Acupressure: Definition and How it Works

Acupressure is modality based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is believed to have merged between 772 B.C. and 221 B.C. with the birth of Confucianism and Taoism. However, it was during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 220 A.D.) that the theories of acupressure and acupuncture really flourished. Everything around us is made of the same "stuff", energy or Chi in TCM. TCM teaches that Chi passes through the body along meridians or channels. Along these meridians are points often referred to as gates. A closed gate does not allow Chi to move through the meridian. On the other hand, a gate that does not control the flow of Chi can cause that area to become Chi deficient.These gates can be adjusted, much like a light dimmer switch, to promote the smooth flow of Chi throughout the body.

The job of an acupressurist is actually very involved. Before a session he/she will actually do an interview with you. You may be asked questions like; What foods do you crave? What is your favorite color? What smells are you attracted to and/or repulsed by? These questions allow the acupressurist to determine the TCM Elements that are dominant or lacking for that particular client. Everyone's acupressure session is therefore different. The Five Elements of TCM have corresponding organ meridians that tell the acupressurist which meridians to work on in their sessions. They will then go up, down, over, and under the body holding a point and lightly applying pressure on another. This balances the two points to each other and when applied to the entire body allows for the proper flow of Chi throughout.

The 12 Organ Meridians

                                                 

                                                 The 24 hour Organ Meridian Flow Wheel

Christopher Howard
             &
Holistic Heathers


www.HolisticHeathers.com