How Does Acupressure Work?

Even amongst the best “Scientific” minds no one knows how an aspirin works. They know how aspirin affects the body and what symptoms it will help alleviate, but no one knows the mechanism by which it functions. The same is true with Acupressure.

From studies done by Western scientists we know that the Acupressure points can be measured electrically. Scientists have also shown that acupuncture and Acupressure produces higher levels of important bio–chemicals. Other studies show that Acupressure can increase blood flow in even the deepest body tissues.

Some scientists have shown that electrically active fascia, the tissues that wrap and interconnect the whole body, could be the location of a sensitive communications network, the basis for which acupuncture and Acupressure work. In terms of using Acupressure for the purposes of relaxing muscles, it works by increasing the blood flow to muscle tissue surrounding the Acupressure point. Increased blood flow naturally warms the muscles between 2 to 3 degrees. Increased muscle temperature allows the muscle to become more relaxed and flexible.

How does this compare to other Acupressure systems?

• It’s Self–Administered… When you have an ache or pain you can simply get out your acu–balls, you don’t have to rely on anyone else to do it for you.
• Instead of merely showing you the points with a book size chart, this system will teach exactly how to find the Acupressure points on yourself using an easy to learn step by step approach. A chart or diagram makes it easy to relate to your own body. It’s not difficult to find the points once you know how to look for them and this system makes it easy.
• It focuses on the 20 Acupressure points that have the most powerful effect on the large muscle groups of your body.

What does Acupressure feel like?

Most people really enjoy the feeling of Acupressure. At first, when you are applying Acupressure to a point related to a tense or spasmed muscle, you will notice a feeling best described as a “Good ache”, Within 15 seconds to 1 minute of pressure you will notice the ache gradually diminish and be replaced by a relaxed and warm feeling.

What if I’m currently being treated by a professional therapist for a condition?

It’s always best to consult with your practitioner before using these Acupressure techniques. In most cases the therapists will be familiar with these techniques and will offer you additional advice and recommendations based on their first hand knowledge of your condition. It’s the experience of many that self–administered Acupressure speeds the healing time of most injuries considerably.

How long does it take to do the entire Acupressure work routine?

The entire Acupressure routine can take as little as 10 minutes or as long as you want. Once people start using Acupressure on themselves they find it Feels Really Good. When is the last time you asked someone who is rubbing your shoulders to stop. Never right. Same thing with this Acupressure system. Once you start you won’t want to stop.

My back is stiff when I get out of bed in the morning. Will Acupressure help?

Yes, Acupressure is very effective for any type of muscle stiffness. Once you apply these Acupressure techniques you will increase circulation to your back muscles and will notice immediately improvement in your ability to do normal activities such as picking up the morning paper, or tying your shoes. You can even use the techniques before you get out of bed.

My shoulders are knotted up from sitting at the computer. Will this help?

Yes it will. Muscle tightness is a result from sitting in the same position, doing the same thing, all day long. Because the body mechanics involved with working on a computer are what they are, neck and shoulder tensions is a common result.

Left untreated, tension develops into spasms, spasms into pain and limited range of motion, and then into chronic conditions such as osteo–arthritis, pinched nerves, displaced vertebrae, herniated discs of your spine, and headaches. Acupressure will help reverse this progression.

Is Acupressure better than stretching exercises to warm up for physical exercise?

Acupressure is far more effective for warming up and relaxing muscles than is stretching.

To understand this, think about why we call it “Warming up”. When things get warm they become looser and more flexible. Solids are less brittle and bend more easily, liquids flow more smoothly, and tight spots expand. Our muscle exhibit the same characteristics. When they are “Warmed up” from Acupressure they are less likely to become injured and are more responsive to the demands we place on them.

In flexibility studies conducted at various health clinics and on various age groups, standard flexibility measurements were taken before and after applying Acupressure techniques. Results show an impressive increase in flexibility between 9 and 31 percent after applying these techniques for the first time.

My father is bed ridden and his back is tense and painful. Can this self–administered system be adapted to use in the bed?

An idea for your father would be to get a small board that he can put under his back for support. This will give him a stable surface on which to apply the pressure with the balls.

When I spend too much time in the car my neck and shoulders spasms and my back starts to hurt. Is there something I can do?

Simply place the balls between yourself and your car seat and against the points related to your condition. Use the steering wheel to press if you need extra pressure against the points. It’ll keep your back and shoulders loose for the entire car trip.