Acupressure is a Chinese healing method that involves using the body’s 14 meridian points to relieve pain. Meridian points carry energy throughout the body. They start at the fingertips and connect the brain and the organs. Acupressure points deal with the person as a whole – body emotions, mind, and spirit –relaxing muscular tension and balancing vital life.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there are more than 800 vital energy points along the meridian points that run from the head down to the heels and along either side of the spinal cord. By massaging these points, the corresponding body area receives specific therapeutic treatment.

The acupressure points can be used to increase blood circulation; provide relief from head, neck, and shoulder pain; promote the healing of injuries; increase energy levels; relieve stress and tension; relax the mind and body; decrease labor pain; and help remove toxic wastes.

By pressing each of these acupressure points, they will release muscular tension and promote circulation of blood and the body’s healing from eyestrain, backaches, arthritis, tension, stress, and more. Acupressure helps the body to maintain good health and strengthens resistance to diseases. Although acupressure is not a substitute for medical care, it is often an appropriate complementary treatment for people that suffer different diseases or problems. For cancer patients, some of these acupressure points can help to alleviate pain or discomfort. Psychotherapy patients can receive benefits from acupressure by using it to heighten body awareness and deal with stress. For example, reflexology acupressure is based on the vital energy which says that stress impedes the flow of the vital energy that exists in each human body.

Acupressure, acupuncture, and reflexology are believed to help optimize the flow of energy in the body. Ayurvedic acupressure is also called “marma therapy” and it can be defined as an ancient Indian practice that uses manipulation of subtle energy. Marma therapy uses 107 acupressure points that access points to the whole body.

When incorporating acupressure, it is not supposed to hurt. Concentrate on each point, one at a time. Apply gentle pressure to each point using the thumb. This will stimulate the pressure points. Hold a finger in the pressure point for 10 seconds. Repeat the pressure and release. Continue the cycle 10 times.

The goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance to the body’s channels. When incorporated into the spa, it can be very beneficial to clients, bringing balance and relief from a variety of ailments.