Acupressure and acupuncture are not one in same techniques. They differ slightly because acupuncture makes use of thin needles in approaching health concerns while acupressure never breaks the skin. On the other hand, they do a have a few things in common. For instance, both are centered on touching meridians which carry energy or chi along those meridians right through an individuals' body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clearly states that illness occurs due to the blockage of chi in any of fourteen different meridians. Acupressure and acupuncture both advocate the free flow of energy without obstructions. Both methods are used to treat arthritis, allergies, migraine headaches, depression, menstrual cramps, nausea and anxieties.

Because acupuncture uses very thin, long needles to puncture the skin it should be performed by an experienced practitioner who is skilled in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is much less technical; it can therefore be learned from a book and may even be; in some instances, performed on oneself. Somewhat surprisingly, acupressure was practiced long before acupuncture became known.

In addition, since acupuncture requires the skilled use of a tool (needles) it requires much greater accuracy in order to bring quick relief whereas acupressure is less precise since the only tool is the practitioners finger. Due to the release of toxins or through realignment of muscle groups, in some instances acupuncture can result in some short term, minor side effects.

Acupressure and acupuncture thus have different effects on the patient with acupressure having fewer side effects. This may be somewhat akin to deep tissue massages where there is also less chance of unforeseen side effects to the patient.

Acupressure and acupuncture are known as Zhen Jiu and Zhi Ya respectively. They are probably the best known of all traditional Chinese methods used in treating health imbalances. Acupuncture is now a very popular alternative therapy for arthritis pain relief and acupressure makes use of the same points while using the fingers to manipulate the meridian points.

By pressing down firmly with the thumb or finger on the groove that lies between the two large tendons running from the base of the palm up to the elbow, acupressure is often used to provide relief for those who are suffering from nausea. Acupuncture can also achieve the same results through the use of needles. Both methods have a long history of success and neither is better than the other, it's simply a matter of opinion as to which method is best.