Different Pressure Point Methods
Understanding Acupressure, Reflexology, Shiatsu, and Acupuncture
Apr 2, 2009
Pressure points are located all over the body. They are bundles of nerves at certain junctures where manipulation can produce reactions in other parts of the body. The science of pressure points has been studied for thousands of years all over the world.
Chinese Massage
The Chinese have one of the longest histories working with pressure points. Working with them was considered mainstream medicine in ancient China. Centuries of practice produced several branches of pressure point study and treatment. The most famous of these are acupressure and acupuncture.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Acupressure is the science of applying pressure to pressure points to produce a desired effect in the patient. These effects range from relieving pain to producing euphoria to curing psychological problems. There are literally thousands of acupressure points on the human body, each with its own purpose and function. Acupuncture works in much the same way but manipulates the pressure points with needles driven into the skin.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is a more recent invention. The field of study developed in Japan in the early part of the 20th century. Shiatsu massage differs slightly in its philosophy from acupressure and acupuncture. Shiatsu is designed to be both diagnosis and treatment at the same time. A shiatsu artist will find ailments in a patient and then treat them at the same time.
Reflexology and Foot Massage
Reflexology traces its roots to the ancient Egyptians. It is the study of pressure points on the feet. While some see this as simple foot massage, believers insist that reflexology points can produce healing effects throughout the human body. Different zones on the feet correspond to different organs and joints.
Martial Arts
The same pressure points that can be used to heal can also be used to harm. Martial artists have known this for centuries. Skillful manipulation of pressure points allow a martial artist to easily subdue a much larger and stronger opponent. Care is required when using pressure points in the martial arts. A person can be severely injured or even killed by an attack to a pressure point.
Back Pain and Other Ailments
Pressure point manipulation is believed to cure a long list of ailments. Back pain is usually among the most commonly referenced since it is so wide spread. Every style of pressure point manipulation has a broad spectrum of techniques to treat back pain. Many people turn to these techniques when traditional western treatments produce poor results. Pressure points are also said to treat ailments such as depression, reproductive issues, and negative states of mind like anger.
 |
 |
 |
