Acupressure is as effective as Acupuncture

So you don't like the idea of being needled. That's cool, you won't hurt my (or any other acupuncturist's) feelings! There is always the option of having acupressure performed, rather than acupuncture.

One of the main questions that I get asked about acupressure is if it's as effective as acupuncture. The answer is yes. Acupuncture is merely one method of effecting someone's Qi. There are styles of "acupuncture" where the practitioner holds the needle next to your skin, but doesn't puncture it. There are practitioners who can treat patients from great distances - they don't even have to be in the same room let alone the same city!

One reason acupuncture seems more popular than acupressure is that it's easier. The metal of the needle works like a lightning rod, conducting the healing energy very easily through it. It takes a lot of control and power to be able to conduct the healing energy safely through yourself to your patient. Another reason people tend to prefer acupuncture over acupressure? The psychological effect that needling has. "If I'm being needled, it MUST be stronger than just pushing on my skin."

So, if you're not into the idea of being needled, feel free to talk to your acupuncturist about your preferences. Never is it NECESSARY to needle an acupoint. Acupressure works just as well.


Image courtesy of: www.bcrelax.com/acupressure/

Self-Acupressure

Having a rough day? Wish you could make it your acupuncturist to get that blissed-out feeling but can't? Today I'm telling you all about a couple acupuncture points you can massage on yourself to help bring on the bliss!

Yin Tang - (pronounced Yin Tahng) This point is often called the "Third Eye." This point is extremely relaxing. It's located on your forehead between your eyebrows. Massage this point using gentle circles.






He Ku - (pronounced Huh Coo) This point is often used for headaches, but it is also really great for relieving stress. It's located on the back side of your hand on that fleshy area between your thumb and forefinger. Pinch this area using your other thumb and forefinger (one on the back of your hand, the other on the palmar side of your hand) and again massage using gentle circles. Caution: Do NOT massage this point if you're pregnant.


Bai Hui - (pronounced by way) This point is used to help center and ground us. It's located on the crown of your head. You'll find a little divot which is the point! Massage this point, again using gentle circles.




So get massaging, people, and bring on the relaxation!

Chinese medicine can be used on kids as well!

A child is not just a small adult. In biomedicine, we know that children metabolize drugs differently than adults. Take Ritalin, for example. In adults it is a stimulant, however, in children, it is used to counteract hyperactivity. Children are, in a sense, a species all of their own.

According to Chinese medicine, it isn't until around age 6 that a child's meridians are formed. Until then, their energy is more freely flowing, and perhaps a little chaotic at times (does this sound like your young child? ;) ). Because a child's meridians aren't yet formed, an acupuncturist can't massage or needle the same points that they might on an adult.

But don't worry, there's still a lot that can be done to help your child! Just like in biomedicine, there is a pediatric branch of Chinese medicine. A child may be treated using massage (called Tuina - pronounced tweeNAH), acupuncture or herbs (or some combination of these).

Some common complaints for which a child may be treated using Chinese medicine:

*ADD/ADHD
*Colds & Flu
*Childhood Diseases (such as Chicken pox, Whooping Cough, Measles, etc.)
*Allergies
*Asthma
*Eczema

So, even though your child must be looked at differently from an adult, they can still get treatment for the things that ail them!

Acupressure you can do on your pet at home!

Most pets like acupuncture, but everyone loves acupressure! Acupressure is like very specific petting, which pet wouldn't love that? Today I'm going to give you a few safe, but effective points that you can massage on your pets at home! Leila, my cat, LOVES to have these points massaged!

Before starting any acupressure on your pet, make sure that both you and your pet are in a relaxed state. Talk to your pet, tell them how good this is going to feel and how awesome they'll feel afterward! Always start VERY gently - barely touching the pet - gradually increasing pressure to no more than just the natural weight of your hand. Remember, this is subtle stuff, it doesn't take much to get your pet's energy activated! If your pet doesn't appreciate the acupressure, don't force the issue. It's possible that the points aren't quite right for your pet, or that they're sore. It's amazing how great pets are at knowing what's right for them!

1. Bai Hui (pronounced "by way") is located on the top of the head half way between where his or her eyebrows would be and the base of their skull where it meets the neck. This point is located between the ears. Bai Hui is great for helping calm your pet. If things have been stressful at home, or you just want to help make sure your pet is relaxed as possible, give this one a try! Massage this point using small, gentle circles.


2. Back Shu points (pronounced "shoe") are a set of points that are located all along the spine of your pet. These points are located about 1/2" to 2" (depending on the size of your pet) from the center of the spine on both sides. I like to think of these points as the dorrbells to the internal organs. When you massage these points, it's like saying to the internal organs, "Hello! I'm here and we'd like for you to come out and do your work! Help Leila be as healthy as she can!" Massage these points by stroking from between the shoulder blades down along their back to the base of their tail.


3. The insides of the ears contain what's called a micro-system. The entire body is represented in points located on the inner surface of the ears and rubbing them will activate all the systems of the body. Maybe this explains why some dogs LOVE to have us rub the insides of their ears? (Hopefully they don't have too much ear wax!) Feel free to gently rub all over the insides of the ears, avoiding the ear canal of course, and see how your pet appreciates it!


These are a great way to relax and improve the general health of your pet and it's a great way to bond to boot!