Acupressure is an ancient healing art eveloped in Asia over 5,000 years ago. It is a similar technique to acupuncture and uses pressure applied using the fingers (instead of needles) on 12 energy meridians, with the aim of stimulating the body’s natural self-curative abilities.

The pressure is said to release any muscular tension promoting the circulation of blood and assisting the body to self-heal. The benefits of acupressure include pain relief, balancing the body and maintaining good health. It also helps reduce tension, increases circulation, and enables deep relaxation of the body. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. Varying rhythms,pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for instance, tbe most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds, while the Jin Shin style of acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. A variety of bodywork styles is taught along with massage on tables and floor mats.

Further information can be obtained from the Acupuncture Council – see next entry.