| We all know Acupressure has been around for some | | | | treatment, the mean total Roland and Morris disability |
| 5,000 years now and those of us involved in Holistic | | | | questionnaire score was significantly lower in the |
| and wellness remain convinced that the procedures | | | | acupressure group than in the physical therapy group |
| encompassed within this sphere are more efficacious | | | | regardless of the difference in absolute score or |
| than physical therapy. Every living being has a life | | | | mean change from baseline.Compared with physical |
| force, or energy, called qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). | | | | therapy, acupressure was associated with an 89% |
| When this energy, which runs along meridians, is in | | | | reduction in significant disability and that improvement |
| balance and flowing freely, the body is in a state of | | | | was maintained at 6-month follow-up. Study |
| health. Acupoints tap into the the major energy | | | | limitations include a confounding psychological effect |
| pathways of the bodyWhen this energy is blocked or | | | | of therapy; loss of 15.5% of patients to follow-up at |
| deficient, illness can result. These energy disruptions | | | | 6 months and effectiveness of any manipulation |
| are often the result of stress or injury. It is believed | | | | therapy dependent on the therapist's technique and |
| that acupressure causes the brain to release | | | | experience.Participants were aged 18 to 81 years. |
| endorphins. Endorphins play an important role in | | | | Exclusion criteria were pregnancy and contraindication |
| immune function, pain relief, stress reduction, and | | | | to acupressure. 64 patients were randomized to |
| slowing the aging process.Lower back pain has long | | | | acupressure and 65 to physical therapy. Conclusive or |
| been the bain of the modern world not only in lost | | | | inconclusive the results still point towards the |
| man hours but also because of the numerous side | | | | undeniable and positive aspects of acupressure and |
| effects, complications and nuances of lower back | | | | holistic healing.On a more lighter note Acupressure has |
| pain complaints. Further studies now confirm the | | | | also been cited as a new aid for sleepy students. 39 |
| benefits of acupressure over physical therapy. Albeit | | | | student volunteers found that those who were |
| that the studies failed to take into account functional | | | | taught to self-administer acupressure to stimulation |
| status and disability as recommended bymost low | | | | points on their legs, feet, hands and heads were less |
| back pain researchers the results are still very | | | | likely to drowse during class. The acupressure |
| meaningful and relevant. In February 2006 a | | | | consisted of light tapping of fingers or using thumbs |
| randomized controlled trial took place at The National | | | | or forefingers to lightly massage the stimulation |
| Taiwan University in Taipei.129 patients with chronic | | | | points. It was conceded that more study is needed in |
| low back pain received acupressure or physical | | | | relation to acupressure and the effect on human |
| therapy for 1 month. Primary endpoints were | | | | alertness.Looking further into the positives might this |
| self-administered Chinese versions of standard | | | | self administered acupressure also be a consideration |
| outcome measures for low back pain (Roland and | | | | for children with ADHD contra Ritalin!Martyn Witt is |
| Morris disability questionnaire) at baseline, after | | | | the owner of Holistic Works which is a premier |
| treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. After | | | | resource for holistic and wellness information. |