Maybe you have heard of acupuncture and the many health benefits associated with the practice, but you are too intimidated by the needles to try it out for yourself. If you are interested in the benefits of acupuncture, including stress relief, improved sleep, improved digestive issues, and the alleviation of headaches and chronic pain, but you do not want acupuncture, then acupressure may be for you.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a type of massage that targets acupoints throughout the body. The manipulation of these points releases a flow of qi energy into the body and acupressure is done where there may be congested or blocked qi points. A masseuse will use their thumbs, fingers, and palms when they perform an acupressure massage to activate these points on the body.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Your massage therapist will be stimulating two types of points throughout your body: local points and trigger points. Local points are the actual places where you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. Trigger points, however, are connected through the body to the point of pain but are not close to the point of pain. Either way, by massaging these points, the goal is to get the network on which qi flows through the body back up and running.
What Are the Common Points?
There are 14 main channels in acupuncture. Depending on what you are trying to heal, a different channel will be activated. There is the Gallbladder Channel (CB20, Fengchi) for instance, which is at the back of the skull, right where the neck meets the back. Stimulating this channel can help heal the common cold and relief high blood pressure. For those who have lower back pain, an incredibly common reason to see a massage therapist, there is the Kidney Channel (KI3, Taixi) which is just behind the inner ankle. While it may seem counterintuitive, stimulating these places can help patients find relief in other areas of their body. With 14 main channels, there is a lot of relief that can be found through acupressure massage.
Benefits of Acupressure
Unlike acupuncture, which some patients find difficult due to fear of needles, acupressure is a relaxing experience that is very similar to other types of massage. It can help with relieving all sorts of stresses, tensions, and anxieties found in the body and mind, as well as relaxing muscles to soothe pain, minimize headaches, and help patients get a better nights sleep. It is completely non-invasive (other than the fact the masseuse touches you) and is a great way to be introduced to the world of acupuncture if you would like to learn more about the benefits first hand before having a treatment.
Acupressure and Acupuncture With Inspirit Health Group
If you are interested in massage therapy with a registered massage therapist that focuses on acupoints, then you need to contact us at Inspirit Health Group. Our team of RMTs and acupuncturists are here to help guide you through the world of acupressure and acupuncture and can provide you with top-quality treatments that will help you find relief from a variety of symptoms. Contact us today!
