What Is Acupressure

Acupressure is a healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine in which practitioners apply gentle, targeted pressure to specific points on the body—known as acupoints—to balance the flow of Qi, relieve tension, and promote natural healing. Its history spans thousands of years, originating in ancient China alongside acupuncture, and it has been practiced across Asia in various forms as a non-invasive way to address pain, stress, and internal imbalances. Unlike massage therapy, which primarily focuses on manipulating muscles and soft tissue through broad strokes and kneading, acupressure targets precise points along meridians to influence the body’s energy pathways and support overall systemic function. By stimulating these points, acupressure can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, alleviate pain, calm the nervous system, and support digestive, respiratory, and emotional health. Today, acupressure is used by acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists, and holistic health practitioners, as well as by individuals seeking natural, gentle, and accessible methods for managing stress, pain, and everyday discomfort.

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What Is Qi?

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

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How Does Qi Move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands.

Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

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How Is Qi Disrupted?

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.

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