The Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure

The Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure

If you suffer from chronic aches but don't like the idea of taking medications to treat the pain, then you may benefit from acupoint stimulation to bring about relief naturally.

Acupressure and acupuncture are two methods of alternative therapy used to stimulate acupoints and restore the balance of energy. Both treatments stem from traditional Chinese medicine and have been relied upon for ages in the eastern world and beyond for their numerous health benefits, including help relieve pain.

How Acupressure Differs from Acupuncture

Though both alternative medicine techniques are used to manipulate the body's acupoints to promote natural healing in the body, acupressure uses deep massage to revitalize the points. Acupuncture, on the other hand, uses very fine needles to stimulate acupoints.

Acupuncture also elicits a stronger stimulation to energize the body's innate healing ability, whereas acupressure is gentler on the body and is often recommended for those who are sensitive to or don't like the idea of, needles.

What is the Effectiveness of Acupressure? 

Acupressure is an effective form of alternative therapy that is used to help the muscles relax. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 1,000 years and is still highly used as of current, proving its effectiveness at relieving aches and illnesses.

Additionally, a study published in the U.S. Library of Medicine National Institute of Health showed that following acupressure treatments, various participants from diverse cultures who suffered chronic headaches, lower back pain, labor pain, menstrual pain, and other traumatic pain showed an improvement in symptoms, further proving that acupressure done regularly can maintain improvement and decrease the recurrence of various discomforts.

What is the Acupressure Process?

Acupressure massage sends a signal to the body to activate its self-healing or regulatory processes. Typically, a vital force, known as Qi in traditional Chinese medicine, flows through natural channels in the body called meridians, which helps keep the body healthy.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body is an energetic form that is balanced by two conflicting energies called Yin and Yang. A blockage of Qi or an imbalance in Yin and Yang can cause pain and illness. Therefore, practitioners of this technique seek to restore the balance of Yin and Yang to improve overall mental, spiritual, and physical health.

During acupressure therapy, your Acupressure Massage Therapist will have you lie in a relaxed position, and then incorporate deep pressure for several minutes using their fingers, palms, elbows, feet, or special instruments to massage and stimulate each acupoint. There are 5 acupoints, which include:

  • Gallbladder 20 (GB20): Feng Chi
  • Gallbladder 21 (GB21): Jian Jing
  • Large Intestine 4 (LI4) He Gu
  • Triple Energizer 3 (TE3): Zhong Zhu
  • Large Intestine 10 (LI10): Shou San Li

Which acupoints your massage therapist manipulates will depend on your body's imbalance. As you receive your acupressure treatment, it is recommended that you close your eyes and breath deeply to receive the full benefits of the massage.

What Does Acupressure Treat?

Because acupressure energizes various points in the body, it can be used to treat a variety of pains and diseases, including:

  • Pain Relief - Various studies have shown that acupressure may help with headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, and other pain. 
  • Arthritis - Some studies suggest that acupuncture releases endorphins and anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve certain types of arthritis pain.
  • Cancer - Acupressure has been shown to improve energy levels, reduce stress, relieve pain, and other symptoms associated with Cancer. 
  • Nausea - According to some studies, wrist acupuncture may help relieve vomiting and nausea.
  • Depression and Anxiety - Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture releases feel-good endorphins, reduces stress, and increases energy, which can help improve mood.

In the end, acupressure can be used as a gentle, comfortable therapy to stimulate acupoints and restore health and well being to the body when incorporated on a regular basis. In addition to acupressure massage, your therapist may also use diet, herbs, and mind and body techniques to help restore overall health.

About the Author

Eugene Wood is a leading Nassau County Massage Therapist who incorporates Acupressure Treatments in his practice. Learn more by visiting his website at EugeneWoodMassage.com.

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