We all know that acupressure has been around for about 5,000 years, and those of us who are interested in holistic health and wellness are still sure that the techniques in this field are more effective than physical therapy. Every living thing has qi or chi, which is its life force or energy (pronounced "chee"). The body is healthy when this energy, which flows along meridians, is in balance and moving freely. Acupoints connect to the body's main energy pathways.
When this energy is blocked or not enough, it can lead to illness. These changes in energy are often caused by stress or an injury. Endorphins are thought to be released by the brain when acupressure is done. Endorphins help the immune system work, relieve pain, reduce stress, and slow down the ageing process.
Lower back pain has been the bane of the modern world for a long time, not only because it causes people to miss work but also because it has so many side effects, complications, and subtleties. More studies have now shown that acupressure is better than physical therapy. Even though the studies didn't take functional status and disability into account, which is what
Most people who study low back pain agree that the results are still very important and useful. A randomised controlled trial was done at The National Taiwan University in Taipei in February 2006.
129 people with long-term low back pain got a month of acupuncture or physical therapy. Self-administered Chinese versions of standard outcome measures for low back pain (the Roland and Morris disability questionnaire) were used as the primary endpoints at the start of the study, after treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. After treatment, the mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score was significantly lower in the acupressure group than in the physical therapy group, regardless of the difference in absolute score or the mean change from baseline.
Compared to physical therapy, acupressure was linked to a 91% decrease in significant disability, and this improvement was still there 6 months later. One problem with the study is that it doesn't take into account the psychological effects of therapy. Also, 15,5% of the patients were lost to follow-up at 6 months, and the effectiveness of any manipulation therapy depends on the technique and experience of the therapist.
People from 18 to 81 years old took part. Pregnancy and conditions that make acupressure dangerous were reasons to not take part. Randomly, 64 people were given acupressure and 65 people were given physical therapy. Whether the results are conclusive or not, they still point to the undeniable benefits of acupressure and holistic healing.
On a lighter note, acupressure has been talked about as a new way to help students who are tired. 39 student volunteers found that those who learned how to use acupressure on their own legs, feet, hands, and heads were less likely to fall asleep in class. Acupressure was done by lightly tapping the stimulation points with the fingers or lightly massaging them with the thumbs or forefingers. It was agreed that more research needs to be done on how acupressure affects a person's alertness.
Taking a closer look at the benefits, this self-administered acupressure might also be something to think about for kids with ADHD instead of Ritalin.
