Pressure points are small areas throughout the body that are highly responsive to external pressure. When pressed, these points can either induce pain or relieve it, depending on the location of the point and how it is touched. The utilization of pressure points to heal a patient or harm an enemy has been part of Chinese culture for centuries.
Location
There are hundreds of pressure points in the human body--28 in the face alone. These points, which are found from head to toe, lie along invisible meridians or channels of energy. The Chinese call this energy "ch'i" (pronounced chee), the life force existent in all things. Ch'i consists of both positive, masculine energy (yang) and negative, feminine energy (yin).
Effects
It is the goal of martial arts such as Bak Mei Kung Fu to use pressure points to incapacitate a combatant. According to Wikipedia.org entries on "Bak Mei" and "Strike (attack)," Bak Mei employs techniques such as the extended knuckle strike to inflict pain at various pressure points.
In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine aims to keep the yin and yang in balance as a way to prevent disease and illness. This energy equilibrium is maintained or restored through the pressure points by enlisting therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure.
Acupuncture treatments release blocked energy through the twirling, electrical stimulation and/or heating of very thin needles that have been inserted into pressure points along the body's meridians.
Acupressure also releases blocked energy and increases blood flow, but it does so by using the fingers, palms, feet and even elbows to press down on the pressure points.
Acupressure Types
There are several different styles of acupressure.
Shiatsu is the most widely used. Firm pressure is applied to each point for three to five seconds.
Jin Shin is gentler, applying light pressure on two or more points for at least one minute.
Both Tuina and Thai Massage use pressurized rubbing to release blocked energy at the points.
Considerations
According to WebMD.com, pressure point therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture can relieve nausea, lower back pain, arthritis pain and inflammation, and depression and anxiety.
Warning
WebMD.com cautions that the benefits of pressure point therapies have yet to undergo extensive scientific scrutiny. "Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its infancy. Many individual (anecdotal) reports support its use for a number of health concerns. More well-designed research is needed, though."
The site also cautions against acupressure if you pregnant or are suffering from cancer in your bones, rheumatoid arthritis or varicose veins.
Tags: pressure points, blocked energy, point therapies, pressure point, pressure point therapies, release blocked