Acupressure
A form of acupuncture without the use of needles is called acupressure.
It promotes the body's qi, or vital energy, to flow more freely. There are 12 meridians, or channels, that carry Qi, which is vital to life and runs through them close to the skin's surface.
Acupressure points or acupoints are located on the meridians. The meridian begins at patient’s fingertip, then goes to his brain and then connects with the specific organ. When the practitioner applies certain amount of the pressure on the acupoint it releases the blocked qi, and the balance between Yin and Yang (contradictory opposites) is restored. There are 2 types of acupressure points:
Local points : are the precise locations—the source of the pain—where the patient feels discomfort or agony.
Trigger points : which are associated with local points, indicate pain resulting from an issue elsewhere in the body. A trigger point is a little spasm in the muscle that obstructs the flow of Qi and produces pain. There is relief at the trigger and local points when the trigger point is massaged.
The human body is home to thousands of acupoints. Therefore, the acupoints that are employed in therapies could not be in the same location as the illness's symptom.
To enhance patients' well-being, an acupressure therapist applies pressure to the palms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, and feet.
The pressure can be applied in a variety of ways, including a circular motion, pushing the acupoint in and out, light tapping, or a combination of these. It can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Patients may feel some acupoint sensitivity during the treatment, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable. Depending on the region being treated, you can determine how long the treatment will last.
Additionally, acupressure massage can be used in conjunction with traditional medical therapies to accelerate the healing process and help the body rid itself of accumulated toxins. In some cases, it can even be self-administered in a rudimentary form to help patients relax and reduce pain, particularly when they have headaches, back, neck, or sinus problems (as a self-healing strategy). By applying pressure to these "pockets of stress," a technique known as pressure point therapy allows you to experience nearly immediate relaxation. However, for appropriate guidance, make sure you speak with your acupressure therapist.
The differences between Acupuncture and Aacupressure :
Acupuncture and acupuncture differ in that they both involve needles. As opposed to acupuncture, which applies regulated pressure to acupoints in order to activate energy, acupuncture employs thin, sterile needles. The patient may choose a higher or lower level of pressure to be administered.