Body massage has been used for centuries for getting relief from aches and pains. Simple rubbing of body parts to soothe inflamed muscles has turned into specialized skill, has tremendously increased its scope and has become a major industry. Massage is used not only to ease pain but also to get relaxation, heal injuries, cure stiffness of joints, cure digestion problems, relieve stress and for many other applications. The ancient art of massage is now aided with modern electrical gadgets, soft music, controlled lighting.

Acupressure is a specialized branch of massage. It works on certain principles. The first principle which governs acupressure is the belief that the entire body is one combined unit. The treatment is applied to the whole body because any disease will affect the entire body, not just the local area where manifestation of disease appears. In common massage often the affected part is locally treated.

The second principle governing acupressure is that main points of blood circulating nerves, the network of nervous system and glandular system are situated on the palms and the feet. Each body organ has related points on palms and feet and by treatment of those points the particular organ gets treated.

In our modern lifestyle lack of sufficient muscular activities gives rise to various physical problems. Unbalanced food and abuse of natural routine of the body (such as keeping awake when you should be sleeping) add to the problems. The muscles become weak. Bones start shifting from their places with the adoption of faulty posture. There is undesirable accumulation and deposit of chemicals in the blood vessels, joints and various parts of the body. As affliction to body organs increases, the related points on palm and feet are also affected.

The points on the palms and feet reflect the condition of their related organs. This makes acupressure a good diagnostic tool. By feeling the palms and feet with gentle pressure it is possible to get a fair idea about the diseased parts. If pain is observed on any point, the body part related to that point needs immediate attention.

Application of pressure on palms and feet has the effect of charging various body parts. When specific points are pressed the nerves leading to the related parts are actuated which in turn stimulates those parts. As a result flow of blood and other body fluids improve providing nourishment to those parts and cleaning away the waste material more efficiently. Any undesirable deposits start dissolving. Functions of the glands improve. There is overall rejuvenation in the body.

Acupressure has beneficial effects in curing many diseases. These diseases may include metabolic disorders, body deformity, inflammation of body tissues, digestion related problems, heart related problems and problems with nervous system, to name a few.

Regular practice of acupressure is a good preventive option to ward off diseases. Anyone can learn simple workout routine with acupressure. However in case of serious medical problems it is always advisable to seek expert advice from a trained practitioner of acupressure.