Acupressure | SF
· Our tissues communicate directly with each other through pathways that are outside of the nervous system. Many forms of care that address the body through these pathways, including acupressure, have evolved from Chinese Medicine. Our team integrates acupressure in SF along with many other subtle methods to cobble together a protocol that is right for you.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
~ Albert Einstein
Acupressure | San Francisco
Acupressure as a therapy was developed over 2,000 years ago. It is an important aspect of Chinese medicine. Acupressure uses precise finger placements and pressure over specific points along the body. These points follow specific channels, also known as meridians. These are the same channels used in acupuncture.
According to Chinese medical philosophy, the activation of these points with pressure (or needles) improves blood flow, releases tension, and enhances or unblocks life-energy. This life energy is known in China as “qi” and is often referred to as “chi” in the West. This released energy flows through the meridians promoting relaxation, healing and restoring proper function.
Meridians are not typically recognized in Western medical models. However, recent “discoveries” involving fascia and the inter-connectedness of different systems (organs, muscles, etc.) is spurring research into the matter. Also, as Western medicine moves in a more Holistic direction, meridians are receiving greater consideration.
What Conditions Respond to Acupressure?
Acupressure therapy relieves pain, reduces tension in muscles and fascia, improves circulation, and promotes deep states of relaxation. Massage therapists and other body workers typically provide acupressure treatments, but you can learn to do it for yourself.
Individuals trained in the self-application of acupressure often use it to address: nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, headaches, neck and back pain. It also works as a balm for chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mental and emotional stress, even addiction recovery and learning disorders. A massage tool, such as the Knuckleball™, can be helpful in the specific application of pressure to acupressure points.
The Chinese also use acupressure points as a beauty treatment to enhance muscle tone and increase circulation, especially of facial muscles. This reportedly improves the condition and appearance of the skin, lessening wrinkles and sagging of the face without drugs or surgery. Most of the evidence for such uses is anecdotal and clinical trials are needed to confirm this.