If you’re finding ways to help you relax after a tiring day, massage therapy can help you right away. Other than that, you may also consider getting some acupuncture or acupressure treatment. But what’s the difference between these two? Let’s find out more details about these procedures.
Acupuncture & Acupressure
First, let’s have a general view of these two therapies. Acupressure and acupuncture are traditional Chinese medicines that center on the Qi. It is known for its life force energy, and some studies guarantee its effectiveness. Two treatments have shown the good benefits of the said therapy. And everything that it involves is about helping your digestive system. While both of these methods are similar, they also differ in other ways. If you’re confused about how each differs, this post suits you. We’ll point out everything you need to know about acupressure and acupuncture. Whether or not it is good for you. Suppose you have experience with how both these treatments work, then good for you! You can at least share this article with your friends and family to help them out! So, let’s check more details below now.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of manipulating and inserting fine needles into specific parts of your body. This process occurs to relieve the pain and treat any underlying health condition in your body. There’s no need to worry if acupuncture is safe or not. Only those needles that are disposable, sterile, and single-use are applicable for the method. The good thing about the treatment is that many experts have shared excellent results with their patients. Furthermore, studies have shown that it helped many patients overcome their concerns. With this traditional family-style technique, most people could get healed and relax while on the session. Other than that, some experts believe that acupuncture can cure any discomfort within seconds. But that would only be possible if done correctly through the therapist. So, what else do you need to know about acupuncture?
The method itself includes inserting sterile needles, put into specific points of the body. Again, only those trained and licensed professionals are the ones who can do the method. In traditional ways, acupuncture tries to encourage the meridians in the body to balance themselves. The needles go into the acupuncture points throughout the whole body. Many practitioners sought to believe that there are more than 2,000 of them. All of these go through the meridians. Also, people thought that the body has an inherent mechanism that enables it to balance and cure oneself. Thus, what we know as stress, injury, illness, and life choices can create imbalances and block the signals for better healing. In that sense, what happens during an acupuncture treatment?
The Acupuncture Method
Before starting, you will have a short evaluation and conversation with your therapist. Your acupuncturist will look at your eyes and tongue, take your pulse and ask about your mood. They may also look over your bowel movements which can help them gather information. This data can help them consider which organs need to be sedated or stimulated. So there’s nothing for you to get scared of. Once everything’s in place, you will have to lie down on a comfortable treatment bed like a massage table. It is okay to remain fully clothed if you are wearing loose clothing. Next, the acupuncturist will start to use alcohol swabs to clean the parts of your skin. The therapist will insert one-time-use, hair-thin needles on your body.
You will experience zero pain, but you may feel a slight pressure at the site of the needle. The number of insertion points will vary from individual and the session. Your acupuncturist will dim the lights and leave you to relax with your hands to make things better for you. You can expect to stay within your place, relaxing, for about twenty to thirty minutes. Take note that most experts in the field go with the points across your body. The usual insertion points are the ankles, legs, hands, and feet — however, some focus on the hands, feet, and ears. Your therapist might also utilize other styles to shift the stagnated energy. Some can add a mild electrical stimulation using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS. It is a unique device that is all for electrical stimulation in acupuncture. Some would also add the “cupping” technique, which involves applying suction cups to parts of your body.
This approach works to enhance the flow of Qi based on belief. Other acupuncturists suggest supplements and herbs. With these thoughts on the plate, can acupressure be effective as acupuncture? Let’s see how things differ below.
What Is Acupressure?
On a similar note, acupressure is also a Traditional Chinese medicine technique like acupuncture. However, the only difference is that it is noninvasive. It involves a needle-free treatment that applies pressure to your skin in relieving pain. Therapists and other workers use acupressure points. However, some doctors would also teach their patients about trying acupressure on themselves. The good thing about this method is that it is not expensive. If these things are possible, how does it exactly work?
How Things Works with Acupressure
The main objective of acupressure is to apply pressure to specific points of your body. This method can help you stimulate the brain and nervous system to release all anxiety, pain, and negative factors in your body. Once you set your acupoints, you can use your fingertips or device to hold and massage at that point. Apply pressure for about fifteen to thirty seconds, then repeat if needed. There are some health grievances that you may associate with several acupoints. You can apply pressure to a single point and see if things work for you. Or, you can apply pressure to several of them, one after the other. Then, that’s it! Easy, and you can use it on your own without any help.
Is Acupressure as Effective as Acupuncture?
In a way, acupressure is as effective as acupuncture. Both approaches help you loosen all the negative impacts on your body. It can also help you release the “not-so-good” energies you can feel around your system. But remember that acupuncture brings in more stimulation to strategic points in your body. On the other hand, acupressure works with self-healing alternatives that you can do at home. With acupressure, you’ll also increase your blood flow and decrease stagnation in your body.
No matter your preference, if you think acupressure and acupuncture can help you, then go for it! Don’t forget to visit and set an appointment with your nearest provider. Start relaxing now and try one of these approaches!
