Acupressure is a therapy developed over 5,000 years ago as an important aspect of Asian, especially Chinese, medicine.

It uses precise finger placement and pressure over specific points along the body. These points follow specific channels, known as meridians – the same channels used in acupuncture. According to Asian medical philosophy, activation of these points with pressure (or needles) can improve blood flow, release tension, and enhance or unblock life-energy, known in China as “qi” or in the English-speaking world as “chi.” This release allows energy to flow more freely through the meridians, promoting relaxation, healing and the restoration of proper function.

Learning how to use the Acupressure Points will open up a whole world of health and healing for you. It literally puts the power to help yourself and others in your own hands. Pressing the Acupressure Points promotes balance and harmony, and it also just feels good! Acupressure Points and Acupuncture Points have exactly the same locations, uses, and benefits.

The Meridians are the body’s healing energy pathways, and the Acupressure Points lie along them.

The Acupressure Points are special specific spots on your body that have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin, and thus conduct and channel healing energy most effectively. The Acupressure Points are where the vital healing energy can get blocked on the Meridians, and where you can most effectively release the resulting tension, numbness, or pain. As healing energy moves through the Meridians, it governs blood circulation and harmonizes all functions of the body.

When the body’s life-force energy becomes blocked, various emotional imbalances and physical symptoms also result.

Energy blockages are the root of all health problems, whether they result from stress, emotional difficulties and trauma, or injuries. Your energy flow affects how you feel, how you think, and how you breathe. These energy blockages occur at the Acupressure Points. Through a variety of Acupressure methods — ranging from light touch or tapping to steadily holding the points — the body’s life energy is able to flow and rebalance.

Just as negative thoughts can block your energy flow, positive thoughts can increase your healing energy, which is why it is good to pair Acupressure Points with nurturing and healing phrases (affirmations).