Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique that applies pressure to different points throughout the body. It is based on the concept of life energy, which flows through "meridians" in the body. Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows, or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the bodys meridians.
Acupressure is often used in conjunction with acupuncture or reflexology. It is thought to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease. The goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance to the bodys channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy) . Some proponents claim that acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit.
Although some medical studies have suggested that acupressure may be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting, insomnia, low back pain, migraines, and constipation, among other things, such studies have been found to have a high likelihood of bias. There is no reliable evidence for the effectiveness of acupressure. However, some preliminary evidence suggests that acupressure may help with low back pain, postoperative pain, headache, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
Acupressure should not be used as the only treatment for serious illness or chronic conditions, but in addition to treatment by a licensed physician. Acupressure can be used by a massage therapist or an acupuncturist, or a person can treat themselves.
