What is Acupressure

Acupressure, an ancient art of applying pressure at certain natural pressure points in the body has been widely accepted as one of the safest and most potent methods of promoting well being.

The potent points where pressure is applied during acupressure, are points on the skin that readily conduct bio electrical impulses in our body. These points were traditionally conceived as pathways of the flow of healing energy called ‘chi’. Sensitive electrical devices were subsequently used to map these channels and confirm their presence in the human body.

These potent points can be stimulated using various methods. While acupressure uses just pressure of the hands, there are other techniques like acupuncture which use needles to stimulate the pressure points. The basic idea is to release endorphins that are actually pain relieving neuro-chemicals. The pressure also improves circulation of blood and oxygen, therefore allowing the tense muscles to relax and heal.

It is the tendency of the body to build tension around the pressure points and create spasms in muscles. In such a case, lactic acid is secreted and the muscle fibers contact. This can cause the blood circulation to be poor, as a result of which, the requisite amount of oxygen is not able to reach the tissues and further ailments can get induced. As a pressure point gets pressed, the muscles tend to yield to the touch and relax. The fibers become elongated and the blood flow becomes unobstructed and free.

Applying of pressure on these potent points also helps to stop the pain signals. It basically creates mild sensations which prevent pain from any part of the body to pass through to the brain.

However, acupressure doesn’t only help relieve pain; it also rids the body of harmful affects of daily stress and tensions. Acupressure can enhance the immune system, enabling the body to better adapt to surrounding conditions and ward off illness.