13 August 2008
This article has been viewed 1066 times.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient science that focuses on specific meridians (channels) of the body that generate energy to activate the body's natural healing ability. Acupressure is performed by pushing a finger or the thumb into identified points of the meridian. For example, to help release anxiety one could activate a pressure point located on the transverse crease of the wrist by pressing deeply into the depression between the two bones.
There are different types of acupressure, two popular techniques are Shiatsu and Jin Shin. Both approaches use the same pressure points in the meridian but differ in the application. Shiatsu technique vigorously holds pressure on the points for a couple of seconds and Jin Shin technique push the pressure point in a gentle fashion holding for several minuets. All Acupressure has been known to help overall health but more specifically it could be used to treat headaches, eyestrains, muscle tension, stress, arthritis, asthma and colds.
Where can I get trained as an Acupressure Therapist?
There are several online programs that provide a self-teaching program that uses the internet, books, DVD's and on line professors. These online programs offer a general education in the area of Acupressure but the student misses an opportunity to be taught in a hands on environment. There are many schools and colleges throughout the western world that offer Acupressure programs. A course in Acupressure could include classes such as these:
Eastern & Western approaches to health
Five elements theory
Acupressure techniques, treatments and therapeutic areas
Meridian system
Acupressure techniques and treatments in special situations
Emergency treatments
Alternatives to fingertip medicine
Acupressure points
Human energy field
Depending on the type of Acupressure course you enroll in depends on the amount of hours required. Some self training courses require as little as 60 hours and college diploma courses can be 200 hours or more.
What credentials will I receive?
The credentials depend on where you receive your certification. The following are some well known Asian Medicine Organizations that generally are well accepted:
AOBTA: American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia
NCCAOM: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
AAAOM: The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
It's important to make sure the school you choose meets the standards of the national accredited organizations. A course in Acupressure could result in a Diploma in Acupressure or a Masters of Acupressure depending on the intensity of the course. If you are interested in pursuing a specific career with Acupressure it would be wise to first research what the requirements are, this information will be helpful in choosing the right course for you.
Acupressure is a science that has been alive and healing people for centuries. Acupressure therapists treat the body by activating the meridians that connect the bodies systems and organs via pressure points. There are many scholastic courses that provide a depth of knowledge and experience with acupressure that meet national standards of certification.
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have the author name and all the links intact.
Author: Worldwide Health Editor
Contact the Author: Tel: 801-653-9368
Contact Form
Please use this form to contact
Worldwide Health Editor
** This form is intended for those with genuine enquiries/questions.
Disclaimer and Terms. This article
is the opinion of the author. WorldwideHealth.com makes
no claims regarding this information. WorldwideHealth.com
recommends that all medical conditions should be treated
by a physician competent in treating that particular condition.
WorldwideHealth.com takes no responsibility for customers
choosing to treat themselves. Your use of this information
is at your own risk. Your use of this information is governed
by WWH terms and conditions.
