The art of pressure point therapy uses ancient acupressure points to release tension, increase the circulation of blood, and heighten the body's vital life energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle but firm finger pressure. Acupressure relieves pain, trauma, burnout, and maintains good health through self-care. By relaxing the body and relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

Tension tends to concentrate around pressure points. When a muscle is chronically tense or in spasm, the muscle fibers contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation. For instance, when you are under a great deal of stress you may find you have difficulty breathing. Certain pressure points relieve chest tension and enable you to breathe deeply.

As a pressure point is held, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, there is a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being.

Use prolonged finger pressure directly on the point; gradual, steady, penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. 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 how fit you are and your body’s condition.

A general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be firm enough so that it "hurts good" - in other words, something in between pleasant, firm pressure and pain. The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you should apply. If you feel extreme or increasing sensitivity or pain, gradually decrease the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure. Note that 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 to release blockages that create pressure, numbness, or pain.

Each body - and each area of the body - requires a different amount of pressure. If it hurts a great deal when you apply pressure on a point, then use light touch instead of pressure. The calves, the face, and genital areas are sensitive. The back, buttocks, and shoulders, especially if the musculature is developed, usually need deeper, firmer pressure.

Pressure point therapy is not meant to increase your tolerance of pain; 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), the pain will diminish.

To learn the location and applications for using these pressure points, study at the Acupressure Institute. Start with the Basic Training, and then choose a focused specialization, such as a Pain Management or Stress Management 200-hour program. You can take the 200-hour programs in a 30-day Intensive Training. Get started learning acupressure now, with a discounted Home Study Acupressure Package consisting of a book, CD, video, flashcards, and a laminated chart of the points.

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