MOD003 – Acupressure

Definition

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese healing technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. This therapy is based on the same principles as acupuncture but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Acupressure mats or beds of nails are modern tools designed with numerous plastic or metal spikes to apply pressure evenly across the body’s surface, mimicking the effects of traditional acupressure on a larger scale.

Explanation

Acupressure is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is based on the concept that life energy, or Qi, flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. These meridians are connected to various organs and bodily functions. According to TCM, when the flow of Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical, emotional, or mental health issues.

The practice of acupressure involves:

• Identifying specific acupoints along the meridians that correspond to particular health concerns or body areas.
• Applying firm, sustained pressure to these points using fingers, palms, elbows, or specialized tools.
• Maintaining pressure for varying durations, typically ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes.
• Often combining point stimulation with gentle massage or stretching techniques.

Practitioners may use various techniques, including:

• Pressing and releasing in a rhythmic manner
• Holding steady pressure
• Circular rubbing motions
• Rapid tapping

Acupressure can be performed by a trained practitioner or self-administered once the techniques are learned. It’s often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments.

Acupressure mats or beds of nails are modern adaptations that aim to provide similar benefits on a larger scale. These mats feature hundreds or thousands of plastic or metal spikes that apply pressure to multiple acupoints simultaneously when a person lies or stands on them. The even distribution of pressure across a large area of the body is believed to:

1. Stimulate multiple acupoints concurrently
2. Promote overall relaxation and stress reduction
3. Enhance blood circulation
4. Provide a form of self-administered acupressure that can be used regularly at home

While the traditional practice focuses on specific points, these mats offer a more generalized approach, making them accessible for home use without requiring extensive knowledge of acupoint locations.

The goal of both traditional acupressure and the use of acupressure mats is to restore balance to the body’s energy flow, relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being. Many users report benefits such as pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress levels.

Evidence to Efficacy

There is evidence demonstrating the efficacy of acupressure for various conditions, particularly chronic low back pain and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Here’s a summary of the key findings:

Chronic Low Back Pain: A systematic review by Godley and Smith (2020) found that acupressure can effectively alleviate chronic low back pain. All studies included in the review reported a clinically significant reduction (≥30% decrease) in pain for acupressure interventions.

A prospective randomized controlled study conducted by Bonetti et al. (2021) evaluated the efficacy of an acupressure mat in combination with therapeutic exercise for chronic low back pain management. The study found significant improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life measures for patients using the acupressure mat.

Chemotherapy-related Nausea and Vomiting: A large-scale randomized, three-group, sham-controlled trial conducted in the UK (Molassiotis et al., 2014) investigated the effectiveness of acupressure wristbands for managing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. While the results did not reach statistical significance, there were encouraging signals in relation to improved nausea experience.

General Efficacy: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Li et al. (2021) demonstrated that acupressure could provide clinical benefits for low back pain conditions and had a significant short-term response rate in low back pain management.

The Neuroscience & Physiology

Acupressure, including the use of acupressure mats, influences various physiological systems through the application of pressure to specific points on the body. The following mechanisms explain its effects:

Endorphin Release: Pressure stimulation triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals.

Gate Control Theory: Acupressure stimulates large nerve fibres, which can interfere with pain signals transmitted by smaller nerve fibres, potentially reducing pain perception.

Fascia Stimulation: Pressure on acupoints affects the fascial network, influencing cellular communication and tissue function throughout the body.

Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: Acupressure influences the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, potentially reducing stress responses.

Microcirculation Enhancement: Pressure application promotes local blood flow, potentially improving nutrient delivery and waste removal in tissues.

Myofascial Release: The pressure from acupressure mats can help release tension in myofascial tissues, improving flexibility and reducing muscle pain.

Proprioceptive Stimulation: The numerous points of contact on acupressure mats enhance proprioceptive input, potentially improving body awareness and balance.

Neurotransmitter Modulation: Acupressure influences the release of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, affecting mood and pain perception.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Influence: Regular acupressure practice modulates the HPA axis, potentially influencing stress responses and hormonal balance.

Interoception Enhancement: The sensory input from acupressure mats heightens interoceptive awareness, potentially improving the mind-body connection.

These mechanisms provide a framework for understanding how acupressure and acupressure mats influence human physiology. They draw from various fields including neurobiology, circulatory physiology, and fascia research, offering explanations for the effects of the practice.

Governing Body

Here’s an overview of the governing bodies, organisations, and standards related to acupressure and acupuncture in the UK:

British Acupuncture Council (BAcC): The UK’s largest professional body for traditional acupuncturists with nearly 3,000 members. It provides an accredited register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA), and therefore offers a mark of quality for high standards of training, safe practice, and professional conduct

The Acupuncture Society: An association, register, and self-regulator of professional Acupuncture therapists, it promotes the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and other Oriental Medical Therapies. It is recognised by London Local Authorities for licensing exemptions in certain areas.

British Acupuncture Federation (BAF): The largest independent acupuncture group in the UK it is an umbrella organization representing various acupuncture associations, and includes both Western medical and traditional styles of acupuncture practice.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of acupressure, a positive and effective experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel a sense of calm and relaxation wash over you as the session begins. The practitioner creates a soothing environment where you can fully unwind and open yourself to the treatment.
• As the acupressurist applies gentle yet firm pressure to specific points on your body, you might experience a variety of sensations. These could range from a slight tingling or warmth to a deep, satisfying release of tension. Each point may feel different, but none should cause sharp pain.
• You may notice a gradual easing of any discomfort or pain you came in with. For instance, if you arrived with a headache, you might feel the tension slowly melting away as the practitioner works on relevant points.
• Throughout the session, you should feel a growing sense of balance and harmony within your body. It’s as if energy is being unblocked and allowed to flow more freely, leaving you feeling more centred and aligned.
• The practitioner should be attuned to your responses, adjusting their technique based on your feedback and body language. You should feel comfortable communicating any discomfort or particularly pleasant sensations.
• As the session progresses, you might become aware of connections between different parts of your body. For example, pressure on a point in your foot might trigger a response in your shoulder, highlighting the interconnected nature of your body’s energy systems.
• By the end of the session, you should feel a noticeable difference in your overall state of being. You might experience a sense of lightness, improved mental clarity, or a general feeling of wellbeing.

Remember, a good acupressure experience is one where you feel respected, heard, and cared for. The effects should feel gentle yet profound, leaving you with a sense of renewal and balance on both physical and energetic levels.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are some key questions to help identify an exceptional acupressure practitioner, along with what to look for in their answers:

How do you tailor acupressure treatments to individual clients’ needs?

Desired answer: A detailed explanation of how they assess each client’s unique energy patterns and health concerns to create personalised treatment plans.

Can you describe your approach to explaining the concepts of qi and meridians to clients new to acupressure?

Desired answer: The ability to articulate complex Eastern medicine concepts using accessible language and relatable analogies.

How do you integrate acupressure with other holistic health practices?

Desired answer: Knowledge of complementary therapies and a willingness to collaborate with other practitioners for comprehensive client care.

What methods do you use to assess the effectiveness of your acupressure treatments?

Desired answer: A combination of traditional diagnostic reassessment techniques and modern outcome measures to evaluate treatment efficacy.

How do you address emotional releases that may occur during acupressure sessions?

Desired answer: Strategies for supporting clients through emotional experiences, showing sensitivity and competence in handling unexpected reactions.

Key items a practitioner MUST include:

• A clear explanation of the acupressure process and what to expect in a session
• A commitment to obtaining informed consent before each treatment
• An understanding of contraindications and when to refer to other healthcare professionals
• A willingness to work collaboratively with clients and respect their boundaries

Remember, an exceptional acupressure practitioner should demonstrate a deep understanding of traditional Eastern medicine principles, an ability to integrate this knowledge with modern health understanding, and a genuine commitment to client-centred care.

Self-Study Resources

If a practitioner is not needed or for those interested in self-study, here are some resources:

The Acupressure Institute: Offers online courses and resources.

Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach: A comprehensive guide to acupressure points and techniques.

The Acupuncture Society: Provides information on acupressure and related therapies.

The Complete Guide to Acupressure by Iona Teeguarden: A detailed resource for learning acupressure techniques.

Related Therapies

Acupuncture (MOD007): A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. Acupuncture can complement Reiki by addressing energetic blockages.

Reflexology (MOD141): A practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears.

Shiatsu (MOD150): A Japanese technique that uses finger pressure on specific points along the body’s meridians to balance energy flow

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (MOD167): An ancient medical system that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary therapy.

Massage Therapy (MOD097): This hands-on therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can enhance the effects of Reiki by addressing physical discomfort and improving circulation.

Qi Gong (MOD102): A holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.

Reiki (MOD142): A Japanese energy healing technique that involves channelling universal life force energy through gentle or no touch. Reiki can be combined with sound healing to enhance relaxation and energy flow.

Cupping Therapy (MOD005): While not strictly acupuncture, it is often used in conjunction with it. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, promoting blood flow and healing.

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