Eastern Modalities
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. (Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure.)
Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. Acupressure can also be used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus, acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as responding to tension, before it develops into a disease before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage.
Tui Na
Tui Na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indications. Tui Na techniques range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating. Refined over the centuries, Tui Na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of blood and qi (vital energy), which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease.
The term Tui Na combines the names of two of the hand techniques, tui meaning to push and na meaning to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system. There are more than 365 hand techniques used to apply Tui Na.