Acupressure for back pain is a treatment often offered by acupuncturists, chiropractors and massage therapists. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except no needles are used. Instead, acupressure works on correcting chi/qi imbalances using direct concentrated force applied to the body’s pressure points. Acupressure treatment embraces ancient Asian beliefs in an internal energy system and a series of pathways in which energy flows throughout the body.
Acupressure therapy can be terrific for soothing some health conditions and is a great option to explore for patients who desire a non-pharmaceutical method of pain relief, but might have an aversion to the needles used in acupuncture. This essay explores the pros and cons of using acupressure as a dedicated back pain care practice.
Acupressure for Back Pain Theory
Acupressure is a treatment designed to correct chi/qi flow problems along anatomical pathways called meridians. These chi/qi meridians are conduits for life energy throughout the body. Vital points lie mostly on these meridians and these are the points used during acupressure treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that all conditions of health and disease relate directly to the proper flow of life energy in the body. Energy can be added, removed or redirected by using specific acupressure techniques at key anatomical sites. While this all sounds rather mysterious to a Western medical perspective, there is simply no denying the potential benefits of treatment for a large number of painful complaints.
Acupressure for Back Pain Views
Western medicine has studied both acupuncture and acupressure techniques. Science has not found a definitive explanation for some positive results, but has found corresponding nerve, reflex and glandular reactions to a variety of acupressure applications.
Acupressure is far more than a massage. It is the purposeful and concentrated force applied to a specific point on the body to elicit a desired result. A trained acupressurist is a versatile healthcare provider who can offer assistance for a variety of back pain problems, as well as general health enrichment. Just be cautious to selectively believe hype generated by some less ethical care providers who may claim that acupressure can be a miracle cure for virtually any health issue, including the most severe. Subscribing to this idea is almost sure to bring disappointment and possibly may cause catastrophic health effects in rare cases.
Tips on Acupressure for Back Pain
I have studied acupressure for many years, as it relates to the martial arts. Acupressure is used in both healing and damaging applications in many styles of martial science. It always amazes me how a seemingly insignificant amount of force can have huge consequences when delivered to the correct area of the body. I have been fortunate to study with some of the best pressure point masters in the world and have integrated their instruction into my own teaching and training.
One of the best personal experiences I ever had with acupressure was from my chiropractor in Thailand. This particular doctor had a great knowledge of the body and used many healing methods besides simple spinal manipulation. During my training in Muay Thai (Thai boxing), I relied heavily upon him to keep me in shape for training, despite many injuries. The acupressure techniques he used were extremely effective for back muscle pain and general soreness.
If you are seeking an alternative complementary form of back care, check out acupressure. It might just be a valuable piece to your pain relief puzzle. There are few risks and the main consideration which may prevent successful treatment for most patients is simply financial cost.
