There are many different approaches to living a naturally healthy life, including homeopathic remedies, all-natural supplements, and finding balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Both acupuncture and acupressure are frequently recommended for natural health, yet many people are intimidated by these treatments and too nervous to give them a try.
In this article, we’re looking at the similarities and differences between acupuncture and acupressure so that you can make the best choices for your natural lifestyle.
Understanding Acupuncture
The practice of acupuncture uses very thin needles that are inserted into the skin at certain points on the body that are called meridians or energy pathways. Common points on the body are the hands, feet, ankles, legs, neck, and back.
A person’s first acupuncture session usually involves a lot of conversation about symptoms and the process, followed by only a few needles to see how the body reacts to them. Sometimes, just a single treatment is enough to bring relief to a patient. But in many cases, a series of five or so sessions will be recommended for ongoing support.
All About Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that it focuses on bodily pressure points. However, it only involves a practitioner using his or her fingers to apply pressure rather than needles.
After consulting with an acupressure professional, you can learn about where a few important pressure points are in your body so that you can apply pressure to yourself between scheduled sessions. If you don’t have major health issues but just want to boost your overall wellness, twice-monthly acupressure sessions can make a big difference in how you feel on a daily basis.
Benefits of Acupuncture and Acupressure
The alternative medicine practices of acupuncture and acupressure offer benefits for many people, including these:
- Headache and migraine relief
- Chronic pain relief
- Soothe emotional pain
- Help with digestive issues
- Reduce stress
- Treatment for insomnia
- Ease premenstrual and menopause symptoms
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
Many people who suffer from chronic conditions choose acupuncture over acupressure because of the effectiveness of professional needle placement. Acupuncture is often the recommended choice for more serious health concerns.
Meanwhile, acupressure is great for more minor or occasional symptoms, such as nausea or insomnia. It is the treatment of choice for people who are afraid of needles but are still interested in trying alternative medicine. You can learn acupressure techniques to do at home on your own, which is an attractive option for people who don’t want to attend frequent acupuncture sessions or can’t afford them.
Finding a Trusted Practitioner
With both acupuncture and acupressure, you’ll want to find a licensed, experienced, and trustworthy professional to administer the treatment. Although these are alternative medicine treatments and not conventional approaches in Western society, it is still important to verify the professional’s credentials, training, and background.
In fact, many traditional medicine doctors are open to their patients receiving acupuncture or acupressure as complementary treatments to address health issues that aren’t a quick and easy fix even with the latest advances in modern medicine. The side effects of these alternative medicine treatments are very minimal in most people, so they are often worth a try to see if they make a difference in your life.