Description
Description: Acupressure, also known as Shiatsu, is an ancient alternative health treatment that is closely aligned with massage therapy. While in general acupressure does not commonly present dangers, when performed by a trained professional in a clean environment, there are certain circumstances, or contraindications, in which acupressure may be dangerous to your health.
Treatment Goals: Points on the large intestine channel may also be pressed to relieve headaches. Acupressure can be used by a massage therapist or an acupuncturist or you can treat yourself. The therapy consists of pressing the acupuncture points to try to help the free flow of energy in the channel(s).
Indication: back pain, neck or shoulder pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, whiplash, nerve injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, poor circulation, tendinitis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, constipation, headaches and migraines, sinus disorders, and skin problems.
Contraindication: Cardiovascular conditions in general are a contraindication for both acupressure and massage unless specifically approved by your physician. This includes heart disease, a history of blood clots, clotting disorders and other blood-related disease. Cancer is also a contraindication for acupressure. Originally the contraindication revolved around the concern of changes in blood circulation, resulting in a greater risk for metastasis or spread of cancer.
Along with the two major contraindications, there are varying other contraindications in which a physician should be consulted before having acupressure performed on your body. These include pregnancy, acute fever, inflammation, poisoning, open wounds, broken bones, ulcers, contagious skin conditions, tuberculosis, and venereal diseases. If you have any concerns or doubts, talk to your doctor before scheduling your acupressure appointment.
Core Treatments: The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health and balance to the body’s channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that therapists can transmit vital energy (external qi) to another person.
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