| According to TCM, acupressure points are aligned
along 14 body meridians, or pathways. Twelve of the meridians are bilateral,
that is, identical versions of them (with the same sets of points) exist
on both sides of the body. The other two are unilateral, running along
the midline of the body. The 14 meridians do not correspond to any known
physiological processes or anatomical structures in the body, such as
nerves or blood vessels. Nevertheless, some well-controlled studies suggest
that acupressure can be effective for a number of health problems, including
nausea, pain and stroke-related weakness. A single point may be pressed
for relief from a particular symptom or condition, or to promote overall
well-being of the body. A series of points can be worked on in a specific
order.
|
Acupressure
involves pressure points on the body with fingers or hands to alter
the internal flow of a supposed vital force or energy called
chi (pronounced "chee"), strengthening it, calming it
or removing a blockage of the flow. Acupressure is one of a number
of treatment methods regularly used in Traditional Chinese
Medicine, or TCM, a system of healthcare that originated in China
thousands of years ago, which is still widely practiced in Asian
countries today.
