Acupuncture, Acupressure -- What's the Difference?

When it comes to alternative medicine there are many different areas. Acupuncture, acupressure, herbs, reflexology -- there are all kinds of therapies and practices. In this article we will examine the areas of acupuncture and acupressure. First, it is important to understand the difference between these two forms of holistic healing. Acupuncture uses the strategic insertion of needles to stimulate various points of the body. Acupressure, on the other hand, uses strategic pressure to stimulate the same points of the body. The only difference is the technique of stimulation.

Acupuncture dates back thousands of years to ancient China. This form of Chinese medicine didn't reach the United States until the 1970s. A notable American journalist was in China and had acupuncture as an anesthetic during an emergency appendectomy. After that, the practice came to the U.S. and more people began taking an interest. Today, there are all kinds of acupuncture practitioners all over the world. When you go for a session, expect to take about an hour from start to finish. While the procedure is not painful, there may be some mild discomfort. The needles used are designed to be virtually painless and are quite different from needles used to give injections.

Some people just cannot deal with the idea of being poked with needles, however. For them, acupressure can be a great idea. It offers the same benefits without the anxiety from the needles. Acupressure uses pressure on points of the body to stimulate them, instead of needles. The pressure is applied with a hand or massage tool and may be a bit uncomfortable. The side effects from this procedure may include mild soreness or bruising. Acupressure on the hands and feet is known as reflexology, and may also be a viable option for relief from a variety of issues.

Acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology can all be grouped into the same category. They all use the skillful manipulation of bodily points. There are hundreds of these points, each of which correspond to a different part of the body. This is why these procedures must be performed by a qualified professional with lots of experience. These professionals have studied the various points and know exactly where each one is and what it does. When you go for a session, your practitioner will evaluate your needs and devise a customized treatment program just for you.

Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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