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The Beginner’s Guide to Acupressure

Written by Chris Corrales

April 19, 2022

Acupressure is one of those alternative therapies that a lot of people are curious about, but don’t know where to start. This guide will teach you the basics of acupressure so you can get started with this healing modality yourself. Acupressure is based on traditional Chinese medicine and uses pressure instead of needles to stimulate acupuncture points. It is beneficial for a variety of conditions and can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies. So if you’re interested in giving acupressure a try, read on for instructions on how to get started!

 

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to promote healing. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, pressure is applied to specific points on the body. This pressure can be applied with the hands, elbows, or even devices such as acupressure mats.

Acupressure is said to be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including headaches, stress, anxiety, and pain relief. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies. If you’re interested in trying acupressure, there are a few things you need to know before getting started.

 

How is Acupressure done?

Acupressure is generally done by an acupuncturist where specific points of the body are stimulated while the person receiving the acupressure is laid down or sits comfortably on the massage table. The primary tools used in acupressure are the fingers, thumb, and knuckles which are used gently but are firm enough to apply pressure. The process is repeated three to four times, and the pressure is exerted for 30 seconds and increases up to 2 minutes, and then decreases to 30 seconds again. The acupressure can be self-administered also, but one has to be careful with the points because if the wrong point is pressed, it can lead to serious health issues.

 

Tips for Beginners

Acupressure can be done by oneself very conveniently and easily from the comfort of our home. But what is essential is the knowledge of the right pressure points so that it relieves you from the pain instead of triggering it. With a little practice, the points in the hands and legs can be identified and stimulated by ourselves. Let’s discuss some tips for absolute beginners in the field of acupressure so that they can master the skill gradually and get relief by working on some points while sitting comfortably at home.

 

First and foremost, it is vital that the person applying acupressure needs to be very patient and stable.  The pressure should be applied very gently at first and then increased gradually. The person receiving acupressure should also be comfortable and not in a hurry as it might take some time for the pain to subside.

 

Second, the pressure must be applied gradually and slowly. Start by closing your eyes and sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Then breathe in and out for 5-10 minutes and hold the hand and apply pressure with light hands for 1 to 3 minutes. You can increase the intensity of the pressure according to you. This way, the acupressure points help in balancing the system and radiate energy within the body. The feeling is similar to a deep tissue massage and works on the same principle.

 

Third, it would be best if you found someone who can help you in applying pressure as it can be challenging to reach some points by yourself. The person receiving acupressure should also drink lots of water before and after the session as it helps in detoxifying the body.

 

Fourth, some points in the body should be avoided during pregnancy such as The Great Waypoint on the lower back and The Sea of Tranquility point on the abdomen. Also, if you are suffering from any kind of chronic illness, it is best to take the help of a professional before trying it at home.

 

Acupressure is a healing modality that can be used to provide relief from a variety of conditions. With a little practice, it can be easily done at home. However, it is important to remember to apply pressure gently and slowly at first, and to increase the intensity gradually. If you are pregnant or have a chronic illness, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying acupressure.

So there you have it, our Beginner’s Guide to Acupressure. As you can see, this ancient form of healing is a powerful tool that can be used to treat a variety of issues. If you’re interested in learning more or trying out acupressure for yourself, give us a call today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help get you started on your path to better health!

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