Acupressure is a therapy that applies gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears to promote relaxation and well-being. Full-body or targeted acupressure helps relieve stress, allowing the body to regain energy and vitality.
Acupressure is used as a complementary therapy alongside medical treatments. When applied correctly, acupressure helps reduce stress, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and various other health concerns.
1. What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a therapy that applies gentle pressure to specific acupoints on the feet, hands, or ears to promote relaxation and well-being. Whether applied to the whole body or targeted areas, acupressure helps relieve tension and boost energy levels.
However, unlike some other therapies, acupressure is used to support medical treatments rather than replace them. It is performed in combination with conventional healthcare to enhance overall well-being.
📌 READ MORE: Acupressure Points & Massage Therapy
2. Benefits of Acupressure
Acupressure helps reduce stress, promote relaxation, and boost energy levels. Additionally, it offers various health benefits for individuals experiencing certain conditions.
Research has shown that many patients experience pain relief, reduced discomfort, and lower stress levels after acupressure therapy. A study analyzing 17 different research papers concluded that acupressure enhances well-being and helps patients manage their conditions more effectively.
Based on multiple studies, acupressure has been found to help with:
✔ Reducing anxiety in patients recovering from heart surgery
✔ Easing labor pain in pregnant women
✔ Relieving joint pain
✔ Alleviating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as fatigue and skin discomfort
✔ Reducing physical and emotional pain caused by cancer
✔ Improving sinus issues
✔ Easing lower back pain
✔ Supporting belly fat reduction
✔ Helping with constipation relief
3. How Does Acupressure Work?
There are various theories about how acupressure works, but its core principle is: Different areas of the feet correspond to specific organs in the body, and applying pressure to these areas can impact the related organ.
🔹 Zone Theory: The foot is divided into five zones from the toes to the heel, with the big toe as Zone 1 and the little toe as Zone 5. The body is also divided into 10 vertical zones from head to toe. Applying pressure to a specific zone on the foot is believed to relieve pain and heal the corresponding part of the body.
🔹 19th-Century Theory: Acupressure stimulates the nervous system. Pressing specific points on the foot activates nerve endings, sending signals to the central nervous system, which then relaxes the body and influences breathing, blood circulation, immune responses, and more.
🔹 Pain Perception Hypothesis: Acupressure may alter the brain’s pain perception. As the feet are massaged, relaxation signals help reduce stress and improve mood, leading to pain relief.
🔹 Energy Flow Hypothesis: This theory suggests that the body contains vital energy, which can be blocked by stress. If stress is not released, the body cannot function optimally, leading to pain and illness. Acupressure helps maintain the smooth flow of this vital energy.
4. How is Acupressure Therapy Performed?
Step 1: Consultation
A trained acupressure therapist will ask about your health condition, diet, lifestyle, and concerns to assess whether acupressure is suitable for you. Based on this, they will determine whether to apply pressure to your hands, ears, feet, or a combination of areas.
Step 2: Preparing for the Session
You will enter a calm and relaxing space with soft music, dim lighting, and aromatic essential oils. You may sit in a reclining chair or lie on a massage table. Wearing comfortable clothing is recommended to maximize relaxation.
Step 3: Applying Acupressure
The therapist will start by gently applying oil or lotion to your feet. Then, they will use various techniques to apply gradual pressure to the acupoints.
Step 4: Session Duration
A typical acupressure session lasts 30–60 minutes. Some individuals may feel so relaxed that they fall asleep, while others may experience an emotional release as energy flows through their body. After the session, you may feel rejuvenated and energized.
If you are using acupressure for therapeutic purposes, you may need weekly sessions for a certain period. You can also ask the therapist for guidance on performing self-acupressure at home between visits.
📌 Did you know? You can gain benefits from just 5 minutes of acupressure on your hands, especially when feeling stressed.
5. When Should You Avoid Acupressure?
Most people, including patients, can benefit from properly administered acupressure. Studies even show that acupressure is safe for late-stage breast cancer patients. However, there are cases where acupressure is not recommended, including:
🚫 Individuals recovering from foot injuries or suffering from gout
🚫 People with blood clots
🚫 Pregnant women
If you have a chronic illness, a condition affecting your feet or legs, or arthritis in the feet or ankles, consult a doctor before undergoing acupressure therapy.
Final Thoughts
Acupressure therapy offers numerous health benefits. However, before beginning treatment, it’s essential to consult with a qualified therapist to discuss your health status, expectations, and concerns to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.