Acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine and one of the most ancient and widely used healing methods in the world. It follows the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, the massage therapist uses finger pressure and massage.
Chinese medicine believes that our health relies on a series of major energy channels, or meridians. The life-giving energy that flows through these channels is called chi. Blockages in the flow of energy can cause disease and discomfort.
The massage therapist uses gentle pressure at specific points to remove blockages. For instance, there are particular points around the ear that the therapist can stimulate to help ease insomnia, cigarette cravings and even jaw problems.
This type of massage therapy is usually given in a similar fashion to traditional massage. It's often combined with other forms of massage, and with deep breathing techniques.
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, phlebitis and unhealed wounds contraindicate treatment by this modality.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or
otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed
to Hannington Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is
not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a
trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
