Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique. This technique is similar to acupuncture, but does not use needles. Acupressure is thought to have several health benefits, such as helping to improve blood circulation, stimulates the nervous system, and makes the body relax and more energetic.
Acupressure has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupressure is done by applying pressure to certain body parts. This pressure can be given through the elbow, hand, or special aids, but not using a needle. Because of this, acupressure is often called needleless acupuncture.
Just like acupuncture, this treatment is also believed to be good for relaxing and treating various types of diseases.
There are hundreds of acupressure points on the surface of the body, but the most commonly used points include:
- LR-3 or heart point 3. This point is the soft part between the big toe and the second toe on the foot.
- LI4 or colon point is on the finger. Its position in the soft part between the index finger and thumb.
- SP-6 or spleen point 6. This point is located about three fingers above the ankle, precisely on the soft part or lower calf muscles.
Benefits of Acupressure for the Body
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a theory which states that the emergence of a disease is caused by a disturbance in the flow of energy called "chi" in the body. Acupressure works by freeing this energy blockage.
Acupressure techniques that press certain points on the body are believed to overcome blockages in energy flow and restore energy balance in your body.
The following are some of the benefits of acupressure that you need to know:
1. Relieves pain
Acupressure can relieve pain, such as back pain, headaches, or postoperative pain, by triggering the body to produce endorphins. This hormone will reduce pain, as well as create positive feelings.
2. Mehelp relieve effect side chemotherapy
Patients undergoing chemotherapy often feel nauseous, weak, easily tired, or even stressed.
Acupressure is believed to relieve stress, nausea, relieve pain, increase energy, and overcome constipation that may occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.
3. Relieves stress and anxiety
Anxiety, stress, and depression are common psychological disorders. In the long term, this condition can interfere with health and reduce quality of life.
In one study, it was found that patients undergoing treatment for depression and anxiety experienced improvement in symptoms after receiving additional therapy in the form of acupressure for several months.
Acupressure has also been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety in patients undergoing certain medical procedures, such as dialysis.
4. Improve qualityisleeping bag
Difficulty sleeping can make the body feel low on energy, difficult to concentrate, and sleepy at work. To help with this, acupressure therapy may be able to help. This is thought to be related to the effects of endorphins released by the body when undergoing acupressure therapy.
In addition to some of the benefits above, acupressure is also thought to be good for helping reduce muscle and joint pain, such as in diseases arthritis.
While generally quite safe, these alternative therapies can cause pain and bruising at the point of pressure. When you want to try acupressure therapy, make sure you choose a therapist who is experienced and has competence in this field. If in doubt, consult your doctor before trying acupressure therapy.