Acupressure Articles

Acupressure Pain Relief
Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.
Author of the Best Selling:
Acupressure’s Potent Points
Acupressure for Emotional Healing

Acupressure Pain Relief Mechanisms
Several theories exist to explain how acupressure trigger points effectively to relieve pain. Pain perception is closely related to the amount of bodily stress, tension, and emotional anxiety present in the patient. Acupressure increases circulation, which removes lactic acid, carbon dioxide, histamines, bradykinins (mediators for pain reception), and toxins. Circulation also brings oxygen and other nutrients to the affected areas to support healing. The patient’s focus on pain is often distracted by the use of acupressure points, not only through distraction but also through the Pain Gateway theory. Thus, acupressure provides a drug-free way to cope with pain. The Pain Gateway Theory proposes that the transmission of pain impulses can be modulated by a gating mechanism in the pain signaling system. An open gate results in pain; a partially open gate, less intense pain; and a closed gate, no pain. This “gating” is affected in part by the activity of sensory nerves. Stimulation of these large diameter cutaneous fibers tends to close the gate, inhibiting the transmission of pain impulses from the spinal cord to the brain. Acupuncture needles and acupressure points produce only a mild, fairly painless stimulation that causes the gates to close, so painful sensations cannot pass through. Endorphins are another acupressure theory based upon acupuncture research. Accordingly, when acupressure points are punctured or given steady, prolonged pressure – endorphins, which have a natural analgesic effect on the body, are released into the blood system. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that appear to be produced by the pituitary gland. Stimulating acupressure and acupuncture points activate the pituitary gland to release endorphins. This analgesic effect acts at neural synaptic sites to inhibit the afferent pain receptors from connecting. Endorphins don’t entirely block the sensation of pain but rather they alter the patient’s perception of the sensation, similar to the action of administered narcotics. Acupressure Demographics: Acupressure practitioners and users are distributed homogeneously. The American Organization for Bodywork Therapy of Asia (AOBTA) publishes an annual directory of teachers and acupressure practitioners and other styles of Asian bodywork such as Shiatsu Therapy, Zen Shiatsu, Ashiatsu Therapy, Tuina Massage Therapy, Jin Shin healing, Jin Shin Bodywork Therapy, and Chinese Massage Therapy that stimulate these same points but in different ways. For a quarterly newsletter or a practitioner directory, contact: American Organization for Bodywork Therapy of Asia (AOBTA) Laurel Oaks Corp Ctr Ste 408; 1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Road; Voorhees, NJ 08043 (609) 782-1616 * www.aobta.org * aobta@prodigy.net Acupressure Forms & Shiatsu Therapy: Several different acupressure styles are currently practiced, although the same points are used in all of them. Varying rhythms, pressures and techniques create the different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu Therapy, for instance, the most well-known acupressure style can be quit vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds. The Jin Shin style holds at least two points at the same time for a minute or more with the fingertips. There are many different forms of both these main styles. Shiatsu Therapy for instance has several forms with its unique techniques such as: Zen Shiatsu, Barefoot Shiatsu, Namikoshi Shiatsu, Kishiatsu, and Macrobiotic Shiatsu to name a few. Similarly the Jin Shin style of holding points for prolonged time to relieve pain has its unique trademarked forms and point numbering systems such as Jin Shin Jyutsu, Jin Shin Do, Jin Shin Acu-Touch, Jin Shin San, Jin Shin Bodywork, Jin Shin Ryoko, and Jin Shin Acupressure. Referral Indications & Ailments Acupressure points can relieve many common complaints from headaches to insomnia. My clinical experiences over the past thirty-five years have shown me that acupressure can be effective in helping to relieve sinus problems, shoulder and neck pain, depression, anxiety, muscle stiffness, back spasm, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep disorders, muscular tension and general aches and pains. I have also shown hundreds of my students, patients and friends how to use acupressure to relieve ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, indigestion, difficulty breathing, TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, ankle pain, sciatica and a stiff neck. Since acupressure is so effective for releasing stress and tension, it calms and balances all the emotions including panic attacks, fears and anxiety, and reduces the perception of pain.

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