Acupressure

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Complementary First Aid, Part I – Acupressure
by Monte Cunningham,The Acu-Ki Institute

One of the most portable yet highly-effective methods of complementary healthcare is Acupressure. It requires no more than a chart and a hand to administer treatments, though treatments can be administered with wooden tools as well as coupled with massage and essential oils. Both have been successfully used for thousands of years to help millions of people This article features Acupressure and is written by Monte Cunningham, a man who has spent more than 35 years studying this healthcare modality. – KJ

The healing art of Acupressure is at least 5,000 years old and remains the third most popular method for pain and illness relief in the world. It is a complete health system that has been documented for use in over 3000 conditions. Anyone seeking alternatives to their current treatments, or those concerned about situations in which they may not be able to find medical help (such as Y2K), should consider this as their first treatment choice.

Points:

For the conditions listed below, you will find points that the experts agree help these conditions and that are easy to find. Sometimes you only need a few points to get results. The points follow.

For more background on Acupressure, as well as a diagram showing the location of each of these points, see the full article or the Complementary Healing Acupressure Chapter.

 

	GB 20 – just under the base of the skull in two small muscular grooves at the back of the neck
	GB 21 – on top of the shoulder, 2"-3" from the side of the neck
	GB 30 – near the "ball-joint" of the hips in the depression formed by squeezing the buttocks (relax before stimulating)
	Li 4* – on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, in the center of the large bone on your finger – to be probed inward toward the main body of the hand, directly on the bone
	Li 11 – on the extreme end of the outer crease of the elbow – bend arm tightly to find point (open arm and relax before stimulating)
	SP 6* – on the front of the leg, just behind the shin bone – the width of one hand (three thumbs) above the crown of the inner ankle
	St 36* – in the trough or valley just away from the most prominent shin bone, the width of one hand (three thumbs) below the bottom of the kneecap toward outside of leg the width of one thumb.
	T 5 – on the forearm two thumb widths above the most prominent crease of the upper wrist, in line with the middle finger
	UB 54 – at the rear of the knee, in the center of the crease between the two ligaments
	UB 60 – in the hollow or valley behind the crown of the outer ankle

*Pregnant women should avoid using SP 6, Li 4, and St 36.

Conditions:

	Allergies: Li4,11 Sp6 St36
	Arthritis: GB20 Li4,11 St36 T5 UB60
	Asthma: Li4 GB20,21 Sp6 St36
	Bronchitis: Li4 GB20,21 St36
	Cold and Flu: Li4,11 T5 GB20 St36 Sp6
	Constipation: St36 SP6 Li4,11
	Diarrhea: St36, Sp6 Li4
	Ear Infection: Li4,11 T5 St36 GB20
	Fainting: St36 Li4 GB20
	Fatigue: St36 GB21
	Fever: Li4,11 T5
	Hemorrhoids: Li11 Sp6 UB60
	Indigestion: Sp6 St36 Li4
	Infection: Li4,11 St36
	Insomnia: Sp6 GB20 St36
	Menstrual Cramps: Li4 St36 GB20 Sp6
	Motion Sickness: GB20 St36 Sp6
	Multiple Sclerosis: GB20 UB60 St36 Sp6
	Nausea: GB21 St36
	Pain control: Li4 Sp6 St36 GB20 UB60
	Pneumonia: St36 Li4,11
	Sciatica: GB30 UB54,60 Sp6
	Sinusitis: GB20 Li4,11 Sp6
	Toothache: Li4,11 St36
	Vertigo: Li4 GB20,21 UB60 T5 St36

Administration:

To find the appropriate point, read the point description above, then find the general area on your skin. Gently probe the area until you find that point which gives you a "funny bone" feeling or is sensitive, tender or sore. Then press hard enough to make the point hurt.

You can use a steady pressure or a five seconds on and five seconds off rotating pressure for the time you stimulate the point. Usually one minute is sufficient for each treatment session.

Regular, systematic treatment usually gets the best results because the effects of Acupressure are cumulative. At first, frequent treatment is recommended. Treatment three times daily for five to ten minutes may be necessary. Or treat more frequent, such as every two hours, until you start feeling relief. You cannot overdose.

Some report almost immediate results; others may need a few weeks to get lasting results. Acupressure is safe. Side effects are very rare. Treat while sitting down and do not administer after meals.

To find more conditions and points, as well as more information on how to get the best results, visit the Acu-Ki Institute website.

Thirty-five years ago, Monte Cunnigham injured his back playing football in high school, causing intermittent and unexplainable pain. After two back surgeries, depression, drinking, and contemplation of suicide, he began searching for other ways of healing, studying diets, exercises and meditations. Through careful and exhaustive research, he learned techniques and developed tools that have worked for him and have helped others. In the last 15 years, he has completely freed himself of the pain. Contact: Monte Cunningham,The Acu-Ki Institute, PO Box 62, Woodruff AZ 85942, (888)853-0646.

Copyright © 1999, Year 2000 Healthcare Letter™, Vol 1, No 2, Littleton CO USA, 1-888-80-4WELL, www.CompWellness.com/eLetter. Reprinted with permission. [This copyright supersedes the one in the bottom border below]