|
|
 |
|
Acupressure
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acupressure
(a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a complementary medicine technique derived from
acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or
with various devices.
Traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method. The
anatomical or histological basis of acupuncture points or meridians, if they actually exist, is unknown.
Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being
useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Neuro imaging research suggests that certain
acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.
Background
Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom.
The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the
meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi (also spelled "chi"). This theory is
based on the paradigm of TCM .
Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defense and
health purposes (chin na, tui na). The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate
or incapacitate an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in
routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby enhance their circulation and
flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less vulnerable to an attack.
Research
A preliminary randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique found a possible weak correlation with
weight loss maintenance using TAT versus Qigong or self-directed support, suggesting that TAT might
outperform the other methods studied. The results were not statistically significant, but a separation test
indicated that further study is warranted.[5] A full randomized trial of TAT versus standard weightloss
management intervention is currently being conducted, funded by the NCCAM.[6]
An acupressure wristband that is claimed to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness and other forms of
nausea is available. The band is designed to provide pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, a point that
has been extensively investigated. The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of evidence-based medicine
(EBM) reviewers, reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting, and found it to be effective for
reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting. The Cochrane review included various means of
stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser
stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of
stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier said that P6 in two studies showed 52% of
patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6.
A Cochrane Collaboration review found that massage provided some long-term benefit for low back
pain, and said: It seems that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief than
classic (Swedish) massage, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Acupressure work theory
According to the principles of TCM, qi flows through the body via 14 primary meridians or channels. To
strengthen the flow of qi,or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny,
sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along the channels.
There are four to five hundred named acupoints along the meridians, some of which are associated with
specific internal organs or organ systems. If you are suffering from nausea, for example, needles might
be inserted into acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with needles in the foot.
(Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.) Acupuncture
practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a
natural healing response.
A variant system known as two point acupressure attempts to bypass a blockage of vital flow by using
one acupoint to create a link with one of the collateral meridians, and then using one additional acupoint
to stimulate or reduce the flow around the obstruction.
Instruments
There are several different instruments for applying nonspecific pressure by rubbing, rolling, or applying
pressure on the reflex zones of the body. The acuball is a small ball made of rubber with protuberances
that is heatable. It is used to apply pressure and relieve muscle and joint pain. The energy roller is a small
cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure.
The foot roller (also "krupa chakra") is a round, cylindrical roller with protuberances. It is placed on the
floor and the foot is rolled back and forth over it. The power mat (also pyramid mat) is a mat with small
pyramid-shaped bumps that you walk on. The Acufit Foot Mat is a mat with acupressure points, pyramid,
and magnet that you walk on. The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets that is rolled up and
down the spine. The Teishein is one of the original nine classical acupuncture needles described in the
original texts of acupuncture. Even though it is described as an acupuncture needle it did not pierce the
skin. It is used to apply rapid percussion pressure to the points being treated.
There is another new needlefree acupressure pads and masks for boosting healthy blood circulation,
launched in Canada in 2009 by a company called Lepingo. It utilizes bio-electricity, negative ion-current
to stimulate the acupoints of human body non-invasivelly and effectively.[13]
|
|
Click here to schedule an appointment in Manhattan or Queens, NYC or/and send
alternative medicine and healing without medications specialist your health question or
call "Feel Good Acupuncture" at 646-327-7267.
|
Feel good, Look Great, Sleep well, Breathe easy, Pursue a path to Peace and Happiness,
Live Long, Stay Healthy!
|
|
|
