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Getting ready for a Acupressure Session as your own therapist
To achieve the full benefit of self-acupressure, you should choose a
comfortable, private environment that lends itself to deep relaxation. You can
use acupressure at work, however, if you can take a ten-minute break. 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. If you need some help relaxing prior to doing
self acupressure, you can check here for some
quick relaxation exercises .
Ideally, you should wear comfortable clothing. Tight collars, belts, pants,
or shoes can obstruct circulation. I recommend wearing natural fibers that
breathe, such as cotton or wool blends. Also, it's a good idea to keep your
fingernails trimmed fairly short to prevent any discomfort or injury to the
skin.
Avoid practicing acupressure right before a big meal or on a full stomach.
Wait until at least an hour after eating a light meal and even longer after
eating a heavy meal. Practicing a complete acupressure routine when your stomach
is full can inhibit the flow of blood to your extremities (its all down working
on your food) and may cause nausea. However, simply pressing one or two points
to relieve indigestion or hiccups is perfectly safe. Avoid iced drinks
(especially during the winter months), because extreme cold constricts internal
organs, retards circulation and generally weakens your system and can counteract
the benefits of acupressure.
After an acupressure session, your body heat is lowered; thus your resistance
to cold is also lower. Because the tensions have been released, your body's
vital energies are concentrating inward to maximize healing. Your body will be
more vulnerable, so be sure to wear extra clothing and keep warm when you finish
an acupressure routine. A cup of hot herbal tea would be good after an
acupressure session along with a period of deep relaxation.
How Often Should I Use Acupressure
Visit a therapist as often as practical, you and your body will learn a lot.
However for most daily or several sessions a day with a therapist is not a
realistic option. For optimal results, you should perform the acupressure
routines daily, whether you are using acupressure to maintain your health or to
help relieve an ailment. If you are using acupressure for the latter reason,
continue using these same points even after you've obtained relief. This can
prevent recurrence. If you cannot practice every day, treating yourself to
acupressure two or three times a week can still be effective.
Limit your self acupressure sessions to an hour at the most. When you begin
practicing acupressure, you may find that you are most comfortable holding a
point for two to three minutes. You may find that you can gradually over two to
three months - work up to holding points longer, but do not hold any one point
longer than ten minutes. And do not work any single area of the body, such as
the abdominal area or the face, for longer that 15 minutes. The effects of
acupressure can be quite strong. If you work too long, too much energy is
released and complications, such as nausea and headaches, can occur.
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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