Definition & History: Acupressure is an ancient healing art and science of alleviating health problems based on traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine and developed 5000 years ago. Acupressure is a branch of alternative medicine where a diagnosis, prevention and cure to ailments are done through the touch of a doctor’s hand or by application of pressure by the doctor on the surface of the patient’s body. Acupressure is a traditional mode of treatment where a cure to an ailment develops without the need of taking pharmaceutical agents. This prevents any side effects often associated with conventional drugs. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture because it treats blockages of energy at specific points along fourteen meridians, or channels, along the body. While acupuncture uses needles placed at strategic points along the meridians, acupressure utilizes manual pressure. The practitioner uses fingers, hands and elbows to put pressure on the specific points in order to relieve pain and discomfort, prevent tension-related ailments, and promote good health. Purpose: The purpose of acupressure is to promote the body’s own healing power and restore balance. Acupressure can be used to treat numerous conditions such as stress: headaches, neck and shoulder pain, allergies, menstrual difficulties, low energy, labour pain, back pain, insomnia, deficient circulation, digestive problems and nausea. Treatment: The client lies fully clothed on a soft massage table while the practitioner presses gently on points situated on various parts of the client's body. The session is non-invasive and gentle. An average session lasts for about one hour. However, most clients would normally require a number of sessions to complete a treatment. The theory of acupressure holds that specific points on the surface of the body correspond to nerve currents and blood circulations to various areas of the body. They also affect “vital energy which flows through meridians within our bodies as well. The imbalance in the flow of this vital energy is a primary cause of disease and bodily ailments. By applying appropriate pressure a blockade is removed from the meridians (that carry vital energy or blood or lymph to various organs). Thus the person is cured of the ailment or the disease. Since the technique of applying pressure differs from case to case, to bring harmony in the flow of the vital energy (or blood or lymph) it is advisable that one takes a proper treatment from a professional, well qualified, experienced, trustworthy and reliable acupressurist rather than risking one's own health in the hands of a novice or one's own self. Acupressure uses the following principles to treat patients: · Removing blocks in the flow of vital energy · Reinforcing any deficiencies of the vital energy, and likewise, control the excess of vital energy. · Establishing energy equilibrium. · Alleviation of pain. · Energize the deficient organs for recovery, remove toxins and harmful objects · Regenerate new tissue A variety of acupressure therapies exist, some are listed below: · Su Jok – Developed in South Korea. Locations on a hand or foot are mapped on to corresponding organs of the human body. · Shiatsu Massage – This is a Japanese version of acupressure. Sedation or diplomatic stimulation is given to cure ailments. Often rotary motion is used. · Anma – This is also known as the Chinese Pull-Push form of massage. It uses the principles of meridians and the five element theory. The massage combines relaxation, tonifications, pain relieving processes and the treating of acupoints. · Bhagavan – This is an Indian form of acupressure. Often strong pressure is used to heal ailments. · Pressure – In this technique, principles of Chinese acupuncture and acupressure are applied to cure various aches and pains of the external or internal organs. This proves to be very effective for several ailments. · Tuina – A popular form of Chinese acupressure that uses the principles of the five elements theory, acupoints to treat ailments. Both local and distal points are often treated via a variety of methods of diagnosis and applied pressure. Acupressure Treatment has been effective in many ailments and disorders including jaundice, lung problems, asthma, hypertension, low blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems, fever, cough, cold, depression, disorders of nervous system, muscle pains, sprains, cervical spondylosis, tennis elbow, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, indigestion, dysentry, constipation, fatigue, weakness and cancer.