ACUPRESSURE
Relaxation / More Comfort / Better Sleep
Acupressure is an ancient healing technique derived from traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to promote overall well-being and treat various health conditions. This non-invasive therapy involves applying pressure or light touch to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which are believed to lie along energy meridians.
How Acupressure Works
Acupressure is a form of acupuncture without needles and is based on the principle that stimulating certain points on the body can assist in unblocking and balancing (stimulate or sedate) the flow of vital energy, or qi, through the meridians.
As a holistic practice, acupressure seeks to re-establish the body’s healthy equilibrium and function. In the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a vital energy force known as qi (or chi) flows through the body along channels called meridians. When qi flow is blocked, it stagnates and this causes illness and/or pain. Acupuncture and acupressure unblocks the qi flow, strengthens or calms the qi and directs it to the areas in need.
From the standpoint of Western scientific research, qi is likely to be revealed as some amalgam of endorphins, the bioelectric potential of cell membranes, nervous conduction, circulating hormones or perhaps even photons (light) and infrared radiation (heat). Some of the immediate results of acupressure reflect stimulating or calming components of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which make up the autonomic nervous system.
Acupressure is used by the military:
- The U.S. military and VA have extensively adopted Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), a form of auricular acupuncture, for pain management and other health issues.
- The U.S. Air Force initiated the Air Force Acupuncture Procedure project to encourage alternatives to pharmaceutical-only based treatments.
- U.S. military hospitals and clinics have implemented integrative treatment programs that include acupressure and auricular acupuncture.
- Research on acupuncture for treating combat-related PTSD in military personnel has been conducted.
- The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently evaluating self-administered acupressure for veterans with chronic low back pain
Health Benefits
Acupressure has been associated with numerous health benefits:
Pain Relief
Acupressure has shown promise in reducing various types of pain, including:
- Low back pain
- Postoperative pain
- Headaches
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Studies have demonstrated that acupressure can significantly decrease anxiety levels. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormone levels, acupressure may help improve overall mental well-being.
Improved Sleep
Specific acupressure points on the head, wrist, ankle, and foot have been found to help reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Nausea and Vomiting Relief
Acupressure, particularly at the PC6 point on the wrist, has been effective in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with:
- Pregnancy
- Motion sickness
- Chemotherapy
- Post-surgery recovery
Enhanced Immune Function
By stimulating specific pressure points, acupressure may help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, potentially preventing chronic health conditions.
Circulatory and Respiratory Benefits
Acupressure has been reported to improve blood circulation and alleviate respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and coughing.
Additional Benefits
Research suggests that acupressure may also help with:
- Reducing fatigue
- Alleviating menstrual cramps
- Managing arthritis symptoms
- Improving overall energy levels
Safety and Considerations
Acupressure is generally considered safe and can be performed by trained practitioners or self-administered. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying acupressure, especially if you have certain health conditions or are pregnant
More Resources:
Acupressure Information
Upon request, the following information can be emailed to anyone who registers with this website.
Acupressure for Headaches and Migraines
Acupressure for Stress Relief: Neck and Shoulders
Acupressure for Emotional Healing
The Acupuncture.com has an easy to use list (down the right side of the webpage) to click on for acupressure help with various challenges.
Acupressure Information
Upon request, the following information can be emailed to anyone who registers with this website.
Acupressure for Headaches and Migraines
Acupressure for Stress Relief: Neck and Shoulders
Acupressure for Emotional Healing
The Acupuncture.com has an easy to use list (down the right side of the webpage) to click on for acupressure help with various challenges.
*Terms and Conditions
The statements found within these pages have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If a product, service or treatment is mentioned or recommended in these pages, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health practitioner. Vet TRIIP™, Inc,. BeneSol, LLC, and their representatives assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.
If you are having a healthcare emergency, call 991 or connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at DIAL 988 then PRESS 1 or Text 838255 or https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Other national resources are available at www.va.gov. For most Texas counties, non-emergency county resources for veterans are available by dialing 311.
Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms. All trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.
This site is owned by BeneSol, LLC © 2012 - 2025 All Rights Reserved. webpage) to click on for acupressure help with various challenges.
The statements found within these pages have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If a product, service or treatment is mentioned or recommended in these pages, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is meant to be used to educate the reader and is in no way intended to provide individual medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health practitioner. Vet TRIIP™, Inc,. BeneSol, LLC, and their representatives assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.
If you are having a healthcare emergency, call 991 or connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at DIAL 988 then PRESS 1 or Text 838255 or https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Other national resources are available at www.va.gov. For most Texas counties, non-emergency county resources for veterans are available by dialing 311.
Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms. All trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.
This site is owned by BeneSol, LLC © 2012 - 2025 All Rights Reserved. webpage) to click on for acupressure help with various challenges.