Acupressure Massage

The Main Types of Massages

• Eastern: Acupressure, Tuina, Ayurveda and Shiatsu
• Western Massage: Swedish Massage, Esalen, Aromatherapy and Holistic Massage
• Innovative: Bowen technique, Polarity, Rolfing and Reflexology
• Physiotherapy: Vacuum suction, Gyrator, Ultrasound and Vibrator

What is Acupressure Massage?

Acupressure (a portmanteau of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body.

How does acupressure work?

Acupressure and acupuncture share the same active points (also called trigger points). The ancient Chinese developed system of active points stimulation over 5,000 years ago. The active points are located on imaginary lines called meridians. Accordingly, the points are referred to by the meridian (Referring to the below pictures) they are located on and consecutive number of point on that meridian.

The ancient Chinese believed that life energy chi (pronounced chee) flows through these meridians. In a healthy person the energy flow trough meridians is unobstructed. The blockade of chi flow results in an illness. The Chinese believed that active points stimulation clears the meridians and improves the flow of energy.

The western medical science only begins to understand the mechanisms responsible for positive effects of active points stimulation. Stimulation of active points is thought to lead to increased release of endorphins. Endorphin is a natural body painkiller. Endorphin and morphine are chemically different molecules but, by coincidence, they have very similar 3-dimensional shape. This similarity in shape allows morphine to bind the endorphin receptor, reduce pain, and induce feeling of happiness. Thus endorphin released by acupressure stimulation may lead to relaxation and normalization of body functions.

Measurable Benefits of Acupressure are:

• The nervous system: Soothing the painful nerves by the monotone of smooth stroking, helping tired nerves to rest by the lullabies of rhythmic squeezing.
• The Lungs: Massage movements eliminate tension in the chest, shoulders, and abdomen to permit full breathing. Percussion strokes, especially at the sides of the chest, help clear the airways. Respiratory massage also helps with emotional readjustment.
• Digestion: Reliving the stress responses that impede digestion. Stroking toward the digestive organs stimulates peristalsis, the spontaneous massage also trigger the action of the intestines.
• The muscles: Muscles are toned by massage, which stimulates their reflexes and redistributes their tension. The warming strokes and cooling stretches of massage are good preparation for activity and rest.
• The Emotions: Unexpressed emotion is often contained in hypertensive muscles, and in this way emotions can be directly addressed by massage. The movement of massage provides a counterpressure that tends to dissipate tension, freeing it to be converted into energy.
• The heart: Simple neck massage can reduce nervous pressure in the heart, which steadies the heartbeat.
• Injuries: Gently whole-body massage conveys reassurance after injury. Smooth stroking reduces pain by relieving the congestion of the healing process. Friction massage near the injury site speeds repair by stimulating the circulation.