Why Acupressure?
I often get this question, “I’ve heard of acupuncture, but what is acupressure?” A quick answer is that acupuncture and acupressure are the same system of Chinese Medicine. But where an acupuncturist would put a needle, someone using acupressure would hold or massage the same point.
The acupressure points live on meridians, which are energetic channels or flows. These meridians run like rivers in the body. There are areas on the meridians where the chi or energy collects and that is an acupressure point. Holding and massaging acupressure points is helping the metaphorical river run more smoothly.
I was first drawn to acupressure in massage school. In my massage training, I learned both Swedish Massage and Asian Bodywork modalities. In the Asian Bodywork curriculum, there was a section on acupressure. I was intrigued that holding an acupressure point on the body could relieve the local area and improve other ailments.
For example, one of the first points I learned was Kidney 1 Bubbling Spring, on the sole of the foot. I learned it could be used to treat hot flashes, fainting, and help people feel grounded. I incorporated points such Kidney 1 - Bubbling Spring into my massages and personal practice in order to learn more about them. As I got to use the points in myself and on other people, I began to have relationships with the points. Meaning, I could tap into how does this point feel to me today compared to yesterday? What’s changed? What’s the same? How does this point connect to the whole body and person?
I also began to lean into the imagery of the names of the points. If I’m feeling into my Bubbling Spring as I stand, how can I feel the water, nourishment, and life force of the earth below, like a spring moving upwards to energize me? The names of the points, with their vivid descriptions such as doors opening and mountains moving, helped me hold the acupressure points with a sense of purpose and intention.
I began teaching self-care acupressure because it is accessible, anyone can do this! All you need is 5 minutes to sit, breath, and hold a point. You don’t need to sit on the ground or have any special equipment. It’s a practice of learning the point, then holding it and breathing and relaxing. You can change your body and your emotions just by holding a point on your body! It’s empowering to take your health into your own hands!
You’re invited to join me for my upcoming Workshop: Letting Go into Your Best Self- Acupressure and Yin Yoga for Autumn. I will teach acupressure points that will support you to let go, just like the trees let go of their leaves in Autumn, you will be guided into a practice of releasing what you no longer need. This event is Saturday Sept 7, 2024 at 3-5 pm at Inner Path Studio in Nevada City. Click here to register!