What is acupressure

Acupressure is one of the easiest and most accessible methods of manipulating acupuncture points. This method does not require any special tools. The manipulation of the acupuncture points is performed by the pad of a second or third finger, sometimes – by the pad of a thumb.


When performed correctly, the effectiveness of acupressure is not inferior to acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion.
The manipulation of an acupuncture point is carried out by pressing it in a circular motion with a gradually increasing intensity with a speed of 1-2 revolutions per second.

Vibration, rhythmic pressure and tapotement in the area of an acupuncture point are also commonly used. These modalities are usually alternated or combined with each other.

The correct location of an acupuncture point during the massage is determined by the presence of pain and other sensations.
The duration of pressure can vary from 20-30 seconds to 2-3-5 minutes. After acupressure is completed, there should remain redness on the skin in the projection of the point, but not a bruise.

The ways of manipulating acupuncture points

1. Sufficiently intense and prolonged manipulation of the selected point counterclockwise for 1-3-5 minutes. This method is used when severe pain syndrome, spasms, high blood pressure occur, providing a sedative effect. During one session, 2-4 points are massaged (if points are symmetrical, 4-8 respectively).

2. The second method is less intense. Massage is performed by applying gentle pressure to the selected acupuncture points clockwise for 30 seconds – 1 minute. The method is recommended in case of low blood pressure, decline in the function of organs and systems, fatigue and general weakness. 6-8 points are used.
If you have an opportunity, you can do acupressure 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment usually takes 8-10 days.

You had better cease doing acupressure if you observe skin changes and damage in the projection of the acupuncture point and in case of severe somatic diseases, acute infectious diseases, neoplasms.
You should be very careful if you use acupressure during pregnancy (for example, massaging LI 4 or TH 5 points may lead to miscarriage, premature birth).

You should select the points, taking into account:

• the reasons for a headache (a cold, osteochondrosis, migraine, muscle tension, hypertension or hypotension, neuroses, etc.);
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• the place of the pain (a forehead, occiput, a temporal or parietal lobe, a face).