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Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain. The human body has fourteen "meridians" that carry energy throughout the body. These meridians start at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the organ associated with the specific meridian.

Acupressure deals with all the aspects of a person as a whole: body, emotions, mind, and spirit as one, not as separate parts. It relaxes muscular tension and balances the vital life forces of the body.

Benefits of Acupressure:

1. Relief from pain
2. Relaxation of muscle tension
3. Greater structural balance
4. Greater flexibility
5. Improved digestion
6. Improved detoxification
7. Improved fertility
8. Relief of menstrual problems
9. Easier childbirth
10. Deep relaxation

There are several benefits and ailments that can be relieved with the use of acupressure. For example, if headaches or dizziness is a common occurrence, there are pressure points in the hand, the nostril, and the foot that can be pressed by the sufferer themselves in order to relieve the symptoms. Stress is also greatly relieved by the use of acupressure either at home or by a licensed therapist.

Acupressure is also a benefit to those who cannot take over-the-counter analgesics in order to relieve their symptoms. With the use of pressure, there are no side effects or drug interactions to be concerned with. Those who have undergone chemotherapy for cancer or surgery for other various reasons have used acupressure in order to relieve their nausea due to the drugs used to both sedate them and kill their disease.

It is important to keep in mind that acupressure cannot relieve all ailments and may not work for everyone. There are certain conditions that require immediate medical care that acupressure cannot fix and a trip to the emergency room or a physician will be necessary.

The purpose of acupressure is to promote the body's own healing power. When key acupressure points on the surface of the skin are pressed, muscular tension is released, and the circulation of blood and the body's vital life energy, which the Chinese call chi, is promoted. Acupressure can be used to treat numerous conditions. Among them are effects of daily stress, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, aches and pains, allergies, menstrual difficulties, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, nausea, and back pain.

Acupressure should not be used for certain conditions that require medical care, such as serious burns, ulcers, or infections. Caution should be taken with the use of abdominal pressure points, especially when the patient is ill. The abdominal area often is avoided when the patient has a life-threatening illness, such as intestinal cancer, or is pregnant.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture because it treats blockages of energy at specific points along fourteen meridians, or channels, along the body. While acupuncture uses needles placed at the strategic points along the meridians, acupressure uses pressure usually applied with the fingers. The blockages of energy along these meridians can cause physical discomfort, pain, tension, and stress. The stimulation of points removes blockages by relaxing muscles, and allowing blood to flow more freely. It can also free an emotional block by releasing accumulated tension.