Thursday
Apr092009
Thu, April 9, 2009 | Lisa Barger Acupuncture vs. Acupressure
“What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure? Is it just that one uses needles?”
Yes, that’s exactly the difference. Both are based on the ancient Chinese belief that the body is made up of energy pathways and that the constant flow of the body’s energy—or “Qi”—along these pathways is the key to good health. In traditional Chinese medicine, these pathways are called “meridians”. The points at which these meridians intersect are called the “points”.
Practitioners of acupuncture and acupressure believe that the movement of energy is absolutely vital to the health. If the energy slows down or becomes blocked by some unseen force, the energy becomes stagnant and disease develops.
The most common places for the body’s energy—or “Qi”—to become blocked is at an intersection. Acupuncturists believe that by inserting very fine needles into these intersection points and twirling the needles in a specific way, they can release the blockage and restore the flow of energy.
Acupuressurists, on the other hand, don’t actually insert needles into the points, they simply use pressure created by pressing down with a thumb or some kind of tool. By massaging the area in a specific way, acupuressurists believe they can also restore the flow of energy.
So to answer your question, yes, the only real difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that one uses fine steel needles and the other uses only massage and firm pressure.
Yes, that’s exactly the difference. Both are based on the ancient Chinese belief that the body is made up of energy pathways and that the constant flow of the body’s energy—or “Qi”—along these pathways is the key to good health. In traditional Chinese medicine, these pathways are called “meridians”. The points at which these meridians intersect are called the “points”.
The most common places for the body’s energy—or “Qi”—to become blocked is at an intersection. Acupuncturists believe that by inserting very fine needles into these intersection points and twirling the needles in a specific way, they can release the blockage and restore the flow of energy.
Acupuressurists, on the other hand, don’t actually insert needles into the points, they simply use pressure created by pressing down with a thumb or some kind of tool. By massaging the area in a specific way, acupuressurists believe they can also restore the flow of energy.
So to answer your question, yes, the only real difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that one uses fine steel needles and the other uses only massage and firm pressure.
This is "retired" article left in place for archival purposes. It may not reflect current thinking or research on the topic.
Reader Comments (1)
When acupuncturist using his or her finger pressure its called acupressure, some other tools used like metal balls, magnets with needles or without.