Dr. S. Artchoudane, MSc., MPhil, BEd (Spl), PhD, Assistant Professor, Center for Yogic Sciences, AVMC & Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation, Puducherry, India 607403
1. Knowledge of
Acupressure / Acupuncture
Mr. S. Artchoudane
Assistant Professor,
Center for Yogic Sciences,
Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital,
Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Puducherry
2. Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers or any
blunted objects to press key points called as ‘Acu Points’ ( Energy
stored points) on the surface rhythmically on the skin to stimulate the
body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed,
they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and
the body’s life force to aid healing.
•Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, while
acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands or any blunted
objects, but acupuncture employs needles , Acupressure has been
practiced as a healing art for at least 5,000 years. This complete health
system has been documented for use in treating over 3000 conditions.
3. • Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve
headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain,
backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension
due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower
back aches, constipation, and indigestion, anxiety,
insomnia.
• There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a
way to balance the body and maintain good health. The
healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases
circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By
relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to
disease and promotes wellness.
4. HISTORY OF ACCUPRESSURE
• Historical evidence, documents, edifices, etc. corroborate that
acupressure and acupuncture therapy was known in India 5000
years ago. The people of India also practiced
acupuncture at that time.
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Charaka, in “Charaka Samhitta”, has further added about the
meridianology part of Acupressure
Acupuncture traditionally was termed as "Bhedan
Karma”(meaning “Piercing Through Therapy”), and was a part of
the traditional Indian methods of using pressure points or
marma.The methods of application were referred to as Marma-
Chikitsa (Treatment of marma or points.)
Sushruta, another physician of ancient India, has described the
pressure points (marma) as being areas of very high
concentration of energy or vitality (Prana).Thus, these ancient
historical references indicate that Acupuncture as “Suchi-
Chikitsa” (suchi mean needle) was practised in India.
5. • Elsewhere, in China, the history witnessed some
remarkable advancements in the field of medicine.
Chinese people also used to practise Chinese herbal
medicines and Acupressure among different indigenous
methods. During, this period Acupressure and others
were developed in a more scientific manner.
• In 1971, America’s president Richard Nixon’s visit to
China and his much publicised interest in Acupressure
paved the way for its revival and propagation into the rest
of the world.
• This resulted in World Health Organisation (WHO) adding
Acupressure in its discussion in inter-regional seminar
held at Beijing, China in 1979. Such successive events
made WHO recognise Acupressure as an alternative
method of treatment.
8. General Directions
• Use firm pressure
• Acupressure points are very sensitive areas
• Massage until numbness is felt
• No limit in the number of exercises per day.
• Increase the massage in intensity slowly.
• During massage, client can sit or lie down and
breathe deeply.
• Client need not massage on his own.
9. BasicPrinciples
1. Health means when Qi flows evenly along the
merdians
2. The root cause of all diseases is a disorder in this energy
vibration
3. It defines 12 merdians connected to 12 vital organs .
4. Any factor affects the flow ILLNESS
5. Imbalances caused Blockage /Leakage of energy
in particular channel
10. Classification of acupressure
Acupressure has been classified into FIVE basic parts:
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REFLEXOLOGY : In reflexology there are 39 points that represent 39
organs of the body and are located on the palm and sole.
MERIDIANOLOGY : There are 12 pairs of bilateral and 8 extra
meridians distributed all over the body. Around 360 points are situated
on the pathway of these meridians.
SCALP THERAPY : Over the scalp there are numerous points that
represent different parts of the body.
AURICLE THERAPY :Here the entire body’s point is found on the
ears.
SU-JOK THERAPY : The whole body and its points are located on
the fingers and toes of the body.
16. Advantages of acupressure
• Acupressure as a mode of treatment finds themselves
with the following advantages:
• Easy to learn.
• Any one can learn.
• Easy to diagnosis.
• Self-dependency.
• No use of medicines.
• No side effects.
• Zero cost treatments.
• Treats acute & chronic diseases.
17.
18. Disadvantages of acupressure
• Time consuming.
• During pregnancy has the potential to causes
miscarriages.
• Acupressure cannot treat cold effectively.
• It cannot be used for all medical conditions.
• Drug and alcohol addicted people should not be treated
with acupressure.
19. APPLICATIONS
• Most people try acupressure for a specific ailment. Some
of the more common ailments include:
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Headache
• Menstrual cramps
• Motion sickness
• Muscle tension and pain
• Nausea or vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
• Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning
sickness
• Stress management
22. LegalIssues
• Hands of an unskilled practitioner
• Indirect regulations
o Drugs & poisoning scheduling
o Skin penetration regulations
o Therapeutic skill administration
• Choosing a practitioner
o Associate membership
o Qualifications
23. Effectof Acupuncture
• Analgesic effect
• Sedative effect
• Homeostatic effect
• Effects on CNS
• Motor recovery
• Immunity enhancing
• Effects on blood vessels and blood
• Effects on Digestive system and respiratory
system
24. Contraindications
• Acute Cardiac and congestive failure
• Malignancies
• Surgical- intestinal obstruction, etc
• Drugs
• Pregnancy
• Hemorrhagic diseases
• Miscellaneous – very old patients, sweating
profusely, after hot bath, after food, hungry
patients, debiliated and dying patients.
26. • Innate deficiency of heart and kidney
energies,excess of liver Qi
• Lack of communication between heart and the
kidneys
Stillness with prominent EEG readings,deep
relaxation and degree ofunresponsiveness to pain
stimuli
Anxietydisorders
27. • Insomnia –increase production of serotonin
• Addiction – improves immune function,increases
working memory and prevents neurological disorders.
• Smoking – auriculopuncture & electroacupuncture
• Alzheimer’s Disease – Verbal & motor skills,
cognitive and mood functions
• Parkinson’s Disease – Alleviate muscle
stiffness, soreness and tremors
28. • Anorexia Nervosa – restore functioning of vital organs and
other essential bodily functions
• Nocturnal Enuresis & Mental Retardation – IQ Developed
and Social adaptation behaviour increased.
• Insomnia & Phobias – Increase production of endorphins,
alleviates fears,anxieties and stress
• Schizophrenia & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- removes
Dampness/ Phlegm entities
29. AcupunctureinIndia
• Acupuncture CAM therapy Institute in India
• IANM
• IGNOU – PG Diploma courses
• Indian Academy of acupuncture
science,Aurangabad
• Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
• TRAINING
