Acupressure

What is it?

Acupressure is essentially similar to acupuncture, but without the needles. It is also a very old healing body therapy originating from China . It is based on the yin/yang principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It is probably several thousands of years old. The most common forms of acupressure are Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do and Process Acupressure. Acupressure overall is a relaxing form of body therapy.

What does it do?

Acupressure practitioners use there hands to release “blockages” of energy flow through the meridians (lines of energy through the body). These major meridians are associated with a specific body organ. Acupressure can also help to release old emotional blocks in the body, which are also known to interrupt the flow of energy in the body.

What can I expect?

Acupressure is very relaxing. You receive acupressure fully clothed, depending on the acupressurist. You may receive a whole assessment including tongue diagnosis, pulse analysis, health questions, and lifestyle questions. In general the acupressurist follows a specific protocol that is somewhat dependant on your reason for wanting to receive the acupressure.

What are the reported benefits?

Relaxing, acupressure is considered to be helpful for a wide variety of health problems (headaches, muscle aches and pains, stress-related tension, helps increase circulation).

How much does it cost?

Acupuncture prices vary enormously depending on your geographical location. In general sessions run from $40 to $100 per session (per hour). As of this writing, insurance companies do not seem to reimburse for acupressure.

What kind of training does my acupressurist have?

Practitioners of acupressure are usually massage therapists, who have taken specific additional elective training to learn acupressure. This usually consists of a number of workshop levels taken over a period of a year or two to learn.

Recommended Reading

Acupressure’s Potent Points	The Web That Has No Weaver	The Healing promise of Qi

List of Associations

NIH Studies on effectiveness of acupuncture
www.aaom.org

National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture an Oriental Medicine
www.acupuncture.com

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