Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body. Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. Chinese cultures believe the points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called chi. Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of these points using electrical devices.

 

Acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony. Some of the acupressure points are significant as they relate to a specific part of the body while others are more general in their effect. Acupressure can help alleviate ailments such as tension, stress, aches and pains, arthritis or menstrual cramps. Acupressure can also be used for general preventative health care.

 

The purpose of acupressure is to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body. The stimulation removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue. The accumulation of toxins causes stiffness throughout the body. Stiffness in muscles puts abnormal pressure on nerves, and blood and lymph vessels. The pressure on blood and lymph vessels affect both skeletal systems and internal organ functioning.