Acupuncture versus Acupressure

Acupuncture and Acupressure are both part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or alternative medicine. These both work off of the pressure points and are centered on touching meridians which carry energy or chi right through a person’s body. According to TCM, ailments occur due to blockage of chi in any of the fourteen different meridians and both acupuncture and acupressure advocate energy to flow without blockages. Both have been used to treat allergies, depression, nausea, migraine headaches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, arthritis pain relief and treatment for rashes in the skin such as eczema. Claims on treatments from both Acupuncture and Acupressure cure a wide spectrum of aliments.

For being treated both are the same in releasing chi. The difference is that one involves fine thin needles to puncture the area of skin and the other is pressure applied through the fingers.

Acupuncture has to be performed by a practitioner experienced in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This practitioner needs the skill with the tools of needles to achieve great accuracy to bring quick relief. Though rare as it is, there may also be some side effects as a result of acupuncture that are caused due to release of toxins or through realignment of the muscle groups.

Acupressure has been practiced long before acupuncture became known. It does not have to be given through an experienced practitioner in TCM. This practice can be learnt from a handbook. A simple massage can be performed on oneself anywhere. Fewer side effects have been reported with the deep tissue massages of acupressure.

Pressure points are located throughout our bodies. Pressure points are used in both acupuncture and acupressure. These pressure points help release the chi within the body to start the healing process.

The photos of the hand (above and below) show all the pressure points and what part of the body they connect to. Included here is a list of some of the pressure points and their effects.

Bladder:

Increases circulation to the urinary tract and reproductive organs. Works to prevent vaginitis, urinary tract infection, and lower back pain.

Kidney:

Strengthens the bladder and kidneys, and increases the circulation to the reproductive organs. Helps prevent Bed wetting, urinary tract infection, and vaginitis.

Large Intestine:

Beneficial to the head and face, relieves congestion and headaches, removes energy blocks in the large intestine, and clears heat. Relieves acne, common cold, headache, menstrual cramps, teething, sore throat, fever, and toothache. Relieves itching, and reduces allergic reactions. Decreases sinus congestion.

Liver:

Quiets the nervous the system, and also relaxes muscle cramps and spasms. Relieves asthma, menstrual cramps, teething, headache, eye pain. Clears the lungs, and moistens the throat. Relieves asthma, common cold, and sore throat. Relaxes the muscles of the neck and shoulders, and relaxes the body as well.

Pericardium:

Relaxes the chest, relieves nausea, and relaxes the ming. Relieves asthma, motion sickness, croup, sleeplessness, stomachache, and vomiting.

Points Along Either Side Of The Spine:

Improves circulation, relaxes the nervous system, balances the respiratory system, and relaxes the spine.Relieves anxiety, colic, common cold, menstrual cramps, nervousness, and insomnia.

Spleen:

Reduces uterine cramping, menstrual cramps.Detoxifies the blood.Relieves acne, herpes, impetigo, poison ivy, boils, and vaginitis.

Stomach:

Tones up the digestive system, and strengthens overall well–being. Relieves colic, diarrhea, chronic runny nose, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomachache.

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