Acupressure, is often seen by many as the lesser cousin technique to acupuncture. Acupuncture gets a lot of media attention and clinical studies. It seems exotic and dangerous, where as acupressure seems like a simple massage technique that can’t be taken as a serious medical intervention the way acupuncture is.
Treating patients with acupuncture requires graduate medical studies in traditional medicine diagnostics and hopefully national board certification to practice medicine (depends on the state, Wisconsin requires board certification unless the practitioner is a physician). Insertion of needles does encompass some risk. Acupuncture is considered a professional medical technique, because of those risks.
In the hands of a skilled practitioner however, acupressure can be every bit as sophisticated and powerful as acupuncture. Acupuncturists do not use acupressure as often as they might, for some simple reasons. Acupressure is time intensive, it is easier to do more complicated medical treatments with needles, and patients often expect needles. The pressing on the body, however, as opposed to needling, carries far less risk.
There are several reasons why acupressure can be a more valuable treatment modality;
- No needles means no breaking the skin. This can be very important to the fearful patient, or the patient who is vulnerable to/ or has an infection.
- Simple treatments, sometimes a simple acupressure adjustment to the body is a better treatment strategy than a complicated needle treatment.
- Home care, patients can be safely taught a specific treatment or take local classes on how to help care for themselves and others. This can be empowering and actually provide better care.
- Some patients need a human touch more than they need a cold hard clinically accurate needle.
The important part about seeing an acupuncturist is learning what can be done to help your body function better. Acupuncture is a great tool, but if needle scare you, ask about other options like acupressure.
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