1.              Introduction: 

Acupressure is one of the ancient of the various and simplest oriental therapies such as Acupuncture, shiatsu, zone therapy, reflexology and su-jok.  Each of these produces healing effects on the internal organs of the body through well-defined points on the body surface.   

            According to one opinion, this was developed in India and later on spread to Central Asia, Egypt, China and other countries through Buddhist Monks.  The Chinese consider Acupressure and acupuncture as their own science. 

            Today the popularity of Acupressure is increasing by leaps and bounds. Nowadays Acupressure is mostly used as a means of curing a disease. But the Chinese give more importance to the "preventive aspect" of it. Now the World Health Organization too is paying due attention to acupressure and acupuncture. This therapy is very helpful in "acute sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchial asthma, pain in eyes, toothache, throat pain, hyperacidity, constipation, fatigue, migraine, paralysis, neuropathy, stiffness of shoulders, sciatica, back pain, spinal pain, neck pain, headache, nervous problems and hypertension. 

2.              Acupressure, a whole body treatment: 

Acupressure is able to harmonize all internal organs and functions of the body.  In Acupressure, the pressure is applied at specific points, thereby helping smooth flow of blocked, stagnant energy.  The pressure is given near points where meridians of the body come near skin surface. These points are powerful points because they are located where the eight regulatory channels and the organ meridians cross. 

3.              Regulatory Channels: 

            The eight special regulating channels control all-important self-regulating mechanisms of the body, which are necessary for maintenance of sound health. The eight regulatory channels are:

·                    The great Regulator                                -  2  (one running in front of body and other on the back).

·                    The Great Central Channel,                   - 2 (commonly known as Governing vessels and Conception vessels.

·                    The Great Bridge Channel                     - 2  (one in front of body and other on back).

·                    The Penetrating and Belt Channels.     - 2 

4.              The Organ Meridians. 

These are distinct channels that circulate life energy, ki, throughout the body. They are thought of as a Master Communications system of universal life energy, connecting the twelve organs with all other physiological, sensational and emotional aspects of the body.  The meridians are:

             1.                  Lung Meridian

2.                  Large Intestine Meridian

3.                  Stomach Meridian

4.                  Spleen Meridian

5.                  Heart Meridian

6.                  Small Intestine Meridian

7.                  Bladder Meridian

8.                  Kidney Meridian

9.                  The Pericardium, Meridian

10.             The Tripple Warmer Meridian

11.             Gall Bladder Meridian

12.             Liver Meridian

 5.              Advantage of Acupressure.

             i)                    This is easy and simple and very effective treatment

ii)                  Any body can take this treatment

iii)                This may be learned easily and may be applied on others & for self treatment.

iv)                This involves no cost and has no side effects.

v)                  This treatment may be taken for prevention of disease.

vi)                This may be used as self check by any one.

 6.       (I)         How much pressure?  Just enough to feel (about 2 lb)

(ii)        What duration?

Intermittent pressure is given.  This needs to be continued for 1 to 2 minutes on one point. Normal press for 7 to 10 seconds and release for 2 seconds, again press.

B.Sharma
Pradhanacharya
E-Mail: pradhanacharya@ excelyoga.com