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Acupuncture and acupressure might sound a bit weird or “New Agey”, but these ancient traditional treatments (both remedy & preventative) have been tried and tested for literally several thousands of years, as well as tens of thousands of clinical studies, plus they have a profoundly positive physical, energetic and mental/emotional effect on not only humans, but on animals as well.
Although these treatments have been around for centuries, the safety and efficacy of acupuncture / acupressure for treating a wide range of conditions, was only published in 1997 by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since then, treatments have become more widely accepted in the “Western world” and are now covered by many insurance policies and/or medical aids. These ancient techniques are used world-wide to not only relieve pain, but many other health issues and ailments as well as supportive/preventative health work.
"In a scientific perspective, the purpose of these methods are to affect sympathetic and parasympathetic systems by applying pressure [or inserting a needle] - therefore releasing neurotransmitters and mediators leading to improvements in various discomforts, [ailments, illnesses and diseases.]"*
How does acupressure and acupuncture work? As with any treatment – the healing intention as well as the skill of the practitioner, are both vital for the treatment to have the greatest effect.
In Chinese Medicine theory, there are 12 regular meridians / channels. Each meridian is believed to correspond to an organ, and they run along the body to either the hand or the foot. Organs without an empty cavity (such as the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys) are called yin organs and organs with an empty cavity (such as the gallbladder, stomach, bladder, and large and small intestines) are called yang organs.**
Emotions and mental functions are viewed as components of Qi (the body’s vital energy) and blood. Correcting the movement of Qi and blood linked to the meridians / channels, brings balance back to the mind, body, and spirit.
By stimulating specific anatomic sites along various channels / meridians (commonly referred to as acupoints ♥ ) - acupuncture and acupressure can improve the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process. I like to describe them to my patients, as direct connection access (more like a little cave than a point) to your nervous system. Interestingly, as pointed out by Dr. John Nieters (Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), 323 out of 324 points are directly over nerves and nerve bifurcations.***
Applying pressure to, or inserting a very fine, sterile needle into the skin into an acupoint, mobilizes energy in the channel / meridian and communicates with the nervous system to stimulate the release of various bio-chemicals.
Practitioners may insert a needle or apply pressure to points near the afflicted area EG: many points on the head are helpful for localised ailments – toothache or headache, but also for more mental and emotional issues like anxiety.
See my Blog post on ACUPRESSURE FOR STRESS & ANXIETY
Distal points – seemingly far away and not connected to the afflicted area – can often be more effective than points in the localised area. These points are often at the very start or very end of the meridian channel. Stimulating these points opens the entire channel of energy.
Heat or electrical stimulation of the acupoint or area around the acupoint, may further enhance the effects.
Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, cupping, heat therapy (moxibustion), topical application of liniments and/or specialised herbs.🤲
Contact Dr. Adele for more information, for a consultation or for a treatment:
REFERENCES:
* Aygin D, Şen S. Acupressure on Anxiety and Sleep Quality After Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Perianesth Nurs. 2019 Dec;34(6):1222-1231.
** Andrews S, Dempsey B. Acupressure and reflexology essentials. In: Acupressure & Reflexology For Dummies. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley Publishing, Inc.; 2007:10-65.
*** John Nieters, L.Ac. Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; Licensed Acupuncturist; Former President, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences. Talk on Electroacupuncture for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Commonwealth Club Podcast. https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast/electroacupuncture-treatment-neurodegenerative-diseases
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