What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient science that focuses on specific meridians (channels) of the body that generate energy to activate the body's natural healing ability. Acupressure is performed by pushing a finger or the thumb into identified points of the meridian. For example, to help release anxiety one could activate a pressure point located on the transverse crease of the wrist by pressing deeply into the depression between the two bones.

There are different types of acupressure, two popular techniques are Shiatsu and Jin Shin. Both approaches use the same pressure points in the meridian but differ in the application. Shiatsu technique vigorously holds pressure on the points for a couple of seconds and Jin Shin technique push the pressure point in a gentle fashion holding for several minuets. All Acupressure has been known to help overall health but more specifically it could be used to treat headaches, eyestrains, muscle tension, stress, arthritis, asthma and colds.

Where can I get trained as an Acupressure Therapist?

There are several online programs that provide a self-teaching program that uses the internet, books, DVD's and on line professors. These online programs offer a general education in the area of Acupressure but the student misses an opportunity to be taught in a hands on environment. There are many schools and colleges throughout the western world that offer Acupressure programs. A course in Acupressure could include classes such as these:

• Eastern & Western approaches to health
• Five elements theory
• Acupressure techniques, treatments and therapeutic areas
• Meridian system
• Acupressure techniques and treatments in special situations
• Emergency treatments
• Alternatives to fingertip medicine
• Acupressure points
• Human energy field

Depending on the type of Acupressure course you enroll in depends on the amount of hours required. Some self training courses require as little as 60 hours and college diploma courses can be 200 hours or more.

What credentials will I receive?

The credentials depend on where you receive your certification. The following are some well known Asian Medicine Organizations that generally are well accepted:

• AOBTA: American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia
• NCCAOM: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• AAAOM: The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

It's important to make sure the school you choose meets the standards of the national accredited organizations. A course in Acupressure could result in a Diploma in Acupressure or a Masters of Acupressure depending on the intensity of the course. If you are interested in pursuing a specific career with Acupressure it would be wise to first research what the requirements are, this information will be helpful in choosing the right course for you.

Acupressure is a science that has been alive and healing people for centuries. Acupressure therapists treat the body by activating the meridians that connect the bodies systems and organs via pressure points. There are many scholastic courses that provide a depth of knowledge and experience with acupressure that meet national standards of certification.