A guide and Benefits of Acupressure for beginners 

Introduction

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves putting pressure on certain parts of the body to treat different diseases and ailments. It is believed that the pressure points have healing capacity. Acupressure does not involve the use of needles, unlike the acupuncture. It is done with the help of fingers or some special tools. Acupressure is something that can be practiced comfortably by sitting at your home or on the sofa, watching your favorite TV series. It is comparatively more relaxing and convenient than acupuncture. 

The Chinese principles of medicine believe that there are pathways of energy flowing in the body which are invisible known as meridians. There are a total of 14 meridians connecting our organs with the parts of our body. The flow of energy must be consistent. But at times the energy flow might be blocked at any point on the meridian, which leads to symptoms and health conditions along the meridian.

Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure provides relief and relaxes the mind and body. It is also useful in relieving pain, especially back pain. It gives comfort during menstrual cramps, headache and nausea. It also helps with digestion and building the immune system. It is also used for enhancing the beauty of the face and body. It increases the blood circulation in the body and also decreases wrinkles. It supplies oxygen to the skin and prevents premature aging. The research also proves that it is quite effective for reducing anxiety levels and provides relief to people suffering from shortness of breath.

How is Acupressure done?

Acupressure is generally done by an acupuncturist where specific points of the body are stimulated while the person receiving the acupressure is laid down or sits comfortably on the massage table. The primary tools used in acupressure are the fingers, thumb, knuckles which are used gently but are firm enough to apply pressure. The process is repeated three to four times, and the pressure is exerted for 30 seconds and increases up to 2 minutes and then decreases to 30 seconds again. The acupressure can be self- administered also, but one has to be careful with the points because if the wrong point is pressed, it can lead to serious health issues.

A beginner’s guide to Acupressure.

Acupressure can be done by oneself very conveniently and easily from the comfort of our home. But what is essential is the knowledge of the right pressure points so that it relieves you from the pain instead of triggering it. With a little practice, the points in the hands and legs can be identified and stimulated by ourselves. Let’s discuss some tips for absolute beginners in the field of acupressure so that they can master the skill gradually and get relief by working on some points sitting comfortably at home.

First and foremost, it is vital that the person applying acupressure needs to be very patient and stable. They need to understand that the relief can not be provided instantly. One has to be consistent and patient with the procedure. With time the pain will decrease, and there are chances that it might not reoccur.
Secondly, the pressure must be applied gradually and slowly. Start by closing your eyes and sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Then breathe in and out for 5-10 minutes and hold the hand and apply pressure with light hands for 1 to 3 minutes. You can increase the intensity of the pressure according to you. This way, the acupressure points help in balancing the system and radiate energy within the body.
One should avoid putting pressure on points where you have injury, cuts or wounds and avoid touching your throat as well. You might feel a little tingling session and warmth, which is a good sign that the blood is circulating and increases the healing capacity of those areas.
Being a beginner, one should not apply the pressure for more than 3 minutes. The pressure should be very gentle and slow.
It is essential to identify the right spot and ensure that the pressure is exerted on that spot only. The pressure should be applied to the center of the point. The acupressure points are small, so they need to be precise. If the pressure is not felt, then try different spots and see which is best for you. So, try researching for the right spot and practice accordingly.
It is also important that the ideal pressing aids are used. The therapy generally uses fingers for massaging, rubbing, pressing and stimulating the pressure points. The thumb, knuckles, knees and elbows are also used. The middle finger is the most ideal for exerting pressure as it is the strongest and longest finger of the hand. Some objects can also be used like an old pencil or a pen which is blunt enough to exert pressure. Fingernails can also be used for putting pressure at some points.
Time is also a necessary point to be kept in mind. For the beginners, the pressure is applied for half a second, which is a good start but for the acupressure to be effective. The pressure needs to be increased by 1 to 3 minutes. For beginners, you might feel it too much so you can relax and withdraw the force and breathe deeply and then the process can be repeated.
Note: The people suffering from serious health problems should be careful while using acupressure technique. Pregnant women should also avoid it.

Conclusion

Acupressure is an ancient and traditional technique practised for hundreds of years. We are responsible for our health, and it is time that we take responsibility for it and try to follow these guidelines and tips for effective acupressure at home. This guide will be helpful for the beginners to understand the benefits of acupressure and how to go about it.