Although acupressure is not a substitute for medical care, it can often be a complementary self treatment for everyday discomforts. Focused attention is also an important aspect of self healing using acupressure. The coordination of visualization with acupressure is a simple process. While holding an acupressure point, one visualizes light flowing through the fingers into the area being pressed or to the area needing help. Visualization can be coordinated with inhalation to send the light to the specific area. Upon exhalation, one visualizes the pain or energy blockage being released and dissolved.
Types of Acupressure Points
Acupressure points are identified by how they respond when touched. When a point on the body is stimulated in the same area that discomfort is experienced, the point is defined as being a local point.
When a point is stimulated in a part of the body that relieves discomfort in a part of the body that is distant from the point stimulated, it is considered a trigger point. The trigger mechanism works through an electrical channel system called meridians. Meridians are pathways that connect acupressure points to each other as well as to internal organs.
Natural Energy Healing Using the Hands and Fingers
The Chinese word Ch'i is used to describe the vital life force of energy that animates every living thing. Ch'i circulates throughout the body along specific channels called meridians with acupressure points located on the meridians. By stimulating the acupressure points, one can balance a disruption in the flow of energy through the meridian system and help maintain optimal health of the body and emotions.
Different parts of the body respond to different amounts of pressure. The calves, face and genital areas tend to be sensitive. The back, buttocks and shoulders usually need a deeper, firmer pressure. Pressure on a point is maintained for a brief seven second period of time to stimulate an area, using a rotary motion of the thumb or third finger with firm but not harsh pressure. To relax an area, pressure is gradually applied and held without movement for approximately one to three minutes.
A slow kneading motion using the thumbs and fingers or the heel of the hands is effective for squeezing large muscle groups firmly. Brisk rubbing of the skin causes friction and helps stimulate blood and lymph systems. Quick tapping with the fingertips stimulates muscles on the face, while larger areas of the body such as the buttocks can be stimulated using a loose fist.
Adjoining Valley Pressure Point
Jack Forem and Steve Shimer, authors of Healing with Pressure Point Therapy indicate the Li4 point, also known as the Adjoining Valley pressure point helps to relieve headaches and other pain, relax muscular tension and helps to balance the flow of energy between the upper and lower parts of the body. The point is also used to clear excess heat and promote healthy functioning of the bowel. (They caution pregnant women to not press on this point.)
To stimulate the Adjoining Valley point, hold the left hand palm down, fingers out straight and squeeze the thumb against the fingers. This will cause the fleshy mound to pop up. The Adjoining Valley point is in the middle of the fleshy mound. Release the pressure and with the right thumb on top of the left hand and right index finger beneath the left hand, hold the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Squeeze the center of the webbing, pressing toward the bone of the index finger. Hold one minute and repeat with the other hand.
Reference List:
Cerney, J.V., D.C.,A.B.,D.M.,D.P.M. (1999). Acupuncture Without Needles. New York: Prentice Hall Press.
Forem, Jack and Shimer, Steve. L.Ac. (1999). Healing With Pressure Point Therapy. New York: Prentice Hall Press.
Gach, Michael Reed. (1990). Acupressure's Potent Points. New York: Bantam Books.
Terri Parrott - Terri Parrott has a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration with an Internaltional Managment concentration. She has been active in the ...
