Pressure Points
by Krysta CardinalePressure Points are spots on the body where there is sensitivity to the skin. This usually occurs when a certain amount of pressure is applied. This sensitivity is due to a nerve or blood vessel being close to the skin. When pressure is applied to one of these points it either causes a nerve impulse or blood flow. Pressure points are used in massage therapy, Acupuncture, self defense, and for the control of bleeding.
Massage Pressure Points
When massage pressure points are stimulated it relieves tension and strain in the body. There are different therapeutic methods incorporating this idea. Shiatsu, acupressure, and reflexology are three examples of using massage pressure points. Feet and hands are two main areas where points are located. Reflexology uses only the points on the hands and feet. This theory suggests a connection between a specific pressure point and an organ. By massaging this point illnesses and other problems of the body can be cured. Shiatsu and acupressure are similar in this theory of pressure points. Feet and hands are not their only location for these points though. Shiatsu and acupressure apply different massage techniques to different parts of the body also stressing a link between these points and the organs of the body.
Reflexology, Shiatsu, and acupressure are all forms of ancient Chinese medicine. They believe that the body is composed of opposite forces, the Ying and Yang. When a person is feeling sick, stressed, or fatigued this is due to an imbalance in the Ying and Yang, and thus a blockage in the Chi. The Chi is the flow of energy throughout the body. Depending on where the problem is, massaging this pressure point or combination of points will unblock the Chi and rebalance the Ying and the Yang. This supports healthy factors and removes harmful pathogens from the body.
Acupuncture is another ancient Chinese medicine. However, acupuncture uses the insertion of tiny needles into points of the body instead of massage. When acupuncture pressure points are stimulated they supposedly restore the balance of energy within the body, and thus restore this person’s health. The combination of several acupuncture pressure points addresses both specific symptoms, and the overall effect of feeling better.
Stimulating acupuncture pressure points for pain relief and for curing different diseases has also proved effective. Unlike with the use of medicine, it has no real side effects.
From the view of modern-day medicine, the stimulation of massage pressure points dilates blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin. This can greatly improve blood circulation, enhance the body’s metabolism, and relax tired muscles. There is a cell that remains dormant right under the skin. When massage techniques are applied to pressure points, feet, hands, or on the body, this dormant cell awakens. It finds its way to the blood stream and develops into reticular cells. Reticular cells strengthen the immune system of the body.
Self Defense
Massage pressure points for pain relief do not just have to be rubbed or kneaded. When pressure points are struck they can be used for self defense by incapacitating the body. Dim Mak, Karate, and Kyusho jitsu are all forms of martial arts that use points of the body to knock out an opponent. When hit, different pressure points produce different effects. The six main effects can be categorized as pain, muscular, brain shake, pressure, break, and energy. Some pressure points can be painful due to a complex set of nerves in the area. The body has a natural withdrawal system that causes it to move away from pain. An example would be when applying pressure next to the collar bone causes the body to move downwards. The next category would be muscular. When a muscle pressure point is directly hit it causes the muscle to contract. For instance, when a person is punched in the solar plexus, it affects the diaphragm. Thus, this person has trouble breathing (or you knocked the wind out of him/her). Brain shake pressure points cause a black out. This is because the brain is the most sensitive organ and floats in fluid in the skull. An example of this point would be in the back of the head where the skull meets the spine.
Another category of martial arts pressure points would be pressure. Certain points are very pressure sensitive and control the blood flow to the brain. If pressure is applied to such a point it tricks the body in thinking that there is high blood pressure. When this happens it causes lowered blood pressure and a person passes out. There are certain points of the body when if stuck it will result in a broken bone, these are called break points. An example would be the section of the face right above the upper lip and right below the nose. The last category would be energy pressure points. It is said if a person is hit in one of these areas it will cause block in the energy flow of the body.
The Control of Bleeding
Pressure points for pain relief are also used in first aid. When a good amount of pressure is applied to one of these points it can control the bleeding of a wound. The most popular way to constrict the bleeding of a wound would be putting force directly on the injury. However, sometimes it is not possible to apply pressure to an open wound. This could be due to a compound broken bone, a foreign object sticking out of the wound, or an injury too large to cover. When this happens, pressure should be applied to certain points to help stop the blood flow to that part of the body. This technique is usually used in external bleeding from the leg or arm. Compressing blood vessels in the neck should all be done by experienced individuals because you do not want to stop the flow of blood to the brain.
One can easily find a pressure point to use for the control of bleeding. First find a pulse, usually in the groin, wrist, or arm. Then apply pressure to this point for a period of no more than ten minutes. After ten minutes, release the point for several minutes than reapply the pressure. If the pressure is held for more than ten minutes, irreversible damage can occur to that part of the body.
