top of page

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice rooted in Chinese medicine that uses gentle pressure on specific points along the body’s meridians (the same energy channels used in acupuncture). Instead of needles, acupressure relies on the hands, thumbs, elbows, or even tools to stimulate these points.

Succulent
Acupressure

ACUPRESSURE CORE PRINCIPLES

  • Qi (Chi): The vital life energy flows through meridians. Blockages or imbalances are believed to cause illness or discomfort.

  • Meridians: Pathways that connect different organs and systems of the body.

  • Pressure Points: Stimulating these points helps restore balance, ease pain, and promote relaxation.
     

Acupressure Neck Massage

KEY BENEFITS 

  • Relieves headaches, neck, and back pain

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Eases nausea, indigestion, and constipation

  • Improves sleep quality

  • Supports immune and digestive health

  • Enhances relaxation and energy flow

ACUPRESSURE IS THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO YOUR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS

HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER:

  • Acupuncture uses very fine needles to stimulate points more deeply and precisely.

  • Acupressure uses the hands, fingers, or tools to gently press or massage the same points.

​

TOGETHER THEY CAN:

  • Extend the benefits of an acupuncture session (you can apply acupressure between visits).

  • Provide relief in situations where needles aren’t ideal (children, needle-sensitive clients, or self-care at home).

  • Enhance relaxation and energy flow, supporting healing on multiple levels.

WHEN TO USE EACH:

  • Acupuncture: Best for deeper, long-term conditions (chronic pain, fertility, systemic imbalances, strong stress/anxiety, etc.).

​

  • Acupressure: Great for daily support, acute discomfort (headaches, nausea), or as a maintenance practice between acupuncture treatments.

​

Think of acupuncture as the deep treatment, and acupressure as your daily tune-up.

FAQS

IS ACUPUNCTURE THE SAME AS ACUPRESSURE? Acupressure sounds similar to acupuncture, and they are closely related TCM therapies. During an acupressure treatment, a therapist presses on specific points in your body, called acupressure points or acupoints, to activate your nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals that restore balance and relax your muscles. Acupressure uses the same framework as acupuncture. But acupressure does not use needles.

WHAT ARE MERIDIANS & QI (CHI)? * Qi (Chi): The vital life energy flows through meridians. Blockages or imbalances are believed to cause illness or discomfort. *Meridians: Pathways that connect different organs and systems of the body. *Pressure Points: Stimulating these points helps restore balance, ease pain, and promote relaxation.

DOES ACUPRESSURE HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS? Acupoints can be a little tender, and it’s normal to feel some achiness when you do the massage. But if it hurts, stop massaging right away. Avoid performing acupressure on areas where you have skin issues like dermatitis, recent radiation, stitches or a rash. Areas prone to lymphedema should be avoided, too, and some acupoints should not be used during pregnancy. If in doubt, talk to an acupuncturist or massage therapist who is trained in acupressure. Information sources from: MD Anderson's website featuring the article "How to use acupressure points to relieve headache, nausea and anxiety", BY Heather Alexander Published August 30, 2021 Medically Reviewed  |  Last reviewed by an MD Anderson Cancer Center medical professional on August 30, 2021

CAN I DO ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE? Yes 🌿 you absolutely can combine acupressure and acupuncture—in fact, they naturally complement each other because they work with the same points and meridians.

bottom of page