Acupressure
Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that is derived from acupuncture. In acupressure, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the practitioner using the hand or elbow, or more recently with a variety of acupressure devices.
The main principle in acupressure is to work upon the meridians, which is a central concept in Traditional Chinese Medicines such as acupressure, acupuncture, and also found in certain martial arts such as tai chi and qigong. According to these practices, there are channels along which the energy or qi (also spelled "chi") of the psychophysical system is considered to flow. Such techniques are said to achieve their effects by manipulation and, ideally, balancing of the energy running through a network of complex bodily patterns.
In traditional Chinese medicine, patterns of physiological and emotional disharmony are thought to be caused by blockages or disruptions of energy flow along the meridians. To correct such malfunctions, acupressure is designed to work upon specific acupoints along the meridians through the application of pressure.
Reviews of acupressure clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration (a group of over 10,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries who review the effects of health care interventions tested in biomedical randomised controlled trials) and Bandolier (an independent online electronic journal about evidence-based healthcare, written by Oxford University scientists). The reviews were conducted according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine and for most conditions they have concluded tremendous effectiveness in well-conducted clinical trials.
On the flip side, Traditional Chinese Medicine's acupressure theory predates the use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking since there is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Therapists of acupressure however tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Indeed neuro-imaging research suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.
The Background to Acupressure
Acupoints used in an acupressure 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. Because the different meridian lines span across various points in the body it is not uncommon for the acupressure therapist to work on one area in order to illicit treatment on another.
Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defence and health purposes. 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.
Acupressure Research
A preliminary randomised trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) 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. A full randomised trial of TAT versus standard weight loss management intervention is currently being conducted, funded by the NCCAM.
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, 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, although it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) reviewer Bandolier said that P6 acupressure in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6 acupressure. One author of an article published in the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine disagreed.
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 to remove blockages in the meridians, an acupressure therapist applies pressure to 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, pressure might need to be applies to the acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with pressure on the foot. (Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.) Acupressure 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.
Acupressure Instruments
In addition to the use of hands, elbows etc., there are several different instruments for applying acupressure by rubbing or rolling against the body.
Acupressure mat
The Tibetan Acupressure Mat (Tibetan Mat) is an effective and easy to use acupressure pain relief device. It is made from non-allergenic materials and consists of high density plastic spines which are precisely arranged to best stimulate the body's internal abilities to heal itself.
Acu ball
The acuball is a small ball made of rubber with protuberances that is heatable. It is used to apply acupressure and relieve muscle and joint pain.
Energy roller
The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure.
Foot roller
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.
Power mat
The power mat (also pyramid mat) is a mat with small pyramid-shaped bumps that you walk on.
Spine roller
The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets that is rolled up and down the spine.
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.
Contemporary Acupressure Gadgets
There are emerging household items, which are designed upon the therapeutic principles of acupressure. Examples include a new kind of door, Dr. Door, which is made of a bed of adjustable "fingers" for carrying acupressure on different body portions and profiles, when users lean against it. Another instrumental item is Glassapist, a glass with "fingers" sticking out at its lower portion; the user's acupoints on palm are pressed whenever he or she grips the "fingers".
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