Astonishing benefits of acupressure for beginners unveiled!
Acupressure for beginners starts with a clap! Have you ever seen some people just randomly tapping their finger-tips? Even more commonly, you must have seen people engaged in exercises in mornings in their parks, simply clapping away!
Why do you think these people randomly clap and tap their fingers? This is because this is nothing but acupressure!
My first encounter with acupressure
This was many years ago. My sister introduced me to the therapy. It so happened that I was complaining of a little stomach ache. Before I could say anything further, she swiftly held my hand and started pressing at a specific area on my palm.
Guess what? I literally screamed with pain – pain not of the stomach ache as much as of the pressure she put on my palm!
Later, she explained to me that the pain in the area being pressed actually means there is a disturbance or problem in the corresponding area in the body!
I was amazed by this new learning! But do not worry- acupressure is anything but painful! It is, in fact, one of the most comfortable forms of healing therapies.
I have literally cured (at least reduced drastically the symptoms of) my chronic sinusitis problem as well as my cervical neck pain. This has been possible by simply pressing pressure points on my hands! Isn't this great?
The ancient art of healing meets the modern world
Acupressure has been around for thousands of years and is used to promote wellness and relaxation and treat illnesses and diseases.
Acupressure is one of the various ancient and traditional Asian bodywork therapies. It has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine. Japanese form of acupressure is called Shiatsu. Acupressure is also popularly known as 'acupuncture without the needles' as it involves the use of manual pressure instead of the use of needles.
The traditional Chinese theory of medicine lays down the presence of special pressure acupoints along the channels or meridians in your body. Acupuncture also targets these same energy points or meridians.
The significance of these meridians or channels or energy points lies in the belief that the universal life force energy flows through these channels. This universal life force energy and consciousness is called the chi or qi. Courses for acupressure for beginners teach you all this and more.
Further, acupressurists believe that the 12 major meridians connect with specific organs in the body, establishing almost a communication network in the body. These meridians begin at your fingertips and connect to your brain. They then connect with the specific organ or organs connected with that specific meridian.
So when one or more of these meridians is blocked or is out of balance and energy is not flowing through it properly and smoothly, illnesses and diseases occur. Acupressure comes into the picture here as it helps in restoring the balance of these energy points and channels. Acupressure for beginners starts with recognizing the 12 meridian and pressure points.
Guide to acupressure for beginners
Practitioners of acupressure generally use their palms and fingers to apply pressure to the points on the body’s meridians. Some acupressure practitioners also use their elbows or feet or even some special tools and devices to apply pressure on the acupressure points. Acupressure sometimes also includes acupressure stretching and acupressure massages.
Practicing acupressure includes simply applying pressure or pressing the acupressure points on your body. The duration of an acupressure session depends on practitioner to practitioner as well as the severity of the problem being catered to.
Usually, an acupressure practitioner takes an acupressure session for about an hour. The number of acupressure sessions required again depends upon your specific need and problem.
How acupressure really works?
It works by restoring the balance in the energy channels and energy field of your body. It heals your body at all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. As such, acupressure not only treats apparent physical symptoms and problems, but also more underlying deep-rooted emotional and mental issues.
Experts believe that applying pressure on a specific point promotes the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. These are endorphins.
These endorphins help in the healing process. According to experts, acupressure can stimulate the body’s natural self-healing and self-curative abilities.
Another theory about the working of acupressure is that application of pressure can influence the autonomic nervous system. When the acupoints are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the proper circulation of blood as well as universal life force energy to aid healing. Courses of acupressure for beginners also teach how to press the points and how much the pressure should be.
3 Commonest and the best acupressure points in the body
There are more than 100 acupressure points in the body. Some of the most common and popularly known and used acupressure points are as follows:
- Liver – this is associated with the top of your foot and up from the space from your big toe and the toe next to it.
- Large intestine – this is associated with the fleshy and soft web located between your thumb and forefinger.
- Spleen – this is associated with the point at about three finger widths above your inner anklebone.
Benefits of acupressure
The benefits of acupressure are many and tremendous. Acupressure is now popularly used for a number of health concerns. Acupressure is highly beneficial in the following:
- All kinds of pain: Acupressure can help with various kinds of pain. It is effective and beneficial in headaches, stomach aches, post-operative pains, and back pains.
- Arthritis: Acupressure is believed to release endorphins and promote anti-inflammatory effects. This helps tremendously with certain types of arthritis.
- Fatigue, Stress, depression, and anxiety: Acupressure is helpful in reducing fatigue and improving mood. As such, acupressure helps in managing depression, stress, and anxiety too.
Some other health conditions that can be treated effectively with the help of acupressure are :
- Menstrual cramps
- Motion sickness
- Nausea or vomiting after chemotherapy or surgery
- Nausea or vomiting in pregnancy
- Muscle pains and tension
Acupressure on self
You can do acupressure on self. Acupressure for beginners, however, does not encourage self-healing. But once you are an expert, you can self-heal.
It is important to first have sufficient knowledge of the various pressure points to be able to practice acupressure on the self. There are various acupressure courses and classes available these days where you can learn this healing therapy effectively and easily. Contact a certified acupressurist today.
So, heal yourself and others with the help of acupressure. There is no other healing technique as natural, simple and effective as acupressure!
Author Bio:
Shilpi Goel is a content curator, writer, and an avid reader. She is a Reiki master healer and an aspiring life coach. Having experienced tremendous personal and professional growth Shilpi feels passionately about sharing her learning with others. Being a firm believer in the fact that we all have the power to shape our destiny and life, Shilpi seeks to share her insights on spirituality, personal growth, holistic well-being, and on life in general!
