12 Ailments Which Can Be Treated By Acupressure Points

What is the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?

A layman who has only heard the name “acupressure” or “acupuncture”, may consider both the same. For some, acupuncture methods may appeal as baseless and even frightening, as the practitioners use needles to prick at certain random points in the body, claiming that by doing so, it will heal the ailment, while for some acupressure might be as simple as massage therapy.

But do we know that “acupressure” and “acupuncture” are actually two different methods of healing and also that the therapist does not prick you at any random points in your body but at specific energy lines?

While we blindly rely on painkillers and other harmful methods of temporary relief, there is a very effective, natural and convenient way available, called acupressure.

Difference between Acupressure and Acupuncture

Even though both Acupressure and Acupuncture are alternative medical techniques, both of them are key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and also both method focus on the concept of life energy, they do differ in the way of their application.

In Acupuncture, thin metal needles are used to simulate the acupoints while in acupressure a firm pressure to massage the acupoints is performed.

How do Acupressure works?

Both the needle therapy and pressure point massage methods depend on the prospect that the body's essential vitality courses through meridian focus. These meridian indicators on the body associate different organs, convey vitality and add to in general well-being. There are in all 14 meridians focuses on the body, which when invigorated can alleviate torment and furthermore treat the issue. Pressure point massage or needle therapy both help in clearing any blockage of the vitality and in this manner reestablishes the body's yin and yan (otherwise called Chi or Qi)

Why choose Acupressure for immediate first aid?

Acupressure has an upper hand due to various reasons:

• You do not need to see a doctor
• It can be free of cost
• You can do it yourself with or without any help
• It is fairly easy to learn
• Gives a relieving effect and promotes healing.
• Strengthens the immune system and reduces stress and tension.

What all ailments can be treated by acupressure?

When it is said that acupressure can treat Cancer-related fatigue, then you can imagine its effectiveness. Below are some illnesses that can be treated by acupressure such as,

• Headache
• Menstrual cramps
• Motion sickness
• Muscle tension and pain
• Nausea or vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy or during pregnancy and morning sickness
• Stress management
• Muscle Spasm and Nose Bleeds Relief
• Diabetic Coma, Insect Bite and Hypertension
• Breathing and Vomiting related discomfort
• Weather Change, Motion Sickness, and Sniffles
• Back and Stomach Pain Relief
• Poisoning, Tiredness, and Migraine
• Allergy, Asthma and Anxiety Relief Points

Acupressure points that you should know!

When you are in an emergency situation, you tend to panic. You want to help but can not decide what to do. Knowing some of the following acupressure points, at any moment of emergency, can help you and the patient considerably.

The acupressure points for immediate first aid:

#1. Nausea:

Press on the middle of your forearm, about three finger widths from your wrist crease. (This is the point motion-sickness bracelets press as well.)

#2. A headache:

Pinch the web of flesh between your thumb and forefinger.

#3. Heartburn/indigestion:

Press down in the middle of your torso, about six finger widths above your belly button and two below the bottom of your rib cage.

#4. Menstrual cramps and period bloat:

Press on the inside of your leg, just below and slightly behind the knee joint.

#5. Acupressure points for Neck pain:

With your thumbs, press the hollows at the back base of your skull.

#6. Gas or constipation:

Rub your abdomen clockwise 150 to 300 times.

#7. Insomnia:

Press down on the crease between the palm and wrist, in line with the pinky finger--daily, for best results.

#8. Overall water retention (Pressure points for Headache)

Press on the inside of your leg, about a hand's width up from the ankle bone, just behind the tibia.1. For sore eyes and frontal headaches during allergy season, place your index finger or middle finger in the notch at the inside of the upper eye socket (either eye works). Press into this point for 7-10 seconds and release for 7-10 seconds, repeat the sequence for 5-10 minutes.

#9. Cough, asthma, any lung problem:

One thumb width below the hollow under the outside end of the collarbone press into this point with the thumb for 7-10 seconds, release for 7-10 seconds and repeat the sequence for 5-10 minutes.

If you are the patient, do not forget to breathe slowly and deeply as you are pressing down. Keep the breath pattern regular when the point has been released. The rhythm should be press down, breath slow and deep, pressure released and breath normal.

Acupressure points for other emergencies:

#10. Chest Pain/ Heart Attack:

The treatment for chest pain and heart attack consists of six points. Each point has to the pressed for 1 minute.

1st Point- This point lies in the flesh between the thumbs and index finger.

2nd Point- If a vertical line is drawn on the palm starting between the ring and little finger and straight towards the wrist, this point would lie on the line half a thumb-width above the wrist crease.

3rd Point- This point lies at the crossing of the above-mentioned line and the wrist crease.

4th Point- This point is located at the center of the forearm, 4 thumbs-widths above the wrist crease.

5th Point- This point is located exactly in the middle of the chest.

6th Point- This point lies one thumb-width above the armpit when arms are closed against the body.

The patient should have complete bed rest after suffering chest pain or heart attack and the mind should be relaxed and calm.

#11. Cardiac Arrest:

Initially, it must be determined that the patient indeed has had a cardiac arrest. After which the patient ought to be leaned back on a hard surface, and his legs ought to be raised with the assistance of pads or pillows. Then the person helping him should apply a hard blow on the lower end of the patient’s middle breastbone, which helps the heart to start beating. However, if this fails then external cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth respiration should be applied. Another person might apply acupressure treatment to four points.

1st Point- If a vertical line is drawn on the palm starting between the ring and little finger and straight towards the wrist, this point would lie on the line half a thumb-width above the wrist crease.

2nd Point-This point lies on the outer corner of the nail of the little finger.

3rd Point- This point is located at the center of the forearm, 4 thumb-widths above the wrist crease.

4th Point- This point is located just below the nose and above the upper lip.

#12. Sudden High Fever:

The treatment for fever includes six points:

1st Point- This point lies in the flesh between the thumbs and index finger.

2nd Point- This point lies at the outer end of the elbow crease when the elbow is bent at the right angle.

3rd Point- Bend your knee joint by 900, now move three thumbs-widths downward from the lower end of the kneecap. There you will be able to feel a pointed bone. This point is located one finger-width to the outer side of this bone. In addition, stimulating this point also helps in relieving knee pains.

4th Point- From the tip of the ankle bone move four fingers width upward. The 4th point lies at this level just behind the vertical leg bone.

5th Point- If a vertical line is drawn on the palm starting between the ring and little finger and straight towards the wrist, this point would lie at the crossing of the line and the wrist crease.

6th Point- Two vertebrae stand distinctly prominent on the neck when we bend the head forward. This point is located between these two vertebrae.

Repeat the treatment every 15 minutes till the temperature falls considerably.

Words of caution:

With every benefit that acupressure guarantee, the practitioner, however, has to be very meticulous.  There is, of course, a right and wrong way of performing acupressure. Also, there might be side effects and other safety precaution that the user should keep in mind. According to several medical websites and other acupressure professionals following are the pointer should you always remember,

• Acupressure should never be painful. If you experience any pain, tell your therapist immediately. After an acupressure session, some people may feel soreness or bruising at acupressure points. You may also feel temporarily lightheaded.
• Pressure should be gentle over fragile or sensitive areas, such as the stress points on the face.
• If you have a condition such as osteoporosis, recent fracture or injury, cancer, easy bruising, a bleeding disorder, heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, or are using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, you should speak to your doctor before trying acupressure.
• If you are pregnant, you should speak to your care provider before trying acupressure. Acupressure typically isn't done on the abdomen or at certain points on the leg or low back during pregnancy.
• Acupressure shouldn't be done over open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any area that is bruised or swollen.