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Acupressure is a healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. It is a branch of Chinese medicine used
primarily to prevent illness by addressing the underlying energetic and spiritual causes of disharmony in the
body. Acupressure uses the power and sensitivity of human touch to eliminate stress, relieve pain and
alleviate acute and chronic conditions. By using the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin,
acupressure can be extraordinarily effective in the relief of many conditions where other methodologies fail:
when these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the
body's life force energy (qi -- pronounced "chi") to aid healing. Among the conditions readily treated by
acupressure are arthritis, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, back pain, sciatica, infertility, sinus and
breathing problems, edema, stomach ache, insomnia, and fatigue. By removing blockages in the flow of qi
through the body -- stimulating the bodies natural curative abilities --acupressure also works as a powerful
preventative therapy and is a safe and effective complement to conventional healing methods.
Acupressure is a holistic approach. What does that mean? It means that acupressure deals with all parts of a
human being -- body, mind, and spirit as one -- not as separate parts -- to promote, maintain, and restore
health. Some of the other benefits of acupressure are:
1. Relief from stress and tension
2. Relaxing of the mind and body
3. Increased blood circulation (which carries oxygen and other essential material through the body)
4. Aiding in the body's removal of toxic wastes
5. Promoting the healing of injuries
6. Increased energy levels
7. Increased general feeling of balance and well-being
8. Decreased labor pains
9. Strengthened immune response
10. Decrease in visible signs of aging
What is Acupuncture? What's the difference between acupressure and acupuncture?
Acupuncture, which gets it roots from Acupressure, is the use of fine needles to stimulate points along
meridians in the body to promote health and healing. An acupressurist works with the same points as does
an acupuncturist – called acupoints -- stimulating these healing sites with finger pressure, rather than inserting
fine needles.
may have.
For information on Acupressure, look at these sites:
http://www.dishant.com/accupressure/ ,
or try http://www.alternative-medicine-info.com/products/, on the right side of the page, click on
"Acupressure."
AnMa is Chinese, meaning press and stroke (An = "press" and Ma = "stroke"). In China, AnMa dates back to
the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. -- 220 C.E.). It is a form of fluid massage that consists of applying pressure,
stroking, and other forms of manipulation applied to the acupoints, meridians, and soft tissues of the body.
Over time, this healing art form was misappropriated by the prostitution industry and AnMa became taboo.
To preserve the integrity of the practice of AnMa, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664), the name was
changed to TuiNa, freeing practitioners and patients from stigma.
Ayurved -- frequently called Ayurveda -- is often described as the sister science to yoga. Ayurved is a
holistic medical science developed in India thousands of years ago. Through the use of yoga, non-invasive
diagnostic practices, herbal remedies and applications, various oliation techniques, bastis (enemas), and
purging methods, Ayurved seeks to balance the three constitutional types inherent in every individual,
bringing total mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Ayurvedic Marma massage or Abhyanga can be performed by as few as 1 practitioner and some times as
many as 4. It is a light-touch technique using herbal oils chosen according to one’s body type to promote
the flow of energy through their channels and their centers. Traditionally Abhyanga is used to detoxify and
treat sleeplessness, fatigue, anxiety, eczema, nervousness, loss of skin lustre, and obesity. It is an extremely
effective tool in the removal of stress and tension from the entire body.
If you would like a more in-depth orientation to Ayurved, please visit the Ayurvedic Institute website online
resource page at:
http://www.ayurveda.com/online%20resource/intro_ayurveda.pdf
Classical Chinese Medicine or (CCM) is a holistic medical practice that originated thousands of years ago in
China, has its foundations in daoist philosophy, and seeks to create harmony in each individual thereby
optimizing health. Out of very crude original ideas, the early practitioners of CCM refined their understanding
of herbs, the human body, mind, and spirit, energy pathways, and possible disorders to create a system of
treatment that prevents illness.
How does CCM differ from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and why is there not any information about
the former? Well, as western ideals became popular in China, Western medicine became synonymous with
progress. Therefore, as China sought to bring itself in to the developing, modern world, Western medical
thought became predominant. In 1822, acupuncture was removed from the curriculum at the Imperial
Medical College.* In addition, in 1929, with the removal of the dynastic system that was the legacy,
progressive ideas became the mode and that which was spiritual and not necessarily, "provable," was
frowned upon and ultimately outlawed by the establishment. As the Communists "liberated" areas
throughout China, finding little or no medical assistance available after winning a "guerrilla" war, Chinese
medicine began to resurface as the only means to treat suffering troops. In this incarnation, Chinese
medicine was Westernized, used only in ways that seemed fitting with the new, modern ideals of the people.
The spiritual aspects of CCM were a thing of the past and Chinese medicine became known only as TCM.
It is very uncommon to find mention of CCM and few people continue to practice as it became impossible
to find a school that teaches CCM as a modality. Today, CCM has begun to appear in a few small programs
throughout the world.
Want to know more? For a more thorough history of Chinese Medicine, visit these sites . . .
*The History of Acupuncture in China
http://www.taijichinesemedicine.com/TCM2.htm
Hara massage can also be called abdominal massage. Hara means belly in Japanese. As its own
modality or as a complement to other body work, Hara massage is an effective tool in addressing root
problems that cause discomfort, pain, illness, and dis-ease. By finding and alleviating blockages in the
center, or core, or Hara, we work to allow the body to fully heal wherever needed.
please have patience--this site is still
under construction.
Yanghttp://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu
/core9/phalsall/texts/yinyang.html