Around the last decade, acupressure has spread from its traditional Asian home to become a recognized medical practice all around the globe. It is an element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for millennia; its origins are often dated to approximately 100 BC. It is a traditional Chinese massage therapy that stimulates your pressure points.
Acupressure offers numerous benefits, including relief from back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and menopausal symptoms.
However, you may come across several misperceptions when learning about acupressure. Get ready to bust seven misconceptions about acupressure and discover the facts to help you understand the benefits.
Table of Contents
Misconception#1: Acupressure Is Painful.
One of the most common misconceptions about acupressure is that it is painful. Some people stay away from acupressure because they think they will be hurt! When done right, acupressure will only alleviate your pain.
Everyone has a unique tolerance for and perception of pain. But you can rest assured that you won’t be in pain during a session, although keep in mind that a little discomfort at the pressure sites is completely normal afterward.
This is only a step in the procedure! Acupressure releases energy that has been stuck at certain points throughout the body, resulting in a surge of revitalization.
If you get acupressure from a trained professional, inform them of any pain or discomfort that you feel, and they can adjust the amount of pressure based on your comfort level.
If you are trying acupressure at home with rollers, mats, or rings, make sure to research how they should be used. Otherwise, you may face some adverse effects like acupressure mat side effects. These mats are widely used acupressure tools, but they can have negative effects, especially if they are not used properly. So, it’s better to be aware.
Misconception#2: Acupressure and Acupuncture Are The Same.
Have you ever heard of acupressure and thought it is the same as acupuncture? Well, you are not alone! Many people mistake acupressure for acupuncture because both involve stimulating your body’s pressure points. They have some similarities, but their methods and approaches are very different.
In acupuncture, small needles are put into certain spots on the body, called acupuncture points or acupoints. These acupoints are linked by energy paths called meridians.
Acupressure does not involve sticking tools into the skin! Instead, it uses the same acupoints used in acupuncture to apply pressure. Practitioners press on these points with their fingers, hands, knees, or special tools. Acupressure is often used to relax, relieve stress, and take care of minor aches and pains. It is the best solution if you’re afraid of needles!
Misconception#3: Acupressure Is A Form Of Massage.
When you think of acupressure, you may think of someone massaging your pressure points. The idea that acupressure is essentially a kind of massage is not that uncommon.
Both acupressure and massage entail the use of physical contact and manipulation. However, these two practices serve very different purposes and involve different techniques.
Acupressure primarily targets specific pressure points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. If you suffer from headaches and someone applies acupressure to certain spots on your body, it may help relieve your symptoms. This is because it increases the flow of energy and blood circulation to the afflicted regions.
On the other hand, massage treatment consists of manipulating muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. It alleviates tension, lowers stress, and enhances muscular flexibility. Unlike acupressure, it is not involved in balancing your energy level or stimulating your body’s natural healing ability.
Misconception#4: Acupressure Only Works on Physical Pain.
Another common misconception is acupressure can only heal your physical pain. When doctors advise their patients to have acupressure therapy for their mental well-being, many think it is a waste of time.
In reality, acupressure can help you both physically and psychologically. Acupressure works to balance the energy level of your body, thereby helping to reduce your stress and/or anxiety.
Also, when you have physical stimulation, your blood and lymphatic circulation get fast-tracked. It can release the feel-good hormones and help you with insomnia.
Misconception#5: Acupressure Contradicts Regular Medicines.
People often think that acupressure can make other drugs less effective; however, this is not the case.
Acupressure is a type of natural treatment. You can use it as a preventative measure or treat an ongoing problem. It is an organic way to improve your health along with developing healthy lifestyle habits. But it should never be used instead of medical advice or treatment.
Acupressure works by balancing the flow of energy in the body, but it cannot heal all your medical issues. It is essential to talk to a trained medical professional to address major illnesses or ailments. Acupressure should only be used as a supplemental treatment.
Misconception#6: Acupressure Gives You Instant Results.
Another common misconception is thinking that acupressure works right away. While some may feel better right away, others may find that it can take a while to start feeling better.
This all depends on the severity of the pain or illness and whether the individual is using other treatments in addition to acupressure.
Acupressure may be relieved in at least two sessions for those with moderate aches and pains. Severe conditions may take as many as ten sessions. The body needs time to get used to the treatments and react to it.
When you use acupressure as part of your health practice, you must be patient and consistent. Women who have severe back pain report less discomfort if follow-up assessments are performed immediately after the intervention, 2 weeks later, and 4 weeks later.
Once you start feeling better from the acupressure sessions, you do not need to keep doing it.
Misconception#7: Acupressure Does Not Work At All!
Last comes the biggest misconception on the list: Acupressure does not work at all! Some people claim that acupressure has not helped them at all. This may be true if they did not attend enough sessions or if there was a misuse of an acupressure tool.
Acupressure is a holistic approach that helps in pain relief, although it is debated whether or not it is effective as an adequate treatment for severe pains and ailments.
Preliminary evidence suggests acupressure may help people experience less pain, better mental health, better sleep, and fewer episodes of nausea and vomiting. It is feasible to do self-acupressure; however, it is best to do it under the supervision of a skilled professional to see optimal results.
Conclusion
Acupressure is a powerful and holistic approach to healthcare that can help with pain relief and stress reduction. It is a great option to consider when trying to develop healthy lifestyle choices.
However, it’s important to remember that even though it’s considered an important supplemental approach to a variety of conditions, further research is needed to understand its efficacy.
We hope that these top seven misconceptions about acupressure will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of this age-old tradition so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
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