According to a Taiwanese study, acupressure has proved more effective than conventional therapy in relieving lower back pain. Acupressure ? applying pressure with thumbs and fingertips to the same points of the body stimulated in acupuncture ? was found to ease the disability of nearly 90 percent of the patients in the study. The British Medical Journal published the study online in February 2006.

Acupressure is a recognized style of Asian treatment certified by the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association. It is a healing modality that highlights the balance of the energy body or energy system with the physical body, mind and spirit. An acupressure therapist develops the ability to ?read? a person's acupoints and understand his or her energetic condition reflected in the sensitivity of these points.

Most states have laws against the practice of remedial massage, or medicine of any kind, without a license. Just as there are acupuncturists, there are professionally trained and college-educated acupressurists. Check the yellow pages of your telephone book if you wish to see a trained acupressurist. You'll find the category listed in most major cities.

Acupressure's powerful points can be used to improve many aspects of life. The Chinese have used it as a beauty treatment for hundreds of years. Acupressure is often a suitable complementary treatment, though not a substitute for, medical care. It can likewise be a useful addition to chiropractic treatment. Psychotherapy patients can obtain benefits from acupressure by using it to intensify body awareness and cope with stress.

High touch acupressure is based upon the Chinese ideas of yin and yang and the balance between them. It makes use of the life force that comes from our fingertips, which, when applied with a very gentle but penetrating touch, supports rather than pushes the body's natural energy. This frees blockages that have hindered the flow of energy and so it brings back balance and health.

Acupressure was used in China as early as 2000 B.C., pre-dating the practice of acupuncture. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure. Tuina (Chinese for pushing and pulling) is similar to shiatsu, but it places more stress on soft-tissue manipulation and structural realignment. Shiatsu, tuina, and other forms of acupressure have been suggested for several medical conditions.

Acupressure is generally reported as safe when done by a skilled practitioner. In spite of millions of treatments each year, no grave complaints have been published. Even self-administered acupressure is considered safe with correct training. Speak with your doctor or another qualified health care provider before receiving treatment.

Article By Adam O'Connor, Chiropractors Specializing in Detoxification