Acupressure, shiatsu, tuina
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Acupressure is used around world for relaxation, wellness promotion and the treatment of many health problems. Many traditional Asian medical philosophies consider health to be a state of balance in the body that is maintained by the flow of life energy along specific meridians. A disease is believed to occur when energy flow is too low, too high or blocked. Acupressure aims to restore normal life energy flow using finger and palm pressure, stretching, massaging, and other bodywork techniques. During acupressureA complementary therapy derived from acupuncture, which uses finger pressure rather than the fine sterile needles used in acupuncture. finger pressure is applied to specific acupoints on the body. It is believed that there are 12 primary channels and eight additional pathways circulating life energy throughout the body, maintaining the balance of yin and yang.
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These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
Grade* |
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Nausea |
A |
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Anxiety |
B |
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Pain (general) |
B |
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Agitated behavior (in dementiaDecline in mental capacity, brain functioning and memory that affects day-to-day living.) |
C |
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Alertness |
C |
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Asthma (quality of life) |
C |
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Bed-wetting (children) |
C |
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emphysema and bronchitis; often associated with smoking and air pollution.) |
C |
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Depression |
C |
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Drug addiction |
C |
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Dyspnea (shortness of breath) |
C |
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Epilepsy (children) |
C |
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Exercise performance |
C |
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Facial spasm |
C |
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Gastrointestinal motility (digestion) |
C |
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Headache |
C |
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High bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. pressure |
C |
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Pain (labor, low back, menstrual, postoperative) |
C |
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Palliative care |
C |
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Parkinson's disease |
C |
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Sexual dysfunction |
C |
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Sleep apnea |
C |
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Sleep quality |
C |
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Smoking cessation |
C |
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Stroke |
C |
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Cervical spondylosis |
D |
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Weight loss/obesityExcess accumulation of fat in the body. |
D |
*Key to grades:
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
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With proper training, acupressureA complementary therapy derived from acupuncture, which uses finger pressure rather than the fine sterile needles used in acupuncture. appears to be safe if self-administered or administered by an experienced therapist. No serious long-term complications have been reported, according to scientific data. Hand nerveBundle of fibres that carries information in the form of electrical impulses. injury and herpes zoster ("shingles"), carotid dissection, and retinal and cerebral arteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Apart from the pulmonary artery and umbilical artery, all arteries carry oxygenated blood. embolismObstruction of blood flow by an embolus, a clot (or other material, for example, fat or air) that has become dislodged from elsewhere in the blood system., cases have been reported after shiatsu massage. Forceful acupressureA complementary therapy derived from acupuncture, which uses finger pressure rather than the fine sterile needles used in acupuncture. may cause bruising.
Licensed by Natural Standard.
Copyright © 2012 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The above monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.