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