This therapy involves pressing points on the body with fingers or hands to alter the internal flow of a supposed vital force or energy called “CHI (pronounced “Chee”), strengthening it, calming it, or removing a blockage of the flow. Acupressure is one of a number of treatment methods regularly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) a system of healthcare that originated in China thousands of years ago and still widely practiced in Asia countries today.
According to TCM, acupressure points are aligned along 14 bodily meridians, or pathways. Twelve of the meridians are bilateral; that is, identical versions of them (with the same sets of points) exist on both sides of the Body. The other two are unilateral, running along the midline of the body. The 14 meridians do not correspond to any known physiological processes or anatomical structures in the body, such as nerves or blood vessels. Nevertheless, some well-controlled studies suggest that acupressure can be effective for a number of health problems, including nausea, pain and stroke-related weakness. A single point may be pressed for relief from a particular symptom or condition; or to promote over all wellbeing of the body, as series of points can be worked on in a specific Order.
The risks of acupressure are minimal, provided certain cautions are observed. During pregnancy, the points designated Spleen (6) and Large Intestine (4) should never be used; avoid the abdominal areas entirely, if possible. Never apply pressure to open wounds, varicose veins, tumors inflamed or infected skin, sites of recent surgery or areas where broken bone is suspected.