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Acupressure Technique (Some straight forward answers.)
Q: What is Acupressure or Pressure Point Technique?
A: Acupressure refers to a system of bodywork which uses pressure on specific points to balance an individual's energy and bring about physical improvements. Acupressure may be used in conjunction with an oil massage or exclusively as in Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do, and Reflexology. Several more modern western approaches have developed to treat muscle specific problems; these techniques including, Trigger Point therapy, and targeted Deep Tissue Bodywork.  Key Benefits or Acupressure Techniques include:- Pain Relief - Acupressure relieves muscular tension and relaxes the nerves, producing a tremendous calming effect. Often a nurturing, healing touch can eliminate or greatly reduce pain.
- Fitness & Sports - Acupressure helps improve muscle strength and tone, and benefits sports injuries by increasing circulation and reducing pain. Acupressure is a complement to, not a substitute for medical care Regular acupressure sessions release the build-up of daily pressures and tensions, and keep the body resilient and healthy.
The Acupressure Session An individual acupressure session usually lasts one hour and does not require removing your clothes. During that time, an acupressurist will use a variety of techniques covering most of the body. The contact should feel balanced somewhere between pain and pleasure. Conventional and eastern medicine's studies and clinical observation have proven that Acupressure, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Jin Shin Energy Work, and Sports Massage techniques can: - Build the immune System
- Relieve muscle spasms
- Release emotional blockages
- Strengthen muscles, tendons, joints, and bones
- Replenish the animals physical and emotional energy
- Release endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain
- Balance energy to optimize the body's natural ability to heal
- Release natural cortisone to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance
- Resolve injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and removing toxins.
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A: Shiatsu is a Japanese hand healing method effective for stress, locomotive and internal disorders. In Oriental Medicine, all disorders are seen as the result of an imbalance of the distribution of life force in the body. The practitioner supports and empathizes with the receiver's inner drive to recover, balances the life force in the meridians and creates a warm understanding through touch and pressure, thus promoting self-healing. The client is fully clothed to receive Shiatsu. As in Chinese medicine, Japanese medicine recognizes a life energy – called ki in Japanese  rather than the Chinese qi – that flows through all living beings. Ki flows throughout the entire body along 12 main channels, called meridians, each associated with a particular organ. As it flows throughout the body, ki may become excessive or weak in certain areas. Practitioners can build up weak ki or release excess ki by stimulating hundreds of points called tsubos, which are located along the meridians. The practitioner generally uses her knuckles, palms, elbows, or even feet to apply pressure to the points, and the pressure may be light or deep, depending on the desired affect. Shiatsu pressure is generally applied for three to five seconds. Shiatsu practitioners use a couple of different techniques. Some focus on certain tsubos, while others take a more general approach, using pressure all over the body to stimulate balanced flow of ki throughout the meridians. There isn’t much scientific research specifically on shiatsu, but it is believed that findings on acupressure, acupuncture, and massage are relevant to this therapy as well. Practitioners believe that shiatsu is effective as a general tonic to enhance health and as a treatment that stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself in cases of specific illness. Although shiatsu can be very helpful in alleviating some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially morning sickness, pregnant women should not use shiatsu without the advice of a health care practitioner. Pressure on certain points has shown to cause uterine contractions and may lead to miscarriage. Shiatsu should also be avoided if you have a heart condition, after a heavy meal or exertion, in cases of acute infection, or on points where there is a bruise, open wound, mole, wart, or varicose vein.
| Q: Why is Jin Shin Do and Body Rebalancing of Ki or Chi important?
A: Jin Shin Do uses moderate pressure on acupuncture points to channel energy. Rather than use rhythmic pressure, as in Shiatsu, the Jin Shin Do practitioner simply holds the points, sensing the energy pulsation and allowing the release of tension. Jin Shin Do emphasizes the "Middle Way", the balance between too much and too little. The client is fully clothed to receive Jin Shin Do. Jin Shin Do ("The Way of the Compassionate Spirit") is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure techniques, classic Chinese acupressure theory, Reichian segmental theory, Taoist philosophy and Qigong exercises. Developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, M.A., L.M.F.C.C., this sensible therapy outlines tension points associated with common physical problems and with distressing feelings like anxiety, depression, guilt and anger. It teaches points and exercises that help release physical and emotional tensions. Best of all, it helps one learn to transform, rather than repress, painful feelings — leading to a more joyful way of life and the realization of one's full potential. Release of tension improves bodymind wellbeing, and learning that we can transform pain to pleasure is a psychological boost. Acupressure theory says that bodymind wellbeing is also influenced by energy balance in the "channels" or "meridians" lines of related points through which Qi (energy) moves. JSD recipients report experiencing this "energy flow" as a pleasant "tingling" or "streaming." The primary goal of Jin Shin Do is the recipient's awareness of the movement of Qi along with the tension and chronic holding patterns, both emotional and physical, in the body structure that block it. The flow of Qi, or life force, promotes healing in affected areas and a whole-body sense of physical ease and harmony. It has been used to relieve common conditions, including neck, shoulder and back tension/pain, joint problems, fatigue, headaches, digestive difficulties, chest and respiratory difficulties, insomnia, menstrual/menopausal difficulties, pelvic tension, and muscular and emotional stress and tension
| Q: What makes Reflexology different? What is Reflexology?
A: Reflexology, while similar in principal to Shiatsu and Acupressure, focuses on points of the hands and feet believed to correspond to each organ, gland and structure of the body. Practitioners manipulate reflex points to reduce tension, improve blood supply and reestablish harmony among body functions. As in Shiatsu and Jin Shin Do, clients can remain clothed except for shoes and socks. What is Reflexology? The ancient healing art of reflexology has been known to man for many thousands of years. It was first practiced by the early Indian, Chinese and Egyptian peoples. In 1913 Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat surgeon, introduced this therapy to the West. He noted that pressure on specific parts of the body could have an anaesthetizing effect on a related area. Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that pressure on one part of a zone could affect everything else within that zone. Thus, reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone. In the 1930's, Eunice Ingham, a therapist, further developed and refined the zone therapy into what is now known as foot reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, when you treat the big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body. How Can Reflexology Help You? The body has the ability to heal itself. Following illness, stress, injury or disease, it is in a state of "imbalance", and vital energy pathways are blocked, preventing the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourage healing. A reflexologist uses hands only to apply gentle pressure to the feet. For each person the application and the effect of the therapy is unique. Sensitive, trained hands can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet, and by working on these points the reflexologist can release blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. Tensions are eased, and circulation and elimination is improved. This gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse. Who Can Benefit From Reflexology? Since reflexology treats the whole person, not the symptoms of disease, most people benefit from treatment. The therapy brings relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, and is suitable for all ages. Once your body is in-tune, it is wise to have regular treatments in order to help maintain health and well-being. An increasing number of people are using this safe, natural therapy as a way of relaxing, balancing and harmonising the body. What Happens When You Go For Treatment? On your first visit there is a preliminary talk with the practitioner. The reflexologist then begins to work on your feet, or hands if necessary, noting problem areas. There may be discomfort in some places, but it is fleeting, and is an indication of congestion or imbalance in a corresponding part of the body. For the most part, the sensation is pleasant and soothing. Reflexology will relax you while stimulating the body's own healing mechanisms. Usually a treatment session lasts for about one hour. A course of treatment varies in length depending on your body's needs. Your reflexologist will discuss this with you at the first session. After the first treatment or two your body may respond in a very definite way: you may have a feeling of well-being and relaxation; or you may feel lethargic, nauseous or tearful, but this is transitory. It is, however, vital information for reflexologists, as it shows how your body is responding to treatment.
| Q: Why would I choose Deep Tissue Pressure Massage?
A: Deep Tissue Massage is a more Western approach to pressure point work and is a combination of pressure point work and Swedish muscle manipulation.This Technique works through muscle tension layer by layer, reaching the deeper muscles where chronic pain and tension may be released. Deep work is often slower than regular bodywork, allowing the soft tissues to open at deeper levels. Since deep work requires more time to release the tension in specialized areas, your massage will not always treat all areas of your body in one session. Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes and deep pressure on painful parts of the body. Some specific methods of Deep Tissue Massage can be uncomfortable requiring concious contact with the client and the careful use of a targeted pain scale. Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction usually on a focused problem area. Often the movements are directed across the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber) using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. This is applied with greater pressure and at deeper layers of the muscle than Swedish massage and that is why it is called deep tissue. Deep tissue massage is a technique used in sports massage.
Deep doesn't necessarily mean "hard." With the proper technique, muscles deep in the body can be reached with a minimum of pressure.
Deep tissue massage employs the principles of muscular restoration. It works across the  muscles manipulating deep tissues, stimulating circulation, and regenerating lymphatic flow. This promote detoxification and oxygenation of stagnant tissues. It is designed to bring fluids into the cells, stimulating changes on a cellular level. Deep tissue massage releases adherent muscle conditions existing in deep layers of muscle and actually corrects damaged muscle tissue.
Deep tissue massage relieves entrapment of nerves, and it also aids in moving out toxins and congestion that may have accumulated in damaged muscles and soft tissue, thereby reducing edema and inflammation, as well as reducing pain. It softens hard fibrous muscle which restricts joint range of motion, thereby "throwing off" the body's proper structural alignment.
Deep tissue massage provides a form of passive exercise for those who have been injured or ill. Combining deep tissue massage with traditional treatments of diseases offers an added edge that can speed recovery and promote maximum improvement where traditional treatments leave off.
Below is just a partial list of ways that deep tissue massage can help with your overall health: - Muscular system - Corrects damaged muscles, softens hard fibrous muscles, separates adherent fibers, allows nutrients and medicines to reach cellular areas, cleans cells by removing wastes, relieves pain, and relieves congestion and inflammation.
- Skin -Improves circulation to the skin, moisturizes dry, scaly skin, improves skintone, reduces bed sores, acne and other skin eruptions, and reduces the buildup of cellulite.
- Skeletal system - Improves joint range of motion, clears deposits and debris from old bone injuries, restores damaged ligaments and tendons, enhances effectiveness of chiropractic and osteopathic treatment, and improves posture.
- Nervous system - Releases trapped nerves in soft tissue, relieves neuromuscular conditions, reduces inflammation and congestion along nerve pathways, and improves conditions resulting from brain injury.
- Cardiovascular system - Contributes to the improvement of sclerotic blood vessels, relieves congestion in chest for congestive heart patients, and improves general health so that heart patients can maintain self through exercise.
- Lymphatic system - Releases trapped of lymphatic vessels, drains sluggish nodes, and improves integrity of lymphatic blood vessel walls.
- Respiratory system - Releases restrictions in breathing muscles, promotes postural improvement which reduces crowding of lungs, and removes old congestion in lung and rib areas.
| Q: What is Trigger Point Therapy used for?
A: Trigger Point Therapy: A trigger point is a tight and tender spot in a muscle that refers pain (or "triggers" pain) to other areas of the body. If trigger points are not treated, they cause lingering pain even after an injury has healed, and can be the reason why headache, neck pain, and back pain keep returning year after year. | Frequently confused with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, this diagram shows an example myofascial trigger point and the referred pain patterns for one of the neck muscles. |
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What causes a trigger point?
Some of the causes of trigger points in muscles are stress, excessive chilling, injury, overuse, and strain, as well as chemicals, drugs, alcohol, and environmental pollutants. Active trigger points keep the muscles tight, restricting blood flow and compressing nerves, which perpetuates a vicious pain-spasm cycle in the muscles. The effect of decreased flexibility limits movement, encouraging poor postural patterns that may sustain the cycle for years. How does Trigger Point Therapy work?
Treatment of trigger points consists of application of sustained pressure for a long enough time to inactivate the muscle spasm. Pressure can be applied with a thumb, finger, knuckle, or elbow depending on the size, depth and thickness of the muscle being compressed. Pressure is sustained for 10 to 20 seconds and gradually increased as the trigger point releases. This simple procedure is one of the most powerful ways to treat pain and dysfunction in the body.. |
Rudy Sanchez - Massage Therapist - Specializing in Shiatsu, Sweedish and Deep Tissue Reduce Stress and Tension - For appointments call 408.648.7612. Sponsored by The Bay Area Massage Network www.BayAreaMassage.Net (408) 896-5555 |
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