Variants of acupuncture
Acupressure
Acupressure is a form of acupuncture in which fingers, thumbs and elbows
are used to stimulate the body’s acupuncture points. Acupressure relieves
muscular tension, facilitating blood flow and therefore distributing more
nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, as well as removing waste prod-
ucts. This helps to promote both physical calmness and mental alertness.
The technique involves repeatedly pressing the acupuncture points for
3–5 seconds and then releasing the pressure. It is believed that the prac-
titioner’sqihelps to strengthen the weakenedqiof the patient. Thus it is
important that the practitioner maintains a healthy body so that his or
herqiis stronger than that of the recipient.^141 As a result of theseqi
differentials, self-acupressure is not considered to be as effective as having
a practitioner do it for you.
Acupressure has been used to relieve mental tension, for tired and
strained eyes, headaches, menstrual cramps and arthritis, as well as to
promote general healthcare.^142 A trial to minimise motion sickness by inter-
mittent pressure on the wrist point P6 with wrist bands found no reduction
in symptoms.^143 However, in a later study regular pressure was applied and,
under these circumstances, a clear positive outcome resulted.^144 Acupressure
in sickness during pregnancy may also be helpful,^145 although the use of the
P6 point with wristbands as outlined above has not been successful in this
context.^146 A study to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in terms of
disability, pain scores and functional status found that it was effective in
reducing low back pain and that benefit was sustained for 6 months.^147
Acupressure should not be applied to an open wound, or to a place
where there is inflammation or swelling. Areas of scar tissue, boils, blis-
ters, rashes and varicose veins should also be avoided. Certain pressure
points should be avoided during pregnancy and in patients with hyper- or
hypotension.
Shiatsu
This is a deeply relaxing therapy originating in Japan that provides stimula-
tion by using the fingers and palm of the hand to apply pressure and gentle
stretches to the meridians. It consists of a whole body treatment, as it is
believed that a disorder in one area can have effects elsewhere on the body.
There are two main Shiatsu schools – one based on western anatomical and
physiological theory and the other based on TCM (see Chapter 8).
Moxibustion
The tradition of moxibustion was originally developed in Mongolia and
later incorporated into TCM and Tibetan medicine. It is similar to both
150 | Traditional medicine