Acupressure is an ideal way to balance one's body and reduce stress through a variety of massage techniques that work to relax the muscles and increase blood flow. Practised in the Far East for over five thousand years, the art of acupressure is similar in many ways to that of acupuncture in that it incorporates the same pressure points (actually over 1000 small nerves generally located near muscles and tendons) throughout the body. However, instead of inserting needles into the various points, practioners use their fingers to stimulate natural healthing abilities to alleviate tension and all sorts of pains such as headaches, backaches, menstrual cramps and even carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. It can also help ease nausea and has proven a safe way to cure insomnia without the use of dangerous drugs.
By relieving muscle tension caused by anxiety and stress, acupressure helps reduce the secretion of lactic acid and other chemical imbalances that can inhibit proper circulation, thus promoting greater health and inner harmony as well as improving the body's natural ability to ward off illness. In addition, when stress is reduced, one is less prone to indulge in over-eating, smoking, drinking and other harmful addictions that can lead to more serious conditions from diabetes and cancer to liver disease, etc.
There are several different forms of acupressure including reflexolology, Shiatsu, and Jin Shin, each employing varying pressure styles and rhythms. Shiatsu, for instance is a more vigorous technique of massage, while Jin Shin practioners tend to apply "gentlier" and longer touches to each pressure point in order to stimulate healing energy. For the most part, knowing how much pressure to apply and where depends greatly on the individual's physical condition and takes special training and practice. While one can learn to apply self-acupressure to help with many minor pains, it is adviseable to go to a certified practioner for the best results. To learn more about training and certification/licensing requirements in your state contact the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) at www.aobta.com, or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), at www.nccaom.org. Not only can you find your own source of healthful balance from acupressure, but it can offer and ideal career opportunities for those looking to help others achieve greater wellness in their lives.
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