Acupressure: Acupuncture at your fingertips

Acupuncture involves stimulating certain points on the body to achieve a beneficial effect and it is considered useful to complement conventional treatments. However, for those who are afraid of needles, this type of therapy may not be a good alternative, but the good news is that you can achieve similar effects with acupressure.

Acupressure was born in prehistoric times, and since then has offered relief to many ailments, for example by improving blood circulation and immunity, optimising the body's ability to get well and combating stress.

In China it is known as Sat na, meaning "needle in the finger". It later spread throughout Japan, with the name of Shiatsu and finally became popular in Vietnam and Korea.

Benefits of acupressure

Its application is based on the 12 meridians of acupuncture. These are: Lungs, large intestine, spleen, stomach, pericardium, small intestine, bladder, heart, triple burner, kidney, gallbladder and liver.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these points can have an effect on the organs that are related and influenced by that point, so if there is an associated medical condition, it can be treated by stimulating the right point in the body.

There are many benefits to Acupressure:

• It relieves stress and helps us to relax
• Relaxes muscles and combats various types of aches and pains
• Improves self-esteem
• May be useful as an adjunct in the treatment of depression
• Improves blood circulation
• Fights insomnia
• Provides relief without taking medication

Application

It is applied to the desired point in the body, giving a micro massage in that area with the fingertips, running movements to the left and right. The treated person usually experiences relaxation and relief, however, it is important to note that although it may be useful or provide relief, acupressure should not be used as an alternative to traditional treatment for serious illnesses. In some case, it may be necessary to resort to herbal medicine, acupuncture or Chi Kung (Qi Goung), which provide complimentary effects to those of acupressure.

Self-acupressure

You can do it yourself by carrying out the following exercises, for which it is advisable to choose a quiet place where you can relax.

Against Nausea and dizziness: Place your thumb about 5 inches away from the inside of your wrist arm tendons located in the middle and press these firmly for about a minute. Repeat this as many times as you like during the day to get relief.

For headache: Locate the fleshy area between you thumb and forefinger, and apply pressure with one of your fingers, relax your neck and breathe, perform five repetitions and rest.

Another exercise that can help you is to apply a circular massage with your index and ring fingers on the cervical vertebrae between the neck and back, which ascends and finally arrives at the root of the scalp. Repeat this exercise 3 times every 6 hours until relieved.

Warnings

Acupressure is suitable for most people, however, is not recommended in some areas such as the armpit and on the side of the chest around the breasts, among others.

It is not recommended for people who are weak, elderly or young children.

It should also be considered that in the case of pregnant women, the case for therapy and acupressure massage must be evaluated by the doctor. If authorised, it should be done carefully and by a professional.

References

1. Chen, Y.-W., & Wang, H.-H. (2014). The effectiveness of acupressure on relieving pain: a systematic review. Pain Management Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses, 15(2), 539–550.
2. Song, H. J., Seo, H.-J., Lee, H., Son, H., Choi, S. M., & Lee, S. (2015). Effect of self-acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23(1), 68–78.
3. Au, D. W. H., Tsang, H. W. H., Ling, P. P. M., Leung, C. H. T., Ip, P. K., & Cheung, W. M. (2015). Effects of acupressure on anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, 33(5), 353–359.
4. Schlaeger, J. M., Gabzdyl, E. M., Bussell, J. L., Takakura, N., Yajima, H., Takayama, M., & Wilkie, D. J. (2017). Acupuncture and Acupressure in Labor. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 62(1), 12–28.
5. Liang, Y., Lenon, G. B., & Yang, A. W. H. (2017). Acupressure for respiratory allergic diseases: a systematic review of randomised  controlled trials. Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, 35(6), 413–420.

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