Acupressure, a similar technique to acupuncture, is an important aspect of Chinese medicine. Instead of applying needles, it uses precise finger placement and pressure over specific points on the body. It is used to Web MD.
How Does Acupressure Work?
According to the acupressure theory, the pressure on specific body points enables the body to cure itself. Traditional Chinese Medicine claims that every disease is a result of an imbalance of the person’s energy, Qi. The stimulation of the acupressure points balances Qi, restores overall health, activates the meridians and collateral systems thus solving any specific health conditions.
Acupressure Techniques for Different Treatments
Due to the holistic properties of acupressure, it can treat different problems which are not well understood by conventional medicine or where it can provide only short-term relief. So, along with some conventional treatments, acupressure can be used as a supplementary therapy.
1. Asthma
When combined with standard treatments of asthma, acupressure is a very effective alternate therapy. In a pilot study conducted on patients with chronic obstructive asthma, there was a test to find out whether acupressure had any improvements in addition to standard care. It was found that when there were acupuncture-supplemented treatments, the quality of life was improved.
2. Persistent Cancer-Related Fatigue
Acupressure is a potential treatment for Web MD (PCRF), one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. It was examined whether acupressure treatments can result in different effects on fatigue. The results have shown that acupressure provides positive effects and relief from this medical condition.
3. Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common conditions that affects around 100 million adults in the U.S every year.
A study was conducted to find out whether auricular point pressure can reduce the Web MD. Around 46% of the subjects experienced a reduction in worst pain, more than 50% reduction in average pain, and 62.5% used less pain medication.
4. Stress
Acupressure treatments can reduce anxiety, general psychological distress, stress, and depression in patients who experienced major treatments such as hemodialysis. Acupressure is also an alternative therapy for psychological well-being and the overall health of the body.
5. Nausea
The specific pericardium pressure point (PC6) can effectively treat nausea which can be triggered by different conditions such as migraine, pregnancy, motion sickness, chemotherapy, post-operative, etc.
One particular study found that nausea can also be a result of a migraine. However, it was significantly reduced by acupressure:
- 60 min – 5/32 (15%);
- 120 min – 10/32 (31%);
- 240 min – 17/32 (53%).
Also, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common symptom in patients who experienced anesthesia and surgery. The acupressure at the P6 point reduced nausea and the need for rescue antiemetic medication in patients who undergo thyroidectomy.
6. Eye Problems
Traditional Chinese Medicine points out that eye-related diseases are closely related to kidney, liver, and spleen health. However, if certain acupressure points are stimulated, you will relieve the symptoms such as glaucoma, early-stage cataracts, vision loss with hysteria. It also relieves Web MD resulting from the excessive study, worry, and mental strain such as red sore eyes, conjunctivitis, dry, itchy eyes, photophobia, lateral headaches, and blurred vision.
Risks of Acupressure
- Acupressure is not recommended for pregnant women because the specific stimulation on certain points can lead to uterine contractions;
- Acupressure is not recommended for inflamed tissues, broken skin, sprained joint, lymph glands and on people who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs;
- Before undertaking acupressure as an alternate treatment, people should do research on this technique;
- Make sure you consult your doctor for precautionary measures.
Via Cure Joy