Acupuncture vs. Acupressure: to be pierced or poked
By Kayte Walsh
A lot of people can’t stand the thought of needles, and a lot of people think Chinese medicine might be a little wonky, but let me clear up a couple things. This stuff has been practiced since before 200BC, if it didn’t have any validity, someone would have shut it down long ago. And the needle thing is a non-issue. You don’t have to go under the needles to receive the benefits of an acupuncture treatment.
My personal experience with both acupressure and acupuncture have been rewarding. I’m not afraid of needles, so I went for the gold when I was treated for a broken heart. I experienced notable depression after my engagement was broken off and went in for weekly acupuncture treatment. Although, when I was treated for tendonitis in my shoulder, I opted for acupressure. The pain was chronic, even interrupting my sleep cycle. I needed a tender touch to work things out. I felt remarkably better, and astonished that I could benefit my mind and body from the same treatment.
The goal acupuncture and acupressure is to release blockage of the Qi, or energy, from the 14 main pathways, or meridians, of the body. This blockage can cause a variety of ailments from back pain and menstrual problems to depression and fatigue, and may aid in weight loss or fighting addictions. By administering the corresponding acupoints, the blockage will be cleared and traffic can flow smoothly again. No one likes a traffic jam. Think of your body’s meridians as a complex highway for energy to travel to and from. Let’s be honest, some collisions are expected and we hope to limit them to fender benders. But from time to time even the smallest accidents need help clearing the way.
The main difference between acupuncture and acupressure is needles. Eeek! Acupuncture implements very thin needles puncturing the skin at the exact acupoint. Obviously, don’t try this one at home, kids. Acupressure applies strong pressure to the same points, using fingers or elbows, nothing sharp at all. And if you read up on it, you can perform acupressure on yourself or a loved one anywhere anytime. Acupressure does tend to be less precise than acupuncture but still to the same effect. Acupressure is putting a thumb on the problem while acupuncture is pinpointing it exactly.
The risks of both treatments are mild, mostly soreness or bruising because of pressure applied to acupoint which may be tender due to blockage. Other acupuncture risks include infection as needles are involved and you should always go to a licensed acupuncturist. There are a suggested 800 acupoints along the meridians in the body. Each point corresponds to a different part of the body, even at opposing ends. For example, certain points in your feet may relieve pain in your head. Not everyone is a good candidate for this type of treatment, including pregnant women; certain acupoints may induce early labor. Seeing a trusted Acupuncture or Acupressure practitioner is advised.
Acupuncture and Acupressure practitioners are the plumbers of the body’s energy, kind of a dirty job when you think about it that way. There is a mild discomfort with both practices. I’m sure you can imagine the turmoil that goes into unclogging something clogged. But once the blockage is released, sighs of relief ensue. I certainly felt as though my heart had been mended and my body was working in top form to enjoy life to it’s fullest. Finding the treatment that’s right for you shouldn’t be difficult. To find a practitioner that’s right for you, turn to betteryou.com.
One Comment on "Acupuncture vs. Acupressure: to be pierced or poked"
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