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by: ChristianGoodman
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upressure is a natural alternative therapy even older than acupuncture, originating in China and dating back over 2,000 years. Not only is it used to heal many health problems, it's also been shown to be effective in preventing problems, particularly those that accompany aging.

Chinese medical practitioners, acupuncturists and massage therapists all incorporate acupressure into their treatments. It's considered an effective way to help your body regain balance, an important aspect of the homeostasis the body is constantly striving for, particularly in the fast-paced, high pressured, stressful lives most of us lead.

Acupuncture uses needles, while acupressure uses the human hand and its parts, like the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles, to press key points on the skin. It should be pointed out though, that both procedures are painless. The needles used in acupuncture are so thin, they are hardly ever felt. They both recognize the same key points, one through the use of needles, and the other through the use of hands or some other blunt object.

Pressure bands can also be bought and used when constant, continuous pressure is required, like when treating nausea. Acupressure can be used on children as treatment if they are afraid of the needles used in acupuncture. In adults, acupressure is normally used to decrease stress, with effective results. You can learn how to use acupressure easily, and you can apply this to yourself or your family members, unlike acupuncture, which needs several years of specialized education and experience.

There are 14 channels identified by Chinese medicine, called meridians, which are used to transport the movement of chi or qi (both pronounced 'chee', which means 'life energy') inside our body. By applying pressure to key points along each meridian, acupressure helps to improve circulation, reduce tension, balance the body, increase endorphins, and strengthen resistance to illness. It can also be used as treatment for everyday pains like headache, stress, and eye strain.

A study done at Dankook University in Korea showed acupressure to be effective in reducing labor pains, and length of labor. It has also been proven to effectively induce labor, which is why only someone experienced in acupressure can apply it on pregnant women.

In Taiwan, research showed acupressure to be more useful in decreasing lower back pain than traditional physical therapies, with results lasting six months following treatment. One recent study shows that acupressure applied to the P6 (located in the wrist) had significant results in relieving acid reflux.

Acupressure is not there to increase your tolerance for pain. It shouldn't hurt. If you feel pain when pressure is applied, stop the pressure immediately. You may feel a slight numbness from acupressure, but you should never feel pain.

I'm not sure why Western medicine seems so reluctant to embrace techniques from other cultures that have been providing proven results for centuries. Perhaps modern day doctors fear their services might no longer be needed if everyone started using alternative therapies and natural remedies for their health related problems.

About the Author

Christian Goodman is a popular natural Health alternatives researcher and the creator of the Natural Health Blog. His latest work is the Vertigo Treatment, which has now helped thousands of people cure their vertigo naturally.

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