Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of 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, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.

Foremost among the advantages of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. And the only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.

Facts :
1. Altenative Medicines is gaining popularity not only in the orient but also in the developed countries.
During the year 1997 in U.S.A. people made more visits to the alternative medicines practitioners than the total visits made to the family doctors.

2. The diseases often referred to as not fully curable by allopathy / conventional medicines are known to have been cured completely by Acupressure.
The examples are asthama, arthritis (various forms), hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy etc., sciatica, piles, obesity etc.

3. Acupressure helps to manage stress and is very effective in depression related problems.

4. Various types of back aches or chest pains whether due to internal organs or otherwise are known to have been cured completely by Acupressure.

5. Ladies problems often associated with menstrual cycles are known to have been cured by acupressure treatment.

6. World Health Organization recognizes Acupressure science under Alternative Medicines or Traditional Mecicines. It considers acupressure as one of the alternative medicinal treatment which is important in solving the health problems of the world.

7. For developing countries therapies like acupressure are a boon. It is not only affordable for the common people but also it can be useful in taking medical care to the villages where conventional medicinal treatment is hard to find

Acupressure for eyes

Acupressure involves applying sub-threshold pressure to certain points in the body. Sub-threshold means that pressure which is heavy, but does not cause pain.

Hoku point -

This is located on the inner side of the hand on the highest elevated point of the hump produced by approximating the thumb.

Press the hoku point while relaxing other muscles in the hand.

This massage is said to increase circulation to the head and eye region.

Jing Ming points -

These are located on the side of the bridge of nose at the eye level.

Massage here is said to fight eye disease.

Si Bai points -

They are located on either side of the nostril on the cheek.

Pressure here with your fore-finger combats stress and headaches. Keep your thumb anchored below the chin.

The four point massage -

Four important points are said to lie on the bony rims around the eyes.

Massage the bony rims around the eyes with fore-fingers, thumbs anchored at the forehead. Do both sides at the same time. These were said to be highly beneficial for eye health.