Acupressure: A Needle-Free Alternative to Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture both work from the same basic principles. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disruptions in the normal flow of qi (life energy) can cause or contribute to any number of health problems. By manipulating specific acupuncture points on the body, practitioners can correct the flow of qi and thus relieve these problems. In modern scientific terms, the manipulations appear to increase circulation, relax soft tissues, and improve nerve function.
Acupressure uses the same "map" of points as acupressure. Instead of inserting needles, however, the practitioner applies pressure, either with the fingers or with tools called acupressure sticks (which also contain essential oils).
One advantage acupressure has over acupuncture lies in the fact that, since it does not invade the skin, you can undergo this form of treatment every other day instead of waiting several days between each session.
What Conditions Can Acupressure Treat?
Acupressure can successfully treat many of the same conditions as acupuncture. It seems to prove especially useful in the treatment of conditions that cause pain and/or nausea. Ha-il Lee may recommend acupressure to help treat headaches, back pain, chronic headaches, arthritis pain, and nausea related to motion sickness, pregnancy, or cancer treatment.
How Lee Administers Acupressure
Our patients sit or lie comfortably on a treatment table while our team administers acupressure. Lee will apply pressure to each point (or multiple points) with the pressure gradually increasing for 30 seconds, holding steady for another 30 seconds, and then gradually relaxing for 30 more seconds. The pressure may be accompanied by circular motions at the acupressure points. You'll most likely have this process repeated 3 to 5 times for each acupressure point.
Do you want to experience the benefits of acupuncture without the needles? Schedule (815) 705-6246 therapeutic acupressure at our chiropractic clinic.
