Shintaikido
Acupressure Therapy
Acupressure is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural
healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the
body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative
to medications or even surgery. Acupressure involves applying pressure at
specific meridian points (acupoints) on the body. There is no injection of any
needle or substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort. Although
proven successful for thousands of years without the benefit of modem medical
knowledge, it is only in recent years that the scientific and medical
communities of Europe and North America have begun to study acupressure to
understand and explain its effectiveness.
How is acupressure used today?
Acupressure is very effective in treating a variety of painful
disorders, both acute and chronic. Sometimes, moxibustion and cupping are
applied to the acupoints.
The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of
acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
· Respiratory
disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, colds
· Neurological
and muscular disorders: Migraine headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, stiff
shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome
· Digestive
disorders: nausea, gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation,
diarrhea
· Urinary,
prostate disorders
How does acupressure work?
Acupressure stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving
chemicals called "endorphins". Endorphins help to block pathways that
relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain,
general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body's own internal
regulation systems. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by
acupressure stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, reducing
inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Diagnosing
illness with Acupressure
In treating any illness or condition, a correct diagnosis is
important before any decisions are made regarding therapy. I take a history and
check many diagnostic acupoints in order to establish the recommended mode of
treatment. Once the diagnosis is established, I can advise what type of
Acupressure is appropriate.
One of
the most striking aspects of acupressure is the almost complete absence of
adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients feel only minimal
discomfort as the acupoints are manipulated; some feel no pain at all.
The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the
condition being treated. In some cases, one treatment will be sufficient. For
chronic conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be
recommended. Treatments usually last 15 to 30 minutes. Depending on the
seriousness of the condition, improvement may be immediate or may take longer.
Acupressure may be combined successfully with other forms of medical or physical
therapy.
Do I have to believe in acupressure for it to
work?
No, you
don’t have to believe in acupressure. Acupressure is used successfully on
cats, dogs, horses and other animals. A positive attitude towards wellness may
reinforce the effects of any type of treatment. A neutral or negative attitude
will not block the effects of acupressure.
Acupressure treatment can be done at any time. Patients are advised
not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments. It is best to avoid
alcohol or sedatives for three hours prior to treatment. Pain medications may be
taken as required.
Some patients feel the “acupressure reaction” of
light-headedness, while some feel unusually relaxed and prefer to plan
activities accordingly. Strong exercise is not recommended immediately after
treatment. Medication, as directed by your physician, may be taken as required.