Have you ever instinctively held your forehead or temples when you’ve had a headache? Everyone at one time or another has used their hands to hold tense or painful places on the body. This is the healing touch of acupressure.

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing art that uses the fingers to press key pressure point to release muscular tension and promote blood circulation and the body’s natural healing abilities. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).

Foremost among the advantages of acupressure’s healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others. There are no drugs involved. And the only pieces of equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.

My acupressure clinical experiences over the past 18 years have shown me that acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches and stress tension. Acupressure can also be used to relieve ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation and indigestion.

Alice, one of my older clients, had limited mobility in her neck with severe arthritic neck pain that radiated down her shoulders into her arms as well as up into her head. After her first acupressure session, she not only felt less discomfort but also had greater flexibility in her neck. For the first time in years, she was able to move her head freely without pain.

After several weeks, Alice realized that she could help herself by using the points underneath the base of her skull to relieve both her neck pain and stiffness. Recently she told me that whenever the pain “creeps up on her,” she practices self-acupressure.

There are many great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness … using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.

For more information, self-healing books, CDs and DVDS, visit www.Acupressure.com


Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., author and Acupressure Institute founder, is a foremost expert on Acupressure Therapy and self-care techniques. His seven books and instructional DVDs have sold more than a half million copies, bringing healing to thousands. Dr. Gach directs the Acupressure.com website of articles, self-healing books, CDs and DVDs available online. Gach received his PhD. from Columbia Pacific University in Health & Human Services. He authored Acupressure’s Potent Points and Acupressure for Emotional Healing.