Tennessee School of Massage Acupressure Massage

ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE—A MODIFIED VERSION OF ACUPUNCTURE 

 Acupressure is a form of massage that replaces the use of needles with massage techniques.  Acupressure is a light application of pressure applied for 3-5 seconds. The therapist uses their thumbs, index fingers, middle fingers, palms, as required on an individual basis.  The purpose of this massage is to prevent and modify the perception of pain or create bodily harmony which contributes to good health. Acupressure is an ancient healing art.  Finger pressure is used on key points to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities.  It encourages the release of muscular tension, increased circulation of blood, and the flow of the body’s vital life force (chi) simply by pressing these special points.  Like acupuncture, acupressure accesses the energy of the body through the points and meridian pathways-to influence the health and wellbeing of a person.  Acupressure views the state of the whole body and symptoms expressed are seen as a total view of the health and welling being of that individual.  If you treat a person’s back pain you relieve the pain in the local area and can reestablish the feeling of wellbeing over the entire body. If there is no longer back pain there will be a decreasing stress and strain in other areas of the body and the mental stress will be decreased as well.

ACUPRESSURE  MASSAGE 

Used to stimulate physical structures of the body, such as the muscles, circulation, lymphatic (immune system), nervous system, it is primary purpose is to balance the flow of vital energy or the life force. Acupressure stimulates entire sequences or series of connected points all over the body, treating the body like a super highway and releasing blocked areas that may lead to further pain and illness.  Acupressure is a great preventive therapy as well as a treatment for existing problems.   It is useful for all individuals with or without pain.  It can be done through clothing, sitting or lying on a massage table.                                                                                                  

WHAT TO EXPECT                                                                                                                   

If a client is seated in a chair the acupressure massage will focus on the neck, upper and outer shoulders, and upper back between the shoulders, areas that often are tense from prolonged desk work or travel.  If a client is lying down the focus will be over areas of discomfort or areas of concern.   The amount of pressure and the correct sequence and location of the acupressure points will determine how beneficial the treatment.  The therapist will move from light rubbing to soft kneading which will “milk” the muscles and prepare the acupressure points.  Areas where pressure is applied directly will use a steady pressing that calms and relaxes hyper tense nerves.  Tapping rhythmically with hands and fingers also help to trigger acupressure points and help nerves and muscles relax.                                                                                                                                           

ACUPRESSURE STIMULATES ISOLATED POINTS OR COMBINATIONS OF POINTS TO TREAT PARTICULAR DISORDERS. 

 The ranges of disorders are broad and many psychological problems (stress) can be associated with physical manifestations of disease, making acupressure a easy choice for anyone wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.                                                                               

CLIENT ASSESSMENTS – WHERE DO WE BEGIN                                                                                  

Acupressure massage will depend on 1) the background of the complaint,2) specific symptoms, and how long these symptoms have been going on, 3)are they getting better or worse,4) what are the possible causes.  The personal history is also important, include past ailments, surgeries, drugs, injuries, traumatic emotional experiences.                                                   

CHECKLIST FOR SCHEDULING A SESSION                                                                                 1) Wear comfortable clothing.   Clothing should be loose and non-binding.                                      

2) Determine what you want from the session. Having an idea will enable the therapist to focus on what your expectations are.         

3) Let the therapist know if you prefer deep or mild pressure.                                                         

4) Plan enough time to relax after the session.  Find out how much time the session will last and schedule extra time, preferably enough time to deeply relax. This will help the body to further balance itself.                                                                                                      

5) Never eat a big meal before an acupressure session.  When the stomach is full, it is difficult for energy to flow through it.  If you need to eat, do so no closer than one hour, and eat lightly.  Avoid alcoholic beverages.                                                                                                                               

6) Avoid any treatment when a fever is present.                                                                                              

THE STUDY AND TREATMENT OF ACUPRESSURE IS A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT BRANCH OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE                                                                                Acupressure treatment is based on science and is a valid medical therapy.  Oriental medical philosophy treats individuals instead of masses and the symptoms of the disease are interpreted on the basis of the patient’s total conditions. Acupressure is defining the causes of sickness both internal and external.  The application of this therapy will identify the points, the energy flow patterns and a well design, well organized treatment for improved health.  Acupressure will give their treatments power and importance in the health care and massage industries.