Types of Acupressure
Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit
Acupressure uses the same principles as acupuncture. It also has the same goals: to restore health and to balance the body’s channels of energy by healing the body, mind, and spirit. It accomplishes this while simultaneously regulating opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy).
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is the most popular form of acupressure. Derived from the words shi for finger and atsu for pressure, Shiatsu, which is also known as finger massage or Japanese acupressure, originated in Japan in the early 1900s.
In Shiatsu acupressure, firm pressure is typically applied to each acupoint along the back, neck, arms, and legs vigorously for several seconds. The therapist may come back and repeat the procedure on particularly tense areas after the full session is completed. Pressure, softness, ticklishness, pulsation, heat, cold, or pain at a particular acupoint can reflect an imbalance or blockage in the body’s energy force or qi.
Shiatsu is particularly effective for headache, respiratory ailments, back pain, digestive problems, premenstrual syndrome, and immune system abnormalities. Its true value, however, lies in its ability to promote vitality and health and to prevent illness.
The Japanese Ministry of Health attributes seven interrelated effects to Shiatsu. These include:
- Invigorates the Skin
- Stimulates circulation of body fluids
- Promotes suppleness in musculoskeletal tissues
- Helps correct faults in the skeletal system
- Promotes harmonious functioning of the nervous system
- Helps regulate the endocrine glands
- Stimulates normal function of the internal organs
Tui-na
Tui-na (Tui Na, Tuina) is an acupressure technique similar to shiatsu although it bears a closer similarity to Western forms of massage. Like Shiatsu, Tui-na uses rhythmic compression along the body’s meridians or energy channels, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui-na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the skin along the various acupoints.
Many of the techniques in Tui-na resemble those of Western massage. For instance, gliding (known as effleurage or Tui), kneading (petrissage or Nie), percussion (tapotement or Da), friction, pulling, rotation, rocking, vibration, and shaking are all used therapeutically to stimulate acupoints and balance energy.
Tui-na is especially known to correct specific musculoskeletal problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system. Tuina is especially effective for relieving joint pain in arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms, and pain in the back, neck, sternum and shoulders. Tui-na is also known to benefit chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches, and tension associated with stress.
Other Types of Acupressure
Other types of acupressure include the Five Element Series, Jin Shin Jyutsu and various specialized techniques.
Where to Go
Many day spas and destination spas offer acupressure with Shiatsu or Tui-na. In some communities, such as the East Village, Soho, and Chinatown in New York City, spas that offer acupressure massages exclusively can be found on nearly every street at affordable prices.
At Kelsey Oriental Nature Center in the East Village, a 60-minute Shiatsu and acupressure massage costs $48. The therapists do not speak English and you won’t find showers, but the brick-walled private rooms are cozy and the massage is worth every penny.
What to Expect
Clients lie facedown on a massage table or futon. Clients may be fully clothed or wear underwear. Preferred dress is loose gym ants and a light, natural fiber tee shirt. Clients should not be hungry or too full. It’s recommended that clients not eat up to one hour before their procedure. The therapist drapes their back in a soft flannel blanket. The massage is performed over the blanketed skin without the use of oils or lotions.
Skilled therapists easily find their way to knotted muscles or trigger points. They apply firm vigorous pressure to these trigger points. The sensation can be painful although it is also pleasurable as blockages are released. For best results, several sessions may be needed on a weekly basis. For health maintenance, acupressure massages should be performed every 4-6 weeks.
Resource:
- Jacqueline Young, The Healing Path, The practical guide to the holistic traditions of China, India, Tibet, and Japan, London, Harper Collins, 2001.
Tui-Na
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