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Acupressure or acupuncture points
are located along several layers of pathways, most commonly the
twelve primary pathways or meridians, located throughout the body.
Beside that other pathways are the eight unusual Pathways Qi
Jing Ba Mai, Luo Vessels, the Divergent and the Sinew Channels.
Ten of the primary pathways are named after organs of the body,
eleventh pathway is named for the membrane that wraps the heart,
the last pathway is the 'three spaces' (San Jiao). The
twelve primary pathways run vertically, bilaterally, and symmetrically
and every channel corresponds to and connects internally with one
of the twelve organs. There are six yin and six yang channels in
all. Out of these, three yin and three yang channels are present
on each arm, and three yin and three yang on each leg.
All the acupuncture points of a channel
lie on its external pathway. The internal pathways are the deep
path of the channel where it enters the body cavities and related
organs. The external pathways of the twelve channels depict three
complete circuits of the body, chest to hands, hands to head, head
to feet, feet to chest, etc. There are some electronic devices
now available which will make a noise when the correct acupressure/acupuncture
point is pressed. As soon as a point is pressed, the muscle tension
give way to the pressure, enabling the muscle fibers to stretch
and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and
eliminated. Increased circulation also brings in more oxygen and
other nutrients to the affected area. This increases the body's
resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital
life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly,
we have a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being. The
acupressure expert decides which points to treat by observing and
questioning the patient in order to make a diagnosis according
to the tradition. There are four diagnostic methods: inspection,
auscultation and olfaction, inquiring, and palpation.
The whole process I relatively pain
free. After prolonged finger pressure is applied directly on the
pressure point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately
three minutes on the affected point is ideal. A general guideline
is that the pressure should be firm enough so that it hurts between
pleasant, firm pressure and outright pain. The middle finger is
the longest and strongest of the fingers and is best suited for
applying acupressure. The thumb is strong, too, but often lacks
sensitivity. The knuckles or fist or other tools can be used according
to specific requirements. The rule of thumb is to apply slow, firm
pressure on the point at a 90 degree angle from the surface of
the skin. It's important to apply and release finger pressure gradually
because this allows the tissues time to respond, promoting healing.
After repeated acupressure sessions using different degrees of
pressure, the patient will begin to feel a pulse at the point.
This pulsation is a good sign, it means that circulation has increased
in the affected area. Each body and each area of the body requires
a different amount of pressure.
At present different kinds of acupressure
are being practiced. The same age-old pressure points are used
in all of them to date. Varying rhythms, pressures and techniques
create different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for instance,
the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous,
with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five
seconds. Another kind of acupressure gently holds each point for
a minute or more. Pressing with an intermittent, fast beat is stimulating;
a slower pressure creates a deeply relaxing effect on the body.
Slow motion kneading uses the thumbs and fingers along with the heels
of the hands to squeeze large muscle groups firmly. This motion is similar
to that of kneading a large mass of dough. This relieves general stiffness,
shoulder and neck tension, constipation, and spasms in the calf muscles.
Brisk rubbing uses friction to stimulate the blood and lymph.
The skin is rubbed lightly to relieve chilling, swelling, and numbness by increasing
circulation, as well as to benefit the nerves and tone of the skin.
Quick tapping with fingertips stimulates muscles on unprotected, tender
areas of the body such as the face. For larger areas of the body, such as the
back or buttocks, loose fist is used. This can improve the functioning of nerves
and sluggish muscles in the area.
Acupressure can be very effective in
helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain,
backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. It
also relieves ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation,
indigestion, anxiety and helps you get to sleep at night. The best
part of acupressure is - there is no side effect as no drugs or medications
are being used.
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