The rules of Acupressure (part-4)

The rules of
Acupressure (part-4)

What is priority therapy ?
If the patient has many problems we have to deal with the most important 2 or 3 first along with their supporting points. When these are better, then, we can start to focus on the less urgent problems.

What is the process of effective therapy ?
It is very important to find the precise pain point in the pressure points that hurt. The size of each pressure point varies e.g. the spine point is 2 inches long whereas the kidney point is the size of a finger tip. Because of these differences one has to feel around for the P.P and press it twice as much as the area around it.

Is it possible to do acupressure whilst walking, sitting or talking ?
Yes, hand points are easy to do at any time and usually one will get some benefit from doing them when one is not fully engaged in the process. But, when one can, it is best to do it with full concentration.

Which fingers do we use for this therapy ?
Usually when we press we use the thumb and for support we use the middle and index fingers. For some points we may need to use all our fingers.

What should we use when pressing children's points ?
For children under the age of 8 we should only use our fingers. Over the age of 8 we can use an instrument unless any of the points are very sensitive in which case we should only use the fingers. On point 19 on the feet we should use an instrument.



Can we do acupressure on children while they sleep ?
Yes, we can but not to the extent that we disturb their sleep.

In elderly patients or those with very sensitive points, what should we use ?
We should use only the fingers. On the feet only points 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 36 and 37 should be done using an instrument, At all times the pressure should be gentle.

How do you use the thumb when pressing the points ?
The thumb can be used in 4 ways: -
1) The tip of the thumb can be used as a pointer and for this we need to keep our nails short.
2) The flat of the thumb using the top joint.
3) The knuckle of the thumb is useful when trying to find the P.P.
4) The side of the thumb when we need to apply a lot of pressure on the points which have bones.

In children how do we use our thumb ?
The tip of our thumb can be used for all the points in a child's hand. But, for points 2, 5, 8, 11-16, 19, 29, and 31- 35 in both the hands and feet, the flat of the thumb should be used.
The knuckle can be used for points 1, 3 and 4. Also points 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, and 31- 37 can all be pressed using the knuckle.

Source : A Self Treatment Manual by Sagar Sagir.

The rules of Acupressure (part-2)

The rules of
Acupressure (part-2)

Why does the solar plexus get displaced ?
It is most likely to get displaced by either 1ifting and/or carrying heavy weights, or by excessive gas in the stomach.

How do we check that the solar plexus is in the correct position ?
By placing our hands horizontally in front of us with both the little fingers placed side by side; the lines of the fingers should match exactly with the little fingers being the same length. Also the life lines on the palms should match.

If displaced, how do we bring it back into alignment ?
As soon as we wake up every morning we should sit up with our back straight and stretch our right arm in front of us. Then make a fist with the thumb pointing upwards. Place the left hand over the crook of the right elbow and with a jerk draw the forearm over the shoulder and repeat 5-7 times. Then do the same with the left arm. If the solar plexus is found to be displaced we should do the exercise twice a day, otherwise once a day will suffice.

How much pressure should be exerted ?
The points when pressed shouldn't cause unbearable pain nor should it be so slight that one can barely feel it.
If, on any point there is little or no pain, 30 times is enough for preventative treatment. For middling pain, 30 - 60 times is enough. In points which are very painful 70 - 100 times for the hands and 150 - 200 times for the feet is sufficient.
After some weeks of regular acupressure treatment the pain will decrease and therefore the number of times a point is pressed can be reduced.

What is the process of pressing the point ?
The points should be p seed at 1 - 2 second intervals.

What is the process to a quick and permanent cure ?
To do acupressure 3 times a day.

What is the pain point and how do we find it ?
When we press our points and feel a sharp pain this is called our pain point (P.P.) and it is where most of the pressure should be applied.
The P.P. is usually in one small area of the pressure point. During diagnosis we will be able to tell that there is a problem by the reaction on the person's face or even by the flickering of the eyes.
When people are doing it themselves it is easy to tell when they come across the P.P.

Source : A Self Treatment Manual by Sagar Sagir.