Acupressure points are locations on the body that can be treated by acupressure massage, acupuncture, or moxabustion.
Acupuncture points are areas on the acupuncture channels where qi tends to gather and the channels are more accessible from the skin’s surface.
The acupuncture points can be felt very deep or shallow depending on the body part and symptom being treated. As you practice acupressure, you will be better to feel the correct level of pressure.
Acupressure is a wonderful tool for you to use on your own to help improve your health. Based upon the concepts of Chinese medicine and acupuncture channels, it is the massaging or pressing of specific acupressure points on the body that work to decrease pain and relieve tension.
What are acupuncture channels?
The Chinese medicine doctors mapped a system of channels which connected different parts of the body. These acupuncture channels do not simply lie on the outside of the body, but rather are more like waterways connecting the internal to the external areas and vise versa.
The channels help protect the body from diseases and we can also uses them treat diseases with acupuncture and acupressure.
How do you find acupuncture points?
People’s body sizes vary, which is why when you a measuring for acupuncture points, the measurements are specific to each person’s body. Acupuncture points are measured from physical landmarks. Often a cun (pronounced “soon”) or body inch is used.
One cun is the width of your thumb at the knuckle.
Three cun is equal to the index, middle, ring finger, and pinky measured together.
How do you Massage Acupressure points?
Acupressure points can be massaged in different ways. Sometimes you will gentle rub the point in a circle to warm it up. This is helpful if a patient is sensitive or needs a boost of qi.
For certain points, stronger stimulation works to break up the stagnation.
