Healing Headaches and Other Body Aches with Acupressure

In my line of work as a dance instructor, I am often plagued with aches and pains that can last for days or even weeks at a time. Finding relief has lead me to my recent research on acupressure and the natural healing effects it has on the human body and mind. Although it has only gained
a wide acceptance in the western world in recent years, Asians have been using this practice for thousands of years with much success.

By stimulating the same pressure points used in acupuncture with needles, you can immediately alleviate your own common, minor aches and ailments by using your fingers or knuckles in acupressure. When this is properly done it acts to restore a natural balance to your internal organs and promotes healing and symptom relief. Acupressure is said to heal everything from a backache to a headache, depression, dizziness, acne, allergies, colds, anxiety, etc. The list goes on and on. Although it can relieve all these symptoms it should not take the place of standard emergency attention or severe or persistent problems. Of course you will have to use your common sense and good judgement when it comes to the type of situation you are dealing with.

Acupressure points are located all throughout your body. Use a pressure point chart to locate points that alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. You can easily download one from the internet if you need one. When performing acupressure on yourself you should find a quiet and relaxing environment. You are trying to harmonize your internal environment so it would be wise to stay away from loud and disturbing areas. Once points have been located, pressure should be applied for 20-30 seconds. In most cases relief is immediate. If the relief is temporary, stimulate the point again until the pain goes away. Doing this a second time should do the trick and provide permanent relief.

Once you have become familiar with points and good at performing acupressure on yourself, carefully try it on others. Although it's a great alternative for common and minor aches and ailments, there are some instances when it's not safe. Those instances are listed below:

- If you have a heart condition

- Just before or after exercise, a big meal or taking a bath

- If you are pregnant

- As the sole treatment of a serious or persistent illness.

You should definitely take these situations into consideration since you are trying to alleviate your current aches and pains, not add to them. Overall, healing with acupressure is worth a try since it's free and can be done right in the comfort of your own home.