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Complementary and Alternative Therapies For Cancer Patients Acupressure This
treatment modality is thought to promote wellness and optimize overall
health. Acupressure should be
used with, not in place of, standard cancer therapy. What
does acupressure involve? Acupressure
is a non-needle variation of acupuncture involving deep finger pressure
on acupoints and is similar to Japanese shiatsu.
Rooted in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure
is performed to release muscular tension, promote the circulation of
blood and restore the flow of qi, the body's vital energy, along channels
in the body. Acupressure has
the advantage of being a "self-help" remedy because, through
the use of guidebooks, you can perform acupressure on yourself. How
is acupressure thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health?
Acupressure is believed to be effective in reducing tension and other
stress-related ailments such as headaches and muscle aches, increasing
circulation and enabling the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, the body's immune system
and, therefore, resistance to disease may be heightened. When tension is released, patients may feel
better physically, emotionally and mentally promoting overall wellness
and health. What
has been proven about the benefit of acupressure?
While some people do appear to benefit from acupressure, the
mechanism by which this occurs in unknown.
Post-operative pain and nausea has been found to respond to
pressure point massage in some cases. Its occasional effectiveness may be due
to relaxation and comfort from hands-on massage or the release of natural
painkillers in the body called endorphins. What
is known about the potential risk or harm of acupressure?
While there are no inherent side effects, acupressure should
be avoided in areas near varicose veins, wounds and sores. Because forceful pressure is sometimes used, patients with brittle
bones, a history of spinal or other orthopedic injury or easy bruising
should be careful when using acupressure.
Patients undergoing long-term steroid therapy may have fragile
tissues and should also use caution.
If treatments are painful or soreness persists beyond a couple
of days the therapist should be informed. How
much does acupressure cost? Cost
will vary depending on whether acupressure is self-administered or a
therapist is used. If used as
a self-treatment, no additional equipment is necessary. For
additional information: Acupressure
Institute American
Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association |
