Therapies... - Acupressure - Ailments / Situations Where Used

When you instinctively rub a sore joint, the temples on your aching head, or hold your stomach to ease cramps, you are employing acupressure techniques.

Acupressure can be used to tone muscle and improve circulation in sprained / strained / swollen muscles and joints resulting from injury. By pressing various pressure points, muscle tension is relieved, muscle fibres relax and lengthen, blood flows more freely to the injury, and swelling is reduced. The pressure stimulation also promotes the release of neurotransmitters that inhibit the reception and transmission of pain.

Arthritis, headaches, and nausea (including post-surgical) can all benefit from acupressure. This therapy is particular adept in dealing with the nausea and resulting morning sickness associated with pregnancy by applying pressure to the P(C) 6 point located on the wrist. Sea bands can also be used (see below).

Emotional situations such as depression, tension and sadness can be relieved by pressing on various acupoints on the back and near your shoulder blades which release accumulated tension held in your body. Points on your wrist and in the centre of your forehand can be used to the same effect to relieve anxiety.

To relieve a toothache caused by a cavity, abscess, or other dental problem, simply massage the hand on the same side as the pain with ice! Rubbing ice on the Hoka point (the LI 4 point) on the back of the hand can potentially reduce dental pain by 50%. Wrap ice in gauze and massage the web of the "pain" hand between your thumb and index finger until the area feels numb. NOTE: This point should not be used by pregnant women, as stimulation of the Hoka point can result in uterine contractions.

Some side effects resulting from chemotherapy can also be relieved with this therapy. Vomiting can be controlled through electrical stimulation along, again, the P(C) 6 point.

If you are undergoing smoking cessation, tiny seeds or small metal pellets similar to ball bearings may be taped to specific points on the ear. When you feel the urge to smoke, simply press these points to negate the feeling.

Heartburn and menstrual cramps can also benefit from acupressure by applying pressure to the SP 5 and SP 6 points respectively. A variety of pressure points can be used when dealing with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

Acupressure generally enhances immunity and improves lymphatic and hormonal system function by promoting circulation through brisk rubbing, among other techniques.

If you are having difficulty meditating, lightly holding a point at the centre of your forehead just above the bridge of your nose for one minute with your eyes closed effectively promotes a meditative state.

Sea bands are elastic wrist straps that contain a small bump designed to apply continuous pressure to the P 6 point on the wrist. The bands are most popular with sailors to combat sea sickness and pregnant women dealing with morning sickness.