What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a safe and non-invasive modality that applies precise finger pressure to specific points on the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. There are over 365 acupressure points in the human body. When two acupoints are held simultaneously, a deep fascial release can occur, which rebalances the flow of qi and stimulates blood flow to areas of pain and tension.

Five Elements Acupressure combines Five Elements of Chinese Medicine theory, Japanese Acupressure, Daoist philosophy, and Western psychotherapeutic modalities. It originates from the same theory and principles of Acupuncture but without using any needles. 

Do you ever rub your temples when you have a headache? Or press into the area between your eyebrows to concentrate better? Maybe you have held the sides of your waist when you have back pain or hugged your ribs when you needed comfort. Many people know that holding the sides of your temple helps with motion sickness, and babies instinctively suck on their thumbs, a well-known acupressure point for grounding. Acupressure has existed for as long as we have. Humans have always had an automatic impulse to hold certain areas of their bodies in times of stress or when they feel pain. The points that one may subconsciously press are not random; they are acupressure points.

Acupressure and Acupuncture are thousands of years old. Otzi, a 5600-year-old iceman, was discovered in the Swiss Alps 1991. He had over 60 acupressure points tattooed on certain areas of his body that he was healing, such as arthritis. It is a miraculous discovery that Acupressure originated in Asia, and this ancient man was found in northern Europe. (Read more about Otzi here)

So what is the main difference between Acupressure and Acupuncture? Acupressure doesn't use needles, and the clients stay entirely clothed. Points on the body are held by the practitioner's hands, which gradually warm up and help release endorphins, a natural pain-relieving hormone. Acupressure practitioners will also spend the entire session with you, and because of this, you don't ever have to worry about disrupting your peace to ask for another blanket, or if you want to talk in treatment, you can.

Acupressure activates your parasympathetic state, which is responsible for rest and digestion. It is the state that most animals function in when they aren't being chased by animals or other stressors. Our sympathetic nervous system is our fight-and-flight response, which is essential in helping us function where there is danger, but many continue to stay in the parasympathetic state throughout their day-to-day lives. This can tax the body and mind and lead to many health concerns. As a result of activating the restful nervous system response through Acupressure, clients leave with a sense of deep relaxation, a reduction or total disappearance of their previous pain, and a feeling of peace and calm.