by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
If you are interested in natural remedies and treatments for pain, ailments, and well-being, you might have heard the terms acupressure and acupuncture before. These are practices born out of traditional Chinese medicine and are performed to prompt your body to self-heal. They both aim to increase blood circulation, open lymph nodes and release endorphins to name a few. These methods are used to treat migraines, insomnia, menstrual issues, digestive problems, muscle tension, stress, joint pain, and arthritis. While they have similar goals, these two practices have a few differences.
Differences between acupuncture and acupressure
Acupuncture requires the use of hair-thin needles which pierce the skin to stimulate acupoints. In acupressure, acupoints are stimulated by applying firm pressure to the areas, so it’s more like a deep massage.
An acupuncturist must be licensed and experienced to perform acupuncture. Acupressure also requires in depth knowledge of Chinese medicine to be performed on others by a therapist. However, it can be practiced safely at home for self-treatment without prior training.
Which is better?
Choosing between acupuncture and acupressure solely depends on the needs, finances and preferences of the individual. Each practice has its pros and cons.
Pros of acupuncture
- You will be treated by a professionally trained and licensed practitioner and receive diagnosis based on traditional Chinese medicine and theory.
- You may find discussion with the therapist beneficial or it may alert you to an underlying medical condition.
Pros of acupressure
- It’s cheaper and can even be free if you are able to do a self-treatment
- Acupressure can be done anytime and anywhere
- It’s natural and non-invasive
- There are many products designed to be used as often as necessary (acupressure mats and pillows, acupressure balls, rollers etc)
Cons of acupuncture:
- If you are afraid of needles you will find it uncomfortable or phobic
- It is expensive and usually requires more than one session to achieve the intended results
- Treatment sessions may be lengthy and hard to fit into a tight schedule
- It should not be a substitute for a visit to the doctor
- It may be difficult to find a certified acupuncturist
Cons of acupressure
- Many of the benefits of acupressure come from its relaxing effects upon the body. While this ensures a safe and holistic treatment regime, it is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice or other specific medical treatment and medicines.
- It is not suitable for pregnant women or patients who suffer from skin and health conditions such as skin disease or haemophilia.
Combine treatments for best results
A combination of acupuncture and acupressure along with your doctor’s treatments can be utilised to reduce certain symptoms and stress. You can supplement your prescribed medical treatment with acupuncture or with acupressure at home if your doctor has given you permission to do so.
Mindful Medicine
In recent times, natural health remedies have been making a comeback. Many health problems have been found to be linked to stress which can worsen or increase the risk of conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and asthma. Therefore, instead of stressing your body further by taking pill after pill for a migraine, you may consider a natural remedy such as acupuncture or acupressure to get some relief. Being mindful and in tune with your body is important to stay healthy. Stress and anxiety must be managed before they take a major toll on your body. Eating a healthy diet, practicing self-care and meditation are also great ways to reduce stress in your life!