Acupressure and acupuncture share the same active points (also called trigger points). The ancient Chinese developed system of active points stimulation over 5,000 years ago. The active points are located on imaginary lines called meridians. Accordingly, the points are referred to by the meridian they are located on and consecutive number of point on that meridian.
Acupressure Tips: How it works and General guidelines
- The ancient Chinese believed that life energy chi (pronounced chee) flows through these meridians. In a healthy person the energy flow trough meridians is unobstructed. The blockade of chi flow results in an illness. The Chinese believed that active points stimulation clears the meridians and improves the flow of energy.
- The western medical science only begins to understand the mechanisms responsible for positive effects of active points stimulation. Stimulation of active points is thought to lead to increased release of endorphins. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of happiness. Thus endorphin released by acupressure stimulation may lead to relaxation and normalization of body functions.
General Directions:
- Use deep firm pressure to massage every point.
- Usually acupressure points are more sensitive than surrounding area.
- The massage duration indicated with point description is only an approximation. Massage every point until numbing feeling is produced.
- You do not need to massage all active points included in the exercise. Some active points produce stronger effect than others. You may choose to limit the exercise to massaging these high potency points only.
- You can repeat active points massage as often as you want. There is no limit on number of exercises per day.
- When applying deep pressure the active point is expected hurt initially. In this case reduce the pressure to a “comfortably” painful level and persist with massaging the active point. Increase the pressure as the initial painful sensation begins to subside. Continue the massage until numbing feeling is produced
- When massaging acupressure points sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply.
- It is not necessary to massage points on your own, you can ask somebody else to massage your active points.
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