Acupressure is one of the oldest, along with being one of the most well-known, and well respected alternative healing practices, originating in the Far East.

Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine there are 12 main lines of energy – or Qi – that flow within our energy anatomy called the ‘Meridian System’. Each of the 12 Major Meridians is associated with one of the five elements and correspond and connect to an organ of the physical body.

Fire: Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium and Triple Heater

Water: Kidney and Bladder

Wood: Liver and Gallbladder

Metal: Lungs and Large Intestine

Earth: Spleen and Stomach

It is believed that every organ has a physiological and psychological aspect making the Meridian system a finely organized energetic system of communication throughout the body.

These Meridians act as a pathway and help to carry the Qi – vital life force energy, circulate the Qi and blood, balance the Yin and the Yang, balance the temperature of the body, harmonise the organs, joints and tendons and help to nourish and unify the whole system energetically.

The flow of energy within your body has an effect on the way our body runs, it affects the way we think, the way we feel, and the way we breathe. It is believed that when one of these lines of energy becomes out of balance or blocked then illness or ailments occur.

The Meridians can be affected by outside influences such as the food we eat, toxins we ingest or put onto our skin, the environment in which we live, exercise and weather and then we have internal influences…. The mind, stuck emotions, trauma. The mind is a big one here, as the mind is the ruler of our energy, where the mind goes, energy flows.

So to keep the balance and harmony within, Acupressure is a wonderful and powerful tool. When one stimulates the acupoints (specific points) it encourages correct and harmonious flow of qi. This helps in alleviating pain, stress and tension, and provides support to the body organs and systems, bringing an all over balance to the body, mind and spirit.

There are points that can help to energise and support the whole body, there are points to soothe and calm an overactive mind. There are points for general balance and for helping to release stagnation and feelings of being “Stuck”. There are points that can help with depression, insomnia and anxiety and repressed emotions.

You can consider Acupressure as a lovely nourishing self-help treatment that can be done in the comfort of your own home and as an in-between visit with your practitioner.