Acupuncture and Acupressure Programs

Acupuncture and Acupressure are holistic healing techniques taught in traditional Chinese medicine. According to Eastern beliefs and religious practices, the body is composed of chi, or energy, that flows throughout it. Fourteen meridians carry the chi from various points along the body. These meridians can be blocked, causing multiple health problems, mental issues, and emotional disturbances. Acupuncture and Acupressure serve to break apart these blockages, allowing the energy to once again flow freely, and correcting multiple physical, mental, and psychological ailments.

Many proponents of Acupuncture and Acupressure claim that these techniques are more powerful than pharmaceuticals and modern medicine in some aspects, such as relieving pain and joint or muscle aches. It is important that clients understand the limits of these techniques, however, and that they should consult a licensed physician if they have more life-threatening or serious health concerns. Acupuncture and Acupressure should be considered forms of alternative medicine rather than a replacement for advanced medical treatment.

What is the Difference?

Acupuncture is a process involving a trained acupuncturist inserting thin needles beneath the skin, ligaments, and muscles. The needles are flexible and long, and much thinner than typical hypodermic needles used in Western medicine. If done correctly, acupuncture is not painful, and has been proven to have many beneficial effects on common ailments such as allergies, nausea, depression, and anxiety. Only those trained in traditional Chinese medicine should perform Acupuncture. Many holistic healing programs and massage therapy schools include Acupuncture and Chinese medicine studies in their specialized curricula.

Acupressure is more commonly known, and does not require any special training to perform. Acupressure is pressure applied to specific points (known as Acupressure points) using the hands, fingers, or a specific device. The purpose of Acupressure is the same as that of Acupuncture, that is, to balance the yin and yang, and to allow the chi to flow more freely without blockage. Although Acupressure is an easier technique than Acupuncture, massage programs usually discuss its benefits in great detail.

Some Massage Therapy schools include these aspects of traditional Chinese medicine as part of their specializations offered. Besides traditional massage programs, institutes and schools exist that focus primarily on holistic healing through Acupressure and Acupuncture, as well as other forms of ancient healing practices.

If you are interested in applying to Acupuncture and Acupressure programs, or any other massage program covering the components of therapeutic massage and holistic healing, our directory is a great place to start to find the school that best fits your needs. Or call us today at 1.888.281.2822 to take advantage of our free consultation service.