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ACUPRESSURE
What is acupressure?
Acupressure (sometimes written as "accupressure") is a technique related to acupuncture,
where the energies of the body are regulated by manipulating points on the body.
This has effects on the emotions, tension and physical conditions. The points are
commonly called "acupuncture points," "pressure points," "acupoints" or "acupressure
points."
Acupressure techniques: Pressing and reducing points
There are two ways that acupressure points are manipulated: pressing (reinforcing)
and reducing them. Most are probably familiar with the first, but not with the second
method.
To press points, use something blunt. Usually the fingers are used to press, but
I find that for many points the fingers may be a bit too thick, so you'd have to
press quite long and firmly. Ideal would be something 3 to 4 mm thick, like a (preferably
used) pencil eraser that's on the other side of a pencil. Some points can be pressed
using a fingernail. |
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Pressing points for less than half a second can already
have a distinguishable effect. So for just trying out a point you could press it
only briefly. To get a full effect however, pressure should be applied for at least
half a minute, but preferably longer. One to two minutes should do.
To reduce a point, turn a finger over it in counter-clockwise direction, also for
one to two minutes.I think it's a good idea not to get into the habit of doing the
same points every day. Do them when you feel you need them, don't overdo it. Pay
attention to what effects points have on you.If you're weakened (from age, disease
or whatever), be sure to not reduce points more often then necessary. You could
also additionally press these points for a few seconds. Do a point on both sides
of the body.
Feeling if it works
When you are not feeling any effects from pressing points, several things may be
the case.You may not be pressing on the exact right spot (acupuncture points are
about 0.5 mm diameter, so you'll have to be precise). Try different spots around
the location you first tried.You shouldn't press lightly, but you shouldn't hurt
yourself either. Also, don't press for just a few seconds (although if you're very
sensitive you might already notice effects then).To feel if acupressure is working
(for knowing that the location of the point is accurate), I usually sense what's
happening in my face. Almost all points in the list on this site have some effect
here. Many of the points also have some subtle effect on the quality of vision.
You may see more clearly and more colors. Meditation will develop your ability to
feel the effects.
If you're using a point quite often, or if you don't need a point, the effect may
become very little or unnoticable.If you're tense, you may not feel much, although
usually you'll become less tense by using the techniques on this site. |
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Why you shouldn't use needles
As for using needles, I've tried that, but have been discouraged to continue using
them by both an acupuncturist and a healer. The acupuncturist thought it was dangerous
because you can damage tissue, and difficult as you can't access points that well
yourself. You may damage blood vessels, nerves, tendons or bone, which can all be
quite painful. On the breast or shoulders, you may puncture the lung.
On an energetic level, the fear that comes with using needles on yourself may damage
the First Chakra. This may worsen your problems.Using needles as an amateur may
not even be legal.I found that I feel more clearly what's happening in my body from
acupressure than from acupuncture, whether administered by a licensed acupuncturist
or by myself. |
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