Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing technique originating in China thousands of years ago. Some sources posit its origins in ancient India, where from it would have been introduced to China.

It is based on the philosophy of the traditional Chinese medicine that a life-force or energy (known as Qi /”Chi”) is constantly flowing through the body along channels (Meridians). It is believed that when these channels become blocked or there’s an imbalance, fatigue or illness may occur in corresponding organs.

Acupressure consists of pressing specific points in an attempt to help the free flow of energy in the channel(s). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but the person uses their fingers instead of needles to work the point.

One can consider the relationship between acupoints, marma points (used within ayurvedic medicine) and the reflex- and trigger-points known in modern physiotherapy.

Acupressure can also be applied as a self-treatment complementary technique and is mostly used to manage acute pain, headache, lower back pain, nausea, insomnia, constipation and anxiety.

In 1950, neurosurgeon Dr.Paul Nogier laid the foundations of the Auricular Acupressure hypothesizing that specific parts of the body correspond to specific points of the ear.

Mechanisms of acupressure are multifactorial. The relaxing effect, similar to the effect of simple human touch, is based upon the neuro-humoral stimulation of the hypothalamic – pituitary – adrenocortical axis. Acupressure induces a neuro-humoral response which ultimately causes the release of endorphins in the central nervous system and modulates cortisol levels resulting in relaxation and sensation of well-being.

The analgesic effect is explained by the Melzack-Wall Gate Theory, which states that the impulse of touch is transferred to the CNS four times faster as the pain stimulus, thereby drowning out the perception of pain.

Acupressure also acts locally, enhancing the blood flow and resolving the tissue adhesion in area of application.

Furthermore, if applied in the exact points regarding the organ meridians, acupressure is supposed to cause a specific symptom focused effect such as e.g., anti-nausea, anti-constipation or the release of lower back pain.

Author of the review: Kristina Höschlová