Acupressure.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is based on the meridian system in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Meridians are invisible lines that transport vital life energy (or "qi") through the body. Stress, trauma, diet, injuries and lifestyle can cause imbalances or blockages in the flow of this energy, resulting in specific symptoms and conditions. Each meridian relates to different muscles, organs and glands as well as psychological, emotional and behavioural patterns.
Acupressure involves applying gentle pressure to specific points alongs meridians to balance and harmonise the flow of energy through the body.
How does acupressure work?
Acupressure is based on the same system as Acupuncture, however it only uses gentle pressure from the practitioners fingers rather than needles. Pressure is applied to specific acupoints along meridians throughout the body, sometimes in combination with one another, to clear blockages and or imbalances.
What are the benefits of acupressure?
Acupressure is a holistic therapy that allows the body to rest and restore its natural healing ability. Acupressure can help boost mood, calm the nervous system, improve blood circulation and detoxification.
Acupressure is utilised in a Mind Body Medicine session to help with the following conditions:
Sleep disorders
Back pain
Chronic pain and injuries
Anxiety
Depression
Digestive disorders
Fatigue
Chronic illness
Stress
Inflammation
Skin conditions
Relationship issues
Grief and loss
Support through change
Trauma
Addiction
Confidence and self-worth
Feeling stuck
Self expression and creativity
General mental, physical and emotional wellbeing
What can you expect from acupressure?
Acupressure is used during a Mind Body Medicine session, which are between 1.5-2 hours for new clients or 1-1.5 hours for repeat clients. Clients will complete a thorough intake form prior to their first session that outlines their symptoms, history and goals for the session. The practitioner will map them against Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holistic health systems.
The practitioner may use multiple modalities to assess the clients overall wellbeing, including assessing posture, conducting a tongue or pulse analysis, or analysing the client's Ba Gua Constitution.
Sessions begin with Holistic Counselling, sitting together and discussing what to focus on in the session, what symptoms are being experienced and for repeat clients what has shifted and changed between sessions. The session then moves to the massage table, where the client lies down fully clothed. The practitioner may move the clients arms or legs to monitor different muscles using Kinesiology, so it is recommended that the client wears loose and comfortable clothing.
In a Mind Body Medicine session the practitioner uses Kinesiology muscle monitoring, which identifies the causes of symptoms and helps to uncover stress patterns. It allows access to the knowledge, wisdom and information held in the body, which is directly linked to the subconscious mind. This is why Mind Body Medicine is a powerful tool to accompany traditional counselling and talk therapy.
The practitioner is essentially asking the body questions, and the weak or strong response of specific muscle groups will indicate if there is stress, pain or trauma held in the body and where physical, emotional or psychological energy imbalances may exist.
Each session will include a 'balance', which is often where acupressure is used. The client will lie on the massage table fully clothed, often with an extra blanket, for 20 - 30 minutes in a completely relaxed state while the practitioner is holding specific acupressure points. This part of the session is very relaxing, allowing complete rest and healing to occur.
Creating a space for people where they feel safe, free to express themselves, respected and accepted without judgement is important at Ray Holistic Health. Clients can expect sessions to be inclusive, culturally safe, LGBTIQA+ friendly, and tailored uniquely to them as they continue to change and evolve during our work together.
Is acupressure safe?
Yes, Acupressure is a safe, non-invasive therapy. People of any age, from children through to older adults, can use Acupressure safely. Acupressure uses gentle pressure from the practitioners fingers rather than needles, which are only used in acupuncture.
Can I receive Acupressure if I am pregnant?
Yes, with certain modifications it is safe to receive Acupressure if you are pregnant. Please let the practitioner know that you are pregnant, including how many weeks along you are, and they will modify the session to ensure you are comfortable and supported at all times.
The practitioner will avoid any acupressure points that are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Read what our clients are saying here.