Normally the pressure can be given at any time but there are certain points like close to stomach, liver and intestines where the pressure should be exerted after a couple of hours of the taking meals. After light breakfast the pressure could be applied immediately.
About the duration of the pressure there is a wide difference of opinion. While some Accupressurists suggest giving the pressure for one to nine minutes, others suggest only for a few seconds. How- ever, the author’s considered opinion is that normal duration of the pressure should be between 2 to 7 minutes and in no case for more than 9 minutes. This pressure should also be given after some gap if the patient feels uncomfortable. To children one to five minutes continuous pressure should be more than sufficient. However, the frequency could be about three to four times a day. In case of adults the duration should be 5 to 9 minutes and the frequency should be about 5 to 6 times a day.
Excess of any thing is bad. The same applied in Acupressure treatment also. Giving more pressure than required is as counter productive as giving less pressure. The accupressurists would know by his experience the optimum amount of pressure required or the optimum duration of the pressure.
As for the time of giving the pressure, the ideal time is morning when the stomach is empty. Avoiding the time immediately after the patient’s having his or her meal or immediately after his of her doing physical strenuous job would be better. Initially the pressure session should be ideally of two minutes after a gap for 10 to 15 minutes.
points located on soft regions
The frequency could be three to four time, depending clearly upon the response from the reflex point and the feeling of well being of the patients. The patient must feel more cheerful after each session, not withstanding the mild feeling of pain. If the patient feels drowsy or monos, the Accupressurist should reconsider the reflex points for giving the pressure as apparently the result is not encouraging. In the case of kidney or heart ailment the gap between the application of pressure ought to be more than the normal. Then the time, duration and frequency of the pressure application should be enhanced according to the observation of the desired response.
- As far as possible the place selected for giving the pressure should be airy and clean.
- The patient must keep his or her body in a totally relaxed way before receiving the pressure. The patient should not feel nervous and tense. It is the duty of the Accupressurist to see that the patient feels normal and relaxed. Soft background music is found to be quite conducive to make the patient feel relaxed and composed.
- The patient should apply a little of talcum power or some soft cream or perfumed oil on the parts selected after the pressure application. This helps in applying pressure at the right reflex point. Normally application of dry powder is found to be better because the application of oil or cream makes the skin rather slippery which prevents the pin-point application of the pressure. However, this depends upon the choice of the Accupressurist or the aesthetic liking of the patient. Some physicians prefer oil or cream especially in those parts which have become rather rough, like the sole of the feet or the mounts at the base of the fingers.
- Before applying the pressure the Accupressurist must ensure that his own nails are not over grown. Over grown nails give unwanted pain on the desired pressure points. The nails of the Accupressurist should be well cut and should also be clean.
- Although Acupressure is an effective treatment to cure all sort of diseases and disorders, yet in case of heart/kidney or liver ailments it is always advisable to consult the family physician of the patient. It is chiefly for ensuring no untoward psychological effect on the patient as also to assess the mental and physical condition of the patient likely to be treated through Acupressure technique.
- While applying pressure to treat the pregnant ladies, care should be taken to avoid those points which have any relation with the woman’s reproductive organs. In such case any pressure on the woman’s stomach or breast region may have an adverse effect.
- Similar precaution is to be taken while treating a patient having any fractured bone in the body. In those regions direct pressure should not be applied.
- The Accupressurist must never forget that the human body is one integral entity. Many a time the real cause of the trouble is manifest through clear symptoms. So while applying pressure on the concerned parts the Accupressurist should also apply pressure at the relevant points in the palm or sole of the portion in order to avoid disturbing the harmony of the body.
- The Accupressurist must advice his patient that following a strict dietary regimen is a precondition to ensure speedy recovery. Excessive intake of sugar. fats, alcohol can always supply the desired effect of the Acupressure treatment. It is always advisable to plug the holes through which the bio-energy might escape before controlling its effect on the desired points.
- There are some diseases or disorders in which total rest is recommended like the sciatica trouble or the problem connected with spine. In such cases the Accupressurist must also stop the treatment temporarily to allow natural recovery.
- Of course this pressure on the desired points can be given at any time or place even while the patient watching a movie or travelling. But it is better if the pressure is applied when the patient is stationary. Sitting at home is the ideal condition.
- It must be understood that Acupressure treatment not only ensures cure to various ailment but it is also a very good preventive treatment as well. Even when you are well, taking pressure at the well appointed reflex points occasionally would also ensure you keeping yourself free of any trouble. These pressures the healthy person can himself exert on the few selected points (like the one at the middle of the forearm) to keep all physical trouble at bay.
- Acupressure not only treats your body but also your mind. Taking pressure at the desired points would not only keep you cheerful and free of worries but would help you in concentrating your mind and fully activating your mental faculties.
- For self-treatment the person is not required to have the full medical knowledge of his entire body. The knowledge of the right points and right technique to apply pressure would serve the purpose admirably.
- It is advisable that while treating any disorder or ailment the Accupressurist must supply mild pressure regularly on those points that correspond to the nervous system of the patient. The pressure point at the thumb (top phalanx) and the base of the big toe are the ideal sites to apply regular pressure besides applying pressure on the points corresponding to the disordered part.
- Almost all Accupressurist emphasise on the solar plexus (Naabhi Chakra) or diaphragm’s retaining their normal position. It is these two regions of the body that maintain the total equilibrium of the body. If these two are displaced the body cannot be healthy. Hence while treating any part of the body the points corresponding to these two regions should be regularly given pressure. The two points corresponding to the solar plexus and diaphragm are shown above.
Human body’s lymphatic system secretes a kind of fluid called the tissue fluid which not only nourish the body organs and protects them against the onset of the various virus and bacterias but also helps the body develop its natural resistive power against these onslaughts. Hence this system of the body must be kept fortified all the time. It is, therefore, advisable to exert simultaneous pressure on the points corresponding to the lymphatic system while treating any other ailment or disorder. These points also exist on the palm and sole.
- As has been repeatedly stressed, Acupressure treatment has no side effect whatever. Moreover, it is also compatible with any other system of treatment. It ensures only benefit and no loss or damage of any kind.
