Definition of acupressure

The word "acupressure" is a combination of two words, "acu" and "pressure." The prefix "acu" is derived from Latin and refers to a needle, as commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture therapy. The suffix "pressure" is derived from English and refers to squeezing, pressing, or pushing. Acupressure, therefore, could be understood quite literally as a form of therapy that applies pressure to specific points on the body, replacing the traditional needles used in acupuncture. The theory behind acupressure is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which holds that our bodies have energy pathways, or meridians, that carry vital energy called "Qi" (pronounced "chee."). This energy is believed to play a critical role in all our body functions. When Qi's flow is disrupted, it leads to imbalances, disease, and pain. Acupressure therapy aims to restore Qi's balanced flow through intensive manual techniques involving applying pressure to specific points on the body. Acupressure is said to promote self-healing by stimulating the body's natural abilities to combat pain and sickness, rather than merely providing temporary symptomatic relief. Although acupressure is often associated with TCM, contemporary medicine has also recognized its potential health benefits, such as alleviating migraines, headaches, and musculoskeletal discomforts. The modality is considered a viable complementary therapy and is often used in conjunction with Western medicine to achieve better overall health.