Thursday, July 16, 2009

What is Acupressure Massage?

Acupressure is a technique that originated from China. It is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate acupoints. Whereas, acupressure uses movements and pressure to stimulate the pressure points. Acupressure is a combination of applying pressure to points and specific movements to help relieve discomfort and pain.

Acupressure is normally performed by using the hands, thumbs, elbows or mechanized equipment. These instruments are used to target the body's acupoints. It is not that when this pressure is applied to the acupoints, that it will unleash the body's natural pain relievers.

The body has natural painkillers called endorphins. Certain situations or stimulation can release these endorphins into the body. They help to kill the pain so the body can continue to function effectively. Many times athletes play injured because the endorphins are killing the pain during times of intensity.

Acupressure is noted to relieve discomfort when pressure is applied to specific areas. The discomfort is thought to be relieved due to increased blood circulation to the muscle. This also helps to relax the muscle and joints helping them retain flexibility.

This technique is also known to balance the body. Many times we retain stiffness in the body to stress. Stress causes tension leading to muscle fatigue and stiffness. Acupressure helps to relieve the immediate area and to help induce full body relaxation.

Acupressure is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. According to these principles, energy current travels inside the body along invisible pathways. These pathways art known as the radiance and are thought to 14 pathways. These pathways interconnect our organs with other body parts.

The body is believed to get out of balance which causes blockages and energy. It is believed that the blockage of these greedy and pathways is what causes the ailments. Acupressure seeks to unblock the energy flow in the body.

Generally, acupressure is used directly on or around an area of discomfort or pain. The massage probes deeply into the muscle tissue. By working through the muscle tissue, it helps to restore elasticity. Muscles tend to get very stiff and hard.

Acupressure massage targets stiff areas in the body. It helps to penetrate into stiff muscle and joints. This helps to restore flexibility in the muscle. The muscles have a stiffness which needs to be overcome. Sometimes the initial penetration into the muscle can cause discomfort.

Realize that when your muscles are stiff, it will take some on doing to restore their flexibility. There is an initial threshold to cross where discomfort and pain is stemming from overcoming the stiffness. However, once you regain some flexibility, then the pain. And the muscle and joint will feel well again.

Acupressure is by no means a substitute for medical care. Although overcoming initial muscle stiffness can cause discomfort, he acupressure massage should never cause pain. Always seek your physician's advice before pursuing any type of alternative treatment.

You can receive an acupressure massage from a therapist or a massage chair. A therapist uses the specialize techniques and requires about an hour for the treatment. A massage chair also uses specialized techniques but can perform a full body massage in 15 to 20 minutes.

Acupressure is a treatment used to help balance the body, relieve symptoms of pain and promote overall good health. A reduction of tension in the body helps it to concentrate on being healthy and more immune to disease and sickness. When you are under stress, your body can be attacked much more easily. Re-balance your body and restore harmony with an acupressure massage treatment.

Acupressure helps to stimulate and relax the muscles throughout the body for a relieving and relaxing treatment. Acupressure Massage is an ancient form of healing to unblock energy in the body. Learn more about Acupressure Massage Chairs.
If you are looking for an Acupressure Massage in Indianapolis, please visit: Massage Indianapolis.