Senior Care - How to Provide Elderly Independence

The Benefits Of Acupressure

by Stephen Silva

The ancient art of acupuncture has found a high degree of acceptance in Western culture over the last few decades. If you like the concept but do not care for needles, you can try pressure acupuncture or acupressure as an alternative. An experienced acupressure massage therapist can help relieve your stress, muscle pain, and medical conditions by applying the correct pressure on your acupoints during a relaxing massage session. 

Acupressure

Acupressure works by stimulating both local points and trigger points. The local point is the actual spot where the pressure is applied, relieving pain and tension in that area. Putting pressure on this point also relieves pain that is in a different part of the body, or the trigger point. For instance, the therapist will apply pressure to a point, such as the "Joining the Valley" point that lies between the thumb and index finger, relieving tension at that spot. However, applying pressure to this point is said to relieve headaches and tooth pain as well as shoulder pain, and constipation, ills that occur far from the hand. 

Acupoints

In addition to Joining the Valley, other popular acupressure points include

  • The Third Eye: Located between your eyes and used to improve memory and relieve stress, fatigue, and sinus pain.
  • Leg Three Miles: Located four finger-widths down from the bottom of your knee cap, this point is related to digestive problems such as constipation, gas, vomiting, and indigestion. 
  • Shen Men: Located in the top half of your ear, applying pressure to this point can help you overcome addictions, particularly smoking. It can also help with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. 
  • Commanding Middle: Located behind the knee, this point can help relieve pain in the knee and back while reducing stiffness in those areas. 

Massage Therapist

A well-trained massage therapist will be able to help you with many physical problems while getting the tension out of your muscles. Several different types of acupressure and Chinese massage exist, including Shiatsu and Jin Shin. The former uses quick, firm pressure while the latter employs a longer, more gentle touch. 

Acupuncture has been accepted by many people around the world, but if the idea of needles repels you, consider acupressure. At the very least, you will enjoy having the tension worked out of your body by a good massage. In addition, you may well experience relief from a variety of ailments. Imagine having your headaches, arthritis, and addictions treated through the magic of human touch. Click here for more information.

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