While there are many alternative healing practices followed around the world, one of the most well-known ones is acupressure. Often confused and used erroneously as interchangeable with acupuncture, acupressure does not use any needles as in the case of the former and only the pressure of the hands, the palms and the elbows. Acupressure may be more accurately described as a technique based on an ancient Chinese philosophy according to which the human body has certain pressure points, also known as acupoints, which control the flow of vital energy throughout the body. 14 such points or meridians have been identified in the body which connect the organ system through a nerve network.
According to the underlying philosophy of acupressure, any blockage in even one of these pressure points can cause an imbalance in the flow of energy, which in turn affects the individual from within, and is manifested in external symptoms of the physical body. Through acupressure therapy, an attempt is made to remove the blockage and restore the flow of energy in the body by massage by using the pressure of fingers or blunt objects. With the pressure built on the acupoints, an attempt is made to relax the body and loosen the stiff muscles. press
Acupressure has been found to be extremely effective in curing a wide range of ailments such as high blood pressure, nausea, stomach and lower back aches, arthritis, depression and anxiety, among others. It is particularly beneficial for pain management, be it temporary or chronic pain. From common headaches to migraines, lower back stiffness, joint pains, and more, by identifying the accurate pressure point and massaging it in tempo, patients can be given relief for their conditions. There have even been scientific studies which point to evidence of acupressure leading to changes at the hormonal level, which in turn helps in disease management and pain relief – an inference which aligns with the principles of Preksha Meditation as well, that all diseases and disorders are psychosomatic in nature.
At the Adhyatm Sadhna Kendra, different acupressure methods are used for the treatment of patients with chronic illnesses. These are available for both camp participants and walk-in patients and include Cupping Therapy, Moxibustion, Marma Therapy and Magnet Therapy. The Kendra also has an inlaid acupressure walking track where patients are encouraged to walk and relieve the symptoms of pain and other illnesses.
