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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Acupressure introduction

Acupressure is thought to be one of the oldest healing traditions in the world, predating even acupuncture. The Chinese are credited with having discovered that pressure on specific points of the body could relieve common ailments and discomforts.

As far back as 300 B.C. there is mention of acupressure in Chinese medical texts, and it came to be widely adopted as a self-help and first aid technique for lay people, as well as an important part of massage therapy for professional physicians. Acupressure is based on the same concepts of meridians and acupoints as acupuncture, but fingertip pressure is used rather than needles.

Acupressure for labor inducing

Giving birth to a baby is such a fragile thing that you will want to ensure the safety of you and your baby. This is why using acupressure to induce labor is a favorite technique among pregnant women. Acupressure is incredibly soothing and has no side effects. Thus, acupressure is strongly recommendable than medical induction, or the many other “at-home” remedies, which are dominated with side effects.

Studies show that acupressure and the Japanese technique of “shiatsu” induce labor quite effectively. Actually, acupressure is one of the natural labor inducing remedies that has been scientifically shown to work effectively.

Acupressure techniques

Acupoints used in the acupressure treatment may be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom, but it may not always be the same. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi.

The combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. For e.g. martial artists massage their own acupressure points regularly in order to remove blockage from their own meridians, which in turn enhance their blood circulation and flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less susceptible to an attack.

CONCLUSION

But where can prospective students acquire comprehensive acupressure training? As the number of healing arts schools continues to expand, interested individuals have the flexibility to choose from several acupressure training programs.

In a Chinese medicine school, students often have the option to participate in a Chinese medical massage (Tuina) program, where they will learn specific Eastern massage modalities including acupressure; however, in some cases, acupressure/Shiatsu classes can be taken separately as elective studies or stand-alone certification and/or diploma programs.