Acupressure

Written by Katherine Nicholls
Katherine Nicholls
Therapy Directory Content Team

Last updated 21st July 2023 | Next update due 20th July 2026

Acupressure is a type of treatment that sends signals to the body to promote self-healing and wellness. Here, we'll look at the benefits of acupressure, types of acupressure and what to expect from a session.

What is acupressure therapy?

Acupressure is a technique that's commonly known as ‘acupuncture without needles’ as it’s guided by the same holistic principles. It's thought that an imbalance of the body’s energy, or ‘qi’, causes illness and emotional distress. To address the imbalance, an acupressure therapist will put pressure on certain ‘acupoints’ on the body to help unblock the meridians (energy pathways).

Acupressure relieves the body's built-up energy in the meridian pathways while triggering the release of muscular tension and blood flow. This can help to restore the body to its equilibrium, while also working to relieve a range of physical and emotional ailments.


What are the benefits of acupressure treatment?

Those who have acupressure report a number of benefits from this holistic therapy. There is research from the American Society for Pain Management Nursing showing that it can help relieve certain types of pain, significantly. While we still have much to learn about this approach, we do know that acupressure is a popular form of treatment and that many who have tried it say it's brought relief from both physical and emotional ailments.

Holistic therapists who offer acupressure

Here are a number of issues that acupressure is commonly used to help:

Pain relief

When acupressure points on the body are stimulated, endorphins and oxytocin are released. While oxytocin calms and relaxes the body, the endorphins re-energise, working together to relieve pain. This increases the blood flow in the areas of muscle tension and pain, ‘blocking’ the pain signals that are sent to the brain. The firm pressure applied to the acupressure points works to soothe the tense muscles, which have contracted because of a lactic acid build-up.

Stress relief

Due to its calming effects, acupressure can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Stress can affect us mentally and physically, leading to muscle tension, headaches, poor sleep and contributing to burnout. Acupressure can help to restore balance to the body. It enables your qi energy to circulate which tackles the blockages stress causes. 

Cold and flu treatment

Acupressure is thought to help when you have a virus because of its ability to promote self-healing. Colds and flu can leave you feeling sapped of energy, usually because our body is working extremely hard to fight the illness. Acupressure aims to speed up the healing process by encouraging energy and blood flow.

Infertility treatment

Acupressure is often used as a supporting treatment for infertility because it doesn't involve medicine or invasive procedures. Different types of healing massage have been used for thousands of years to boost the chances of conception, improve hormonal balance and help regulate the menstrual cycle.

The therapy aims to increase blood circulation by pressing certain meridian points - sending oxygen-rich blood to the reproductive organs. This helps to ease pelvic congestion, expel toxins and may even reduce inflammation. These are all considered to be important in maintaining healthy reproductive organs.

Maternity acupressure

Acupressure therapy can also be beneficial for pregnant people. It offers a safe way to reduce labour pains and encourage childbirth naturally. Maternity acupressure involves stimulating certain meridian points that help with the preparation for childbirth. The calming effects encourage the cervix to dilate, which is particularly beneficial for those who are overdue. It also offers a source of pain management during the labour process. This helps to ensure a more relaxed parent-to-be and minimises stress for the baby.

Weight-loss

Regular acupressure treatment may also support weight-loss goals. To achieve this, the therapist puts pressure on the meridians in the spleen and stomach area, and then healing energy is thought to travel through the digestive meridian pathways. The revitalised flow of energy is thought to help restore the body’s natural state. 

Emotional healing

Acupressure can be helpful for a range of emotional and mental health concerns. The therapy does this by addressing the body’s energy imbalances. Acupressure can help us relax, feel more focused and be aware of our emotions and negative triggers. 


Types of acupressure

Here are some of the most common forms of acupressure massage used today:

Tui Na Chinese massage

One of the most common acupressure treatments is the ancient Tui Na Chinese massage. It involves a range of full-body stretches and hand movements. Many of the techniques are similar to Western massage styles such as gliding, kneading, rolling, pulling and tapping. Stimulation of the acupoints is done by using knuckles, palms, fingers and thumbs to target key muscle groups. This therapy is considered to be more effective for healing very specific problems.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese healing art that involves the use of hands, arms, legs and even feet to apply pressure to meridian points. Some versions do use other healing techniques. It also incorporates a number of different dance-like movements to stretch the body and apply very direct and firm pressure to the meridian points.

Similar to other forms of acupressure, the movements, pressure applied and meridian points will depend on the patient’s reason for choosing the therapy.

Su-Jok

Originating from South Korea, Su-Jok is considered one of the simplest acupressure therapies. 'Su Jok' translates as 'hand feet'. It is a healing art that concentrates on applying pressure to the acupoints on these body parts. The reason it focuses on the hands and feet is that the meridian points correspond to other organs in the body. Massaging these meridians enables fast healing through the qi energy pathways. Su-Jok is thought to provide swift relief. It is believed to be particularly good for chronic pain and tension-related problems.

Reiki

Reiki is another healing art that follows similar processes to acupressure by using the same acupoints on the body. It primarily involves using the palm of the hand to channel and stimulate life energy. It’s also believed to have the same effect as acupressure.

The difference is that Reiki therapy can be used to heal the body from a distance. It also uses alternative healing techniques such as the use of homeopathic medicine, crystals and aromatherapy. Reiki works to restore the balance of energy in your body. It ultimately aims to promote self-healing, block pain and ease emotional issues.

Ear seeding 

Ear seeding is a type of auriculotherapy. This is the idea that the ear is an external organ that relates to the rest of the body. By stimulating the outer part of the ear (the auricle), endorphins may be released that can help alleviate symptoms. 

Ear seeding involves placing tiny beads (sometimes actual seeds may be used) on specific points of the ear and securing them in place with tape. By stimulating specific points of the ear, it’s thought that this technique can help reduce pain and alleviate stress, amongst other benefits. This technique is best avoided for young children and during pregnancy. 

Ear seeding can be a stand-alone treatment or is a fantastic add-on service to other holistic treatments such as reflexology or reiki.

Kristen Taylor, MGHT, 'The power of ear seeding' 

Self-applied acupressure

A trained practitioner will offer the most effective type of acupressure, but you can self-apply the technique. Some people use an acupressure mat to discover what points to target to relieve their symptoms. With this information, they may use their finger and thumb to administer the pressure from their own home.

Others will utilise the acupressure mat. Used in addition to acupressure treatment, this self-healing tool – which is covered in spikes protected by rounded tips – can be used a couple of times a week to achieve a range of self-healing and relaxation benefits. It is recommended that users lie on the mat for a duration of 20-30 minutes. During this time, the pressure can most effectively release endorphins and help to soothe muscle aches and pains. Be sure you seek advice from a trained practitioner beforehand.


What to expect in an acupressure session

There are several techniques that can be used to stimulate acupressure points on the body. The method used will typically depend on the symptoms you're experiencing. 

Before your treatment starts, your therapist will ask you what’s worrying you and what you hope acupressure can help you with. They do this to find out what techniques to use and which meridian points to target.

You will be fully clothed during the session. However, it is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to lie on a padded table while the therapist massages specific energy points and the surrounding muscles and joints. This shouldn’t be painful and you should only feel slight pressure. If you find it uncomfortable, let your practitioner know so they can adjust their technique.

An average session will last between 30 and 60 minutes, so make sure you drink plenty of water beforehand to prevent dehydration. Try to keep any food consumption beforehand light and non-spicy. This means if your stomach is massaged, you will not feel any digestive discomfort.

You may require follow-up sessions to ensure the best relief from your symptoms. A typical course of treatment may involve regular visits for around six weeks. Spreading it out like this will give you time to really determine the effects of treatment. You can then decide whether it is beneficial for you. Above all, it will be a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the massaging sensation.


What training qualifications and experience should therapists have?

In the UK there is no overall governing body to provide national standards for acupressure treatment. However, there are a number of professional bodies and associations with which professionals can choose to register with. Although there is no specific acupressure association, it is recognised under acupuncture guidelines, which entail a strict code of ethics and practice.

In order to become a member of a professional body, acupressure practitioners will need several years of training and experience. Specific requirements will vary from association to association. Ultimately, their professional membership will ensure a degree of reliability and safety in the eyes of those seeking treatment.

All acupressure practitioners listed on Therapy Directory have the relevant qualifications and insurance or are members of a voluntary regulator.

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