Acupressure

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is the use of pressure on acupuncture points to restore balance within the body.  This pressure is applied by using the hand, knuckle, elbow or a special probe (Gua Sha instrument).  Acupoint therapy involves stimulation of acupuncture points along the meridian with a therapy stick.  This modality is very popular in Sweden.  Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate points. 

Acupressure uses massage, whist Shiatsu (an energy system developed in Japan), uses finger, knuckle or elbow pressure to the point.  The amount of pressure applied depends on the area of the body being treated. Points can also be balanced one with the other, a very useful technique.

“Life is finite, while knowledge is infinite. “                                                                                       Zhuang Zi 

How do these modalities work?

The philosophy underlying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the basis of these modalities.  This way of thinking is very different from our Western Medicine model.  It evolved from the observation of nature and her cycles.  The Chinese initially being a nation of farmers related everything to nature.  They believe in the Tao and the two elements that arise from it, yin and yang.

Yin and yang are not mutually exclusive.  Within each is the seed of the other.  Everything is in a constant state of movement, constant changes in the amount of yin and yang.  Through careful and lengthy observation a whole system of concordances was developed.  Nurturing cycles control cycles exist.  They explain energy flow and provide a model for energy imbalance when it arises.

A complex and very accurate system of diagnosis and subsequent treatment was developed.  This system is in many ways more complete and holistic that that of conventional medicine.  The aim of TCM is to restore the free flow of energy within the body.  Balance is paramount.  When in balance the body is healthy.  This balance is not constant, affected by emotions, the seasons, the state of the immune system etc. A body in balance will easily adjust internal and external factors.

Organs were correlated with major body systems, some were solid and storing others hollow and transporting.  The human body has a special system that connects the superficial with the interior, the upper with the lower and hollow with solid organs.  These channels and collaterals are neither blood vessels nor nerves.  They are channels or conduits of energy. Through these meridians the energy continually flows, nourishing and sustaining the body.  A point may be on an extremity and affect a proximal organ.  Time of day, night and day all change the peaks in this cycle.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM predates modern medicine.  I am a Physiotherapist and my training is Western Medicine based.  When I began to study Acupuncture, I found no correlations.  The more I tried to find them, the more they eluded me.  Therefore, I tried to learn to think in a new way, embracing a new line of thought.  I found it a pleasure to learn and the pictures or syndromes were comprehensive and accurate.  I had seen these patterns of disharmony before.

In China, people also got sick.  Over the ages, they developed a complex and effective medical system.  The doctors were paid if you were well when examined.  If you had a check up and were ill, your treatment was free, the duty of the physician.  Doctors were poor and often serviced more than one village.

A complex herbal medicine system was also developed.  Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbs singly or in combination were used to treat illness.

“Without going outside, you may know the whole world!”                                   Chapter 47, Tao te Ching              

Why should I choose Acupressure?

Many people do not like needles.  They have an aversion to them from childhood.  Through subsequent training, I have found that energy can be manipulated just as effectively by the use of pressure, circular massage or light touch.  The body’s energy can be tonified and sedated by changing the direction.  It can also be directed into the points by transmitting energy through the finger chakras.

Chakras are just large vortices of energy.  They correspond to major acupuncture points.  Because of their size and importance in the body, manipulating their energy has health promoting effects.

Currently I offer treatments for sinusitis, fatigue and muscle tension headaches.  Emotional aspects can be treated very effectively also. These are gentle treatments. Using sound educational basis, I am able to discuss which modality is likely to benefit you most.

“He, who depends on himself, will attain the greatest happiness.”                                                Book of Odes

Benefits

Acupressure may work by the release of the body’s endogenous opiates e.g. encephalin and endorphins.  This reduces pain.
Commonly reported benefits include

• Improved immunity
• Better healing of wounds
• Improved circulation
• Calmness and relaxation
• Reduction of digestive disorders

Contraindications

Application of pressure is contraindicated directly over sites of acute, active and ongoing infection and inflammation.  Recent unhealed fractures, acute gout and unhealed wounds contraindicate treatment by this modality.

Services Available

Acupressure services are not available at this time.