Acupressure is the application of pressure on the same discrete points on the body that are stimulated in Acupuncture that is used for its therapeutic effects.

The pressure is applied directly to the Acupoints of the body mainly by using the hands, fingers, thumb or knuckles and sometimes by using a smooth, blunt object. It is an excellent way to complement conventional medical care and to promote health and wellness.

Acupressure is believed to be the 'mother of Acupuncture' although the effect of Acupoints(1) needling is far more effective. We have enough reason to believe that Acupressure developed over centuries and became more effective using the knowledge and systematic experience gathered by Acupuncture.

Stimulation of the body's meridian system by touch is perhaps one of the oldest healing systems, and many other therapies use Acupressure techniques including Shen Tao(2), Jin Shen(3), Do Jin Shen, Qi Gong, Shiatsu(4) and Tui-Na.

In our practice we have integrated the Acupressure as a complementary therapy to Tui-na (Chinese Massage) and Reflexology, for therapy as well as for health condition assessment.

1)See Acupoints definition in the Acupuncture page.
2) Shen Tao, developed in recent years by English practitioners, combines the spiritual philosophy of Taoism with Acupressure techniques.
3) Jin Shen Do is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classical Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist philosophy and breathing methods, and western psychological theories including Reichian segmental theory.
4) Shiatsu is a Japanese word made up of two written characters meaning finger (shi) and pressure (atsu). The application of pressure is the underlying principle of shiatsu. Shiatsu is often called acupressure, although technically it is not correct. We can say Shiatsu is a variant of acupressure, as it involves the stimulation of the acupoints with pressure.Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is sometimes described as Japanese physiotherapy. The actual treatment approach and philosophy is similar to acupuncture in its usage of the meridians (energy channels) and tsubo (pressure points) as well as diagnostic methods, but without the use of needles. Shiatsu originated in China at least 2000 years ago, when the earliest accounts gave the causes of ailments and the remedies that could be affected through a change of diet and way of life