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Acupressure The Appropriate Pressure Levels
The right amount of pressure, the right place for
the right amount of time
Overview
of acupressure
Once you have identified a specific point of pain, you may be tempted to
massage or the entire surrounding area. However, acupressure is best
applied by just pressing the specific point where the pain is most
intense, steadily with direct finger pressure. Apply slow, firm pressure on the
point. Gradually direct the pressure into the center of the part of the body you
are working on. It's important to apply and release finger pressure gradually
because this allows the tissues time to respond, promoting healing. The better
your concentration as you move your fingers slowly into and out of the point,
the more effective the treatment will be. Pressure should be applied at a
90 degree angle from the surface of the skin. If you are stretching the skin,
then the angle of pressure is incorrect.
- Pressing too hard and too quickly can damage tissues and create more
problems.
- Pressing too soft will do little to relieve the problem.
- Use gentle steady pressure and gradually increase it until the body
responds back with a significant pain response.
-
the point at which pain is a is telling you something is wrong but not to
the point where your body tenses more from the pain.
A general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be firm enough so
that it "hurts good" something between pleasant, firm pressure and
outright pain. The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you should
apply. If you feel significant (or increasing) sensitivity or pain, gradually
decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure.
Acupressure is not meant to be painful, do not approach acupressure as a test of
your pain threshold. Do not continue to press a point that is excruciatingly
painful. Usually, however, if you firmly hold the point long enough (up to 2
minutes using the middle finger with your index and ring fingers on either side
as support), the pain will diminish. Sometimes when you hold a point, you'll
feel pain in another part of your body. This phenomenon is called referred pain
and indicates that those areas are related. You should press points in these
related areas as well.
Use prolonged finger pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady,
penetrating pressure for approximately two minutes. Each point will feel
somewhat different when you press it; some points feel tense, while others are
often sore or ache when pressed. How much pressure to apply to any point depends
on your comfort level.
The calves, the face, and genital areas are sensitive. The back, buttocks,
and shoulÂders, especially if the musculature is developed, usually need deeper,
firmer pressure. Choose whatever position you find most comfortable either
sitting or lying down.
As you press points in different areas, feel free to reposition your body so
that your muscles can relax completely.
After repeated acupressure sessions, you will begin to feel a pulse at the
point. This pulsation is a good sign - it means that circulation has increased.
Pay attention to the type of pulse you feel. If it's very faint or throbbing,
hold the point longer until the pulse evens out and strengthens.
For a review of other types of massage click here
These tools may assist in the performance of self
administered acupressure.
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