(also referred to as...)
Acu-Yoga, Ashiatsu, Barefoot Shiatsu, Bodywork, Chinese Massage,
Contact Healing, Do-In, Jin Shin Do, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Polarity Therapy,
Sea Bands, Shiatsu, Tsubo, TuiNa, Zen Shiatsu
Introduction
Acupressure originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and predates acupuncture as a form of healing. Both techniques are similar in their use of acupuncture points to balance the flow of qi (pronounced "Chi"), or life force, through jing luo, or meridian channels/pathways in the body. When these channels are disturbed and energy flows too slow, quick, turbulent, or static, the body's qi is unbalanced. Acupressure helps rebalance and unblock qi so your body can heal itself.
Technically, acupressure is a form of acupuncture. However, instead of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, acupressure employs manual pressure to stimulate points to achieve the same result. Pressure is applied primarily with the fingers, but small seeds or devices containing bumps can also be used to apply pressure. There is no puncturing of the skin in acupressure.
Acupressure has several advantages over acupuncture in that it can be self-administered (applying pressure as opposed to inserting needles) and acupressure can be easily taught to others.
