integrative medicine

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is also known as reflexology, shiatsu or point pressure therapy.

Background: Acupressure has been practiced in India for over 3000 years. This therapy was taken by Buddhist monks to Sri Lanka as Buddhism flourished in Sri Lanka. The monks subsequently took it with them to Japan and China. Acupressure was developed more specifically later in these two countries.

Acupressure is related to acupuncture. Acupressure is the art of treating pain and illness by applying pressure on specific points along the meridians with the help of one’s thumb or blunt objects.

Theory and principle of action

According to Acupressure our body consists of these five basic elements and electrical polarity (Vora, 2015)

These five elements water, wood/earth, fire, air, space (ether) are controlled by the electricity of the body. This electricity, also called Chetana, comes from our life battery or the electric currents that exist in the human body such as the heart and brain. This life battery is part of our life force.

See Fig 1.

The flow of Chetana electric current lines is along the meridians, which are divided into five zones on the right and left side of the body. The meridians run from the finger tips to crown, and toes to crown. This electric current travels in the order of, from the tip of each finger of the right hand, goes all over the body and ends in the toes of the right leg. As long as there is an even flow of this current the body is at harmony. If for any reason there is a blockage it can cause pain or if ignored can cause illness or dis-ease. These currents are also connected to the organs and endocrine glands. The meridian lines run along the position of the organs and endocrine glands in the centre of the body and organs and glands off the centre of the body. Thus their corresponding points are on the right and left palms and soles. In Acupressure, it is believed there are some 900 points all over the body.

See diagrams of endocrine glands.

When and how much pressure to apply?

You can apply intermittent pressure at any time once a day to activate the flow meridians. You can do this while reading, watching TV, in a bus, in a sauna, steam room, whirl pool, etc. Apply just enough to feel it with your thumb or blunt wooden stick. Deeper pressure can be applied to points of endocrine glands. All points on the palm are up to one inch from the wrist. Or alternatively press the front and back of palm for five minutes and you would have covered all points. This sends the current to the corresponding organs and activates them. Also apply pressure to points to soles of feet. Do not over stimulate the pressure points. For children only stimulate points for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid stimulating points one hour after meals.

Anesthetic Effect
When you apply pressure for more than 3 minutes it creates an anesthetic effect .Thus it is effective to do so for body aches with the corresponding pressure point.

Limitations
If you do not find a slight improvement after a week of continues treatment the damage and /or illness is more severe than you realize. Other factors to consider are change in diet and or seek medical assistance immediately.

The Solar Plexus

The solar plexus( Nabhi Chakra) is the controlling center for the organs below the diaphragm. It is important for the solar plexus to be in the center of the body. If there is a shift in it up or down it can cause constipation or diarrhea.

To check if the solar plexus is out of balance:

  1. In the morning on an empty stomach, press your thumb on the navel. You will feel a throbbing sound like the heart in the center of the navel.
  2. The distance between the nipples on right and left to the solar plexus must be equal in distance.
  3. Lie on your back, hands by your side. Legs kept straight, toes up. The big toes of each foot must be level height together.
    If there is severe flatulence, the throbbing will be felt around the navel. The upward shifting of solar plexus leads to constipation, downward shifting brings on diarrhea or more bowel motions than usual.

Methods to adjust Solar Plexus

  1. By pushing the throbbing towards the center of the navel
  2. Lie on your back, hands by side ask someone to apply pressure on the knee of the leg of which the big toe is at a higher level. If needed pull up the lower toe up.
  3. Do leg lifts, hands by side. Lift both legs at 90 degrees, five to six times.
Meridians points of the body

Acupressure for the feet

Reference

Devendra Vora (2005). Health In Your Hands. Navneet Publications Ltd. India
Nakpibhan. C. (2010) Lesson 6-03 Endocrine System. Retrieved from http://cosbiology.pbworks.com/w/page/11556262/Lesson%206-03%20Endocrine%20System.
Author unknown. Retrieved from https://ohgoshmygrades.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/09-endocrine-glands.jpg

Caution: Acupressure is not meant to replace medical care. This health modality is designed to work as health promotion and being proactive of your health. However, if an individual has chronic or life threatening illness, it is best to immediately seek medical care at the closest health centre/hospital.

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