Acupressure is a massage therapy approach that utilizes finger pressure to specific points on the client’s body to facilitate wellness. 

Acupressure techniques can be found in traditional massage healing practices from around the world, but the most popular techniques are rooted in Chinese Medical Theory.  The therapist focuses on points that can best influence the balance of energy and other substances flowing through the network of meridians in the body.  This approach recognizes that each human being is composed not just of bones, muscles, and ligaments, but of unique energies that animate and sustain our lives.

This makes Acupressure a useful approach in treating not just pain or muscular dysfunction, but deeper physiological and emotional processes. 

This form of therapeutic touch can work to stimulate areas of deficiency or sedate energy that has become excessive.

Origins of Acupressure 

A wide diversity of Acupressure approaches exist in the United States today, but the bulk of modern techniques come from Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

The use of massage therapy as a form of healing and the theoretical foundations that make Acupressure work were recorded 2,000 years ago in the Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor, the Huang Di Nei Jing.  Chinese techniques blended with those of other Asian cultures, and now Tui Na, Anma, and Shiatsu have been joined by other techniques like Thai and Ayurvedic massage. 

This wealth of modalities has been instrumental in the development of Western approaches like Jin Shin Do and Reflexology as well.  Although each system is different, they share the common goal of restoration of health and balance.

How Acupressure Works 

Acupressure works based on a view of the human body that recognizes not just our mechanistic structure, but the vital processes that are always at work within us.  These processes are evident in the flow of energy through the body’s meridians. 

Applying pressure to certain points along these channels influences the flow of energy throughout the body.  Blockages can be cleared, stagnation can be lifted, and balance restored. 

The goal of an Acupressure treatment is to assist the body in regaining its natural state of harmony and wellbeing. 

Acupressure at Hands On Therapy

Acupressure techniques can be incorporated into any massage session, or used exclusively during your bodywork treatment.

What is Shiatsu?

The Shiatsu technique refers to the use of the fingers and the palm of the massage therapist's hands to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body. 

Shiatsu can also involve slow stretching and movement of the joints, limbs and muscles of the client's body during a treatment.  After your treatment, you may experience greater flexibility, reduced aches and pains, and a deeper sense of calm and connectedness.

 Acupressure and Shiatsu are only available at our Evanston location.

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