Have you ever considered acupressure? Perhaps you’ve thought about it but never quite made the move, to help you understand the science behind acupressure we’re here to answer all the important questions on this treatment.

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient form of massage, originating from traditional chinese medicine. In total, humans each have 361 pressure points around the body. Applying pressure to these points is said to help move energy (also referred to as qi). Movement of energy is key, if the energy flow is blocked the body will no longer be balanced and health and energy levels will drop.

Acupressure is often confused with acupuncture, these are very different! Acupressure uses the gentle force of fingers, whereas acupuncture uses a needle on the pressure points instead.

What are the benefits of acupressure?

There are many benefits to acupressure, many of which are supported by clinical studies. If you struggle to achieve a great night’s sleep then acupressure might be for you! A 2016 study found that women experienced higher quality sleep when they self-administered acupressure. 

Beyond sleep, acupressure has been shown to reduce feelings of nausea. In 2017 Columbia University recommended acupressure as a complementary therapy for chemotherapy patients, helping to reduce feelings of sickness and nausea after treatment.

Other benefits of acupressure include:

• Natural pain relief
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Improves sleep quality
• Enhances digestion
• Promotes muscle relaxation
• Reduces nausea
• Reduces stress
• Releases endorphins

With all these brilliant health benefits why not give acupressure a go yourself! Whether its quality of sleep you wish to enhance, feelings of stress you wish to banish or lowering of your blood pressure, acupressure could be the at-home therapy for you.

Is acupressure good for feet?

Yes - and for many, many reasons! The weight of our body is carried by our feet, so your feet can carry a lot of stress. Simply massaging your feet for a few minutes a day can help to reduce this stress and enhance your health and wellbeing.

If you’re a little older or perhaps aren’t too keen on the hands on approach try an acupressure mat. Gently rolling your feet along an acupressure mat will massage the pressure points and stimulate energy movement. 

Acupressure on the feet is said to promote better sleep as well as helping to fight depression. Nerve endings linked to many organs can be found at the soul of the feet, therefore massaging these pressure points will act as a natural pain reliever.

The pressure points linked with emotional and mental health are located in the centre of the toe and the ball of the feet. Gently stimulate these pressure points by rolling your feet along an acupressure mat to feel your mood enhance.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause symptoms can be alleviated by stimulating the pressure point where your big toe meets the rest of your foot. By applying pressure to this point you can help to relieve stress caused by PMS or the menopause, which in turn can reduce mood swings.

What is aromapressure?

Aromapressure combines both acupressure with aromatherapy to create a more relaxing and beneficial experience. Applying aromatherapy balms or oils to the acupressure points, and then massaging in the product will help to stimulate the area as well as releasing the calming scent of the aromatherapy balms.

Acupressure helps to calm stress and promote better sleep. Using an aromatherapy balm such as the DE-STRESS Welling Ritual Aromatherapy Balm or the SLEEP WELL Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balm will bring a deeper dimension to the experience. 

The SLEEP WELL Balm contains a blend of essential oils including lavender which will promote uninterrupted, peaceful sleep. If you’re struggling to get a good night sleep combine your acupressure routine with the SLEEP WELL Balm, heightening your senses and further helping you to drift into a peaceful sleep.

Likewise the DE-STRESS Balm would make a brilliant addition to your acupressure therapy if your aim is to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety or nervousness. 

Acupressure can boost your endorphins, reducing feelings of fatigue and lifting your spirits for a better mood and attitude. If you’re battling tiredness or feelings of low mood pair acupressure with the HAPPY Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balm for the ultimate mood enhancing therapy session, aromapressure can really work wonders