the soothing benefits of the pressure massage technique.
Risks, side effects and dangers
In terms of risks, side effects or dangers, one can make an all-around positive assessment of acupressure. Those who feel a slight dizziness after acupressure should remain lying or sitting for a few minutes. After the healing massage, one will then feel relaxed and loosened. Whether it is for headaches, colds, insomnia, stomach problems or back pain, acupressure gently helps many ailments.
