Managing pain with acupressure

Managing pain with acupressure

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant facts and figures related to acupressure. Acupressure is a traditional method of treatment derived from a Chinese natural medicine. This method was well known in China several thousand years ago. It involves touching, stroking, oppressing, or tapping specific points on the human body. Modern medical research suggests that its effectiveness does not go over placebo, and patients experience increased energy, because massaging the points relaxes the body and removes the pressure in different parts of the body. The name "Acupressure" is formed on the model of the term acupuncture and actually means "needle pressure". The pressure effect on the peripheral and central nervous system by stimulating nerve endings found in these places. The resulting nerve impulses running in channels of the central nervous system reaching the cerebral cortex and thence to the patient's neural pathways of the organ (Vora, 1994). This reduces pain and improves function of the organ. Touches unblock the energy flow of yin and yang, and lead to their sustainability. According to Chinese medicine, lack of balance causes the majority of somatic diseases. Acupressure is a "soft" version of acupuncture and is a valuable complement to conventional medicine. Excessive or incompetent use of acupressure, especially in people sensitive to it, can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, palpitations and vomiting.

Discussion & Analysis

Acupressure is designed to treat various diseases, from disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the internal organs (nervous system, circulation, digestion, excretion, respiration), and also to assist in the treatment of impotence and pediatric diseases. According to the advertisement of acupressure therapy, effect of acupressure on the feet is actually a versatile organism. During treatment, acupressure, in case of serious problems (e.g. cancer) is recommended to continue therapy and the use of the traditional doctor. The effectiveness of massage depends on the specifics of the body: one person can feel better right away - otherwise only after a longer period of time. According to Chinese concept, medicine works with our body of vital energy, called chi (its components are the energies of Yin and Yang). It flows through the channels - meridians, which are responsible for the work of specific organs in the body. When this energy flow gets disturbed, the relevant organs cease to function properly. Disturbances in one meridian also leave its influence on the next - as a result of an imbalance in one place; it causes problems throughout the body (holism). Acupressure compressions affect the release of energy of these places. Touches unblock the energy flow of Yin and Yang and lead to their sustainability. According to Chinese medicine, lack of balance causes the majority of somatic diseases. In spite of many studies on energy, the evidence could not be found (Trivieri, 2001).

Acupressure does not require special equipment; it can be done at home, or even at work. This can be done through clothing, but better when the patient is ...