Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centres in the body. Many varieties of acupressure have been developed over time and the term refers to any of these techniques which uses:

light to medium pressure
fingers or hands (sometimes elbows, knees, or feet)
the same points used in acupunture. i.e. acupoints on the energy pathways called Meridians.
techniques such as Shiatsu, Jin Shin, So-In, Acu-Yoga, Tui Na, Acupressure First Aid.

It is thought that Acupressure developed out of the human instinct to hold or rub the part of the body that is hurt. We often put our hands to our heads when we have a headache, or hold our backs when they ache. These would be an unconscious form of self-acupressure.

Origins
The ancient Chinese developed a system to cure specific ailments. This resulted in a form of rejuvenation through self-massage. Eventually, the Chinese evolved a system of diagnosis and treatment for a more complete medical approach. Combining centuries of observation and experimentation, with energy theory and points, this developed into theories involving acupressure, acupuncure, omoxibustion (using heat on acupunture points), and herbology.

The meeting of Chinese medicine with Japanese medicine resulted in certain techniques from which Shiatsu emerged. Shiatsu, a rhythmic series of finger pressure over the entire body along the energetic meridians, also includes stretching and tapping. From the early 1900's these techniques developed further. From Jin shin Jyutsu to Jitsu. Then Jin Shin Do, they were incorporated and used in the West more and more. Today these have blossomed into several individualised forms, some of which have been trademarked.

How Does it Work?
The purpose of Acupressure is to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body or musculature. The stimulation removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue. This accumulation causes stiffness throughout the body. Stiffness in the muscles puts abnormal pressure on nerves, and blood and lymph vessels that in turn affect both skeletal systems and internal organ functioning. By holding and working sore points, muscle flexibility can be restored.
According to the Chinese system of medicine, there are specific pathways of energy that circulate through the body. These pathways, called meridians are like the body's energy highway system. Most people are considered healthy when these pathways are open and energy flows unhindered. In the case of these pathways being blocked, proper application of finger pressure can loosen muscular tension, send the blood circulating, and stimulate or balance the flow of energy.

What Happens ?
Accupressure can be performed while sitting in a chair or on a stool, or lying on a table or mat. It can be done anywhere although a quiet, relaxing atmosphere is most desirable. As pressure is exerted on a point, one may notice a change in breathing. The breath normally deepens and slows down. As ones attention becomes focused on the flow of breath, so do thoughts and mental activities slow down and relax. With conscious breath, muscles are more able to release tension.

You may find out more specific aspects by reading the descriptions of Shiatsu and Jin Shin as these therapies are often incorporated. Practitioners often create their own closing and balancing techniques to end a session. A session may be so deeply relaxing that one falls into a sleeplike state.

Applications
Accupressure is effective in reducing stress, increasing circulation, and as a 'health maintenance system'. It helps with back pain, headaches and migraines and cramps. Individuals can be treated for both internal diseases and ailments as well as external ones. e.g., asthma, constipation, insomnia, nose bleeds, sciatica, bedwetting, dizziness, fatigue and sore throats.

Caution should be exercised if the client is pregnant or has skin conditions or infectious diseases. It is not recommended to work in the area of tumours or where there is a danger of haemorrhaging.