What is acupressure?

Do you ever have a moment after a great acupuncture session and think gee, how can I feel this fabulous forever? Let me introduce you to acupressure.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese Medicine tool that’s similar to acupuncture, but noninvasive. I teach patients how to apply acupressure points for the times they can’t see me. In fact there are some great points you can use to reduce a number of symptoms. The most exciting thing about acupressure is that it’s an inexpensive, safe and simple form of self-care and self-healing.

What is it?

Acupressure is a needle-free treatment that involves applying pressure to the skin over an acupuncture point.

How Does Acupressure Work?

Acupressure works by increasing and balancing the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Scientists explain applying pressure to certain points stimulates the central nervous system and brain to release a variety of neuropeptides that help with pain, anxiety and more.

Acupressure Health Benefits

Acupressure has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including the following:

Nausea and Morning Sickness

Studies dating back decades have found acupressure therapy works well for nausea, morning sickness and anxiety. In fact, one 1989 study concluded, “Acupressure therapy resulted in statistically significant reductions in anxiety, depression, behavioural dysfunction and nausea.”

Insomnia

A small 2013 study looking at sleep problems in adolescents found that after six months of treatment with a wearable acupressure band (a Sea-Band, which is designed to put pressure on certain points in the wrist), participants experienced a significant increase in the quantity and quality of their sleep. And a 2018 preliminary study in the Journal of Sleep Research found self-administered acupressure for adults suffering from insomnia produced promising results, though further research is warranted.

Headache

A small 2010 study in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine evaluated the use of acupressure versus muscle relaxant drugs for chronic headache sufferers. The researchers found using acupressure trigger points BL2 (above the eye), GV20 (top of the head), GB20 (back of the neck/skull), TH21 (where the ear meets the upper jaw) and GB5 (side of the head) worked better than muscle relaxants to reduce chronic headaches.

Why not give it a try, here’s a few easy points to learn in this quick video.