Accupressure: Healing by finger

CEBU, Philippines - But unlike acupuncture which is performed by inserting needles into the skin pores, acupressure is not threatening because it does not use any apparatus on the body. While both healing techniques had their beginnings in ancient China and India, acupressure is said to be much older, dating back more than 5,000 years.

In terms of their effects and underlying principle, acupuncture and acupressure are the same. Both work in the principle that there are nerve endings under the skin that are connected to all glands and organs of the body – and that these nerve endings can be stimulated by using pressure on the exact parts of the body where they are located.

Most of the body’s ailments are due to tension, strain and stress. The body needs to relax in order to be healthy. Exerting pressure on a tense body part loosens the muscles. In the same way, pressing the body’s reflex points stimulates the nerve endings, and thereby stimulating the corresponding organs and glands to function properly.

Acupressure identifies ten sets of channels or meridians in the body. These are lines running through the body which are clues for locating reflex points. For example, pain in any part of a certain meridian line – particularly one that cuts from the center top of the head down through the big toes of the feet – can be treated by exerting pressure on the thumb or the big toe.

Many body parts have corresponding reflex points on the hands and feet. The right hand and foot correspond to the right side of the body, while the left hand and foot correspond to the left side. The feet are where the greatest concentrations of nerve endings are found. Besides those at the bottom, many important reflex points are also found at the sides, back and top of the feet. Moreover, aside from those found at the hands and feet, there are other response areas located on the arms and legs as well as at the back, and on the neck and head.

It’s amazing how all body organs, the internal organs especially, are each represented by a specific point on the surface of the body. Pressing the appropriate reflex points can bring effective, often immediate, relief to headaches and toothaches, and other body pains as well.

Acupressure has been most reliable in healing many eye and ear problems, and is a convenient remedy for colds, cough, sore throat, sinusitis and even asthma. Aside from these, acupressure also offers relief to a host of other ailments. It is even used to correct obesity, cure acne and vanish facial wrinkles.

It may, however, require an expert on acupressure to initially guide you on the correct application of this healing technique. Acupressure has specific procedures for different purposes. They are easy to learn though, and you can go on your own in addressing different ailments with the use of your hands within only a short time. A good book on the subject can also help.

For general health maintenance, acupressure is a good supplement to regular exercise and proper dietary habits. Exercise promotes proper blood circulation necessary in order for the nutrients from a good diet to get to all parts of the body. Likewise, good blood circulation works to remove the many toxins secreted by the cells as well as cleanse the body of dead cells.

Acupressure is a good way to work out the other body organs and glands not ordinarily affected by the usual exercise movements. As a healing procedure, it is good because it calls on the body itself to treat its own ills, often without aid of medication and without need for special equipment.

For the persistent, more serious health complaints, however, it is always best to seek the doctor’s advice. (FREEMAN)