WHAT IS ACUPRESSURE?
Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure is a manual technique that aims to stimulate specific points on the body by applying pressure with the fingers. Other parts of the body such as the elbows and feet can also be used.
The objective of the approach is to harmonize the circulation of vital energy, the Qi, throughout the body, in order to awaken the self-healing processes and thus restore energy balance.
The pressure points targeted during an acupressure treatment are the same as those used in acupuncture. They are located along energy channels called meridians. Each point corresponds to a specific organ or area of the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, blockages (excess) and voids of energy along the meridians are considered to create imbalances that the western world recognizes as symptoms or diseases. By restoring the flow of energy in the body, acupressure would therefore promote healing.
Shiatsu is recognized by many as a form of Japanese acupressure.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACUPRESSURE?
Acupressure is practiced by taking into account the person and his or her global context (physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional). Thus, the benefits are numerous and can affect many aspects of the individual. Here are some of them:
- Improvement of the quality of sleep
- Relaxation and well-being
- Pain relief
- Reduction of muscular tension
- Reduction of nausea associated with pregnancy or motion sickness
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Reduction of stress and anxiety
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Generally speaking, acupressure is a safe manual therapy. However, as with other massage techniques, there are some contraindications to the approach, such as:
- Open wound
- Active infection
- Fever
- Recent surgery
- Severe osteoporosis
In addition, people who suffer from arthritis should discuss with a health professional before consulting a massage therapist specialized in acupressure, since the treatment could in some cases accentuate the pain. The approach could also induce labor in pregnant women.
It should be noted that the massage therapist always collects information from the client before beginning the session. This information is used, among other things, to identify any contraindications to an acupressure session. In doing so, the massage therapist may refer the client to the appropriate medical resource or adjust the treatment accordingly to ensure safety.
COURSE OF THE SESSION
An acupressure session usually takes place on a massage table, over clothing.
The massage therapist will begin the treatment by gathering information on the person’s general condition, which will allow him/her to adapt the treatment. To do this, he will have the client fill out a health questionnaire and ask him about his health condition and the presence and location of pain.
Once the person is settled on the massage table, the massage therapist will target the blockages and energy voids along the meridians. He or she will then apply gentle pressure on different points to restore the energy flow. The massage therapist may also stretch or massage certain tense areas.
An acupressure session lasts around 60 minutes, but could be shorter or longer depending on the reason for the consultation and the needs of the client. More than one session is often necessary to rebalance the energy in the body.