Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Historical Overview Of Acupressure

By Linda Deen

Acupressure is a non-invasive predecessor of acupuncture that has been practiced for more than five thousand years. Acupressure is based on the same points and ideas as acupuncture, but minus the needles. Instead of puncturing the skin with needles, it uses, as the name implies, pressure.

Acupressure works by normalizing the flow of chi or qi (vital energy) along certain meridians, thus balancing the energy within the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. The stimulation of acupoints that are located on meridians releases blocked energy.

People have used acupressure for thousands of years to treat various illnesses and disorders, including: chronic pain, arthritis, asthma, digestive issues, headaches, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, strokes, weight loss, and many, many more.

Regular use of acupressure can set the whole body in balance, which will result in overall improvement of health. It improves memory, learning capacity, energy levels, supports the immune system and even helps to improve fertility. Maternity or labor acupressure is a great natural method intended to help women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Where and when did acupressure originate? It is generally believed that acupressure originated in India and later spread to China and other parts of Asia. The earliest text that mentions meridian based treatments is known as the "Nei Ching". This is the oldest surviving medical work written some two thousand years ago.

The earliest known evidence of a practice similar to acupressure was found in Europe. The Tyrolian Iceman Otzi, a 5000-year-old mummy found in the Alps in 1991, had more than fifty tattoos on his body, many of which correspond to modern acupuncture points.

Acupressure has been practiced for thousands of years, most commonly in Asia. Today, it is accepted and practiced worldwide. It clearly stood the test of time. - 14130

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