Acupressure is the art of balancing the body’s energy by applying pressure to specific points along the body’s energy channels. The process of acupressure releases tension along the channels and increases energy circulation.
The term Acupressure, with a big “A,” includes all forms of work that balance energy along identifiable channels. This includes Shiatsu, Tui Na, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Thai Massage, and other forms of Asian bodywork. Acupressure with small “a” usually refers to a style of work in which the practitioner holds a sequence of points along the channel in order to balance the energy in that channel. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a good example of this style.
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Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
by Michael Reed Gach
The subject of this book is what most people think of as acupressure: How to alleviate headaches, constipation, or back pain by holding points. There is much more to acupressure than simple first aid and symptomatic relief, but this is a good starting point for those who are unfamiliar with the benefits of eastern medicine. The explanations and photos are clear, and the advice is quite helpful. Gach is the founder of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley.
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Acupressure Way of Health: Jin Shin Do
by Iona Teeguarden
This book illustrates “acupressure” with a small “a.” From the photos, you can see how a practitioner holds one point on the body while the other hand moves through a sequence of points. Jin Shin Do was the first form of acupressure I studied, back in the 1980’s. I subsequently learned that the 30 acu-points Teeguarden uses in Jin Shin Do are identical to the ones used in Jin Shin Jyutsu. I highly recommend Jin Shin Jyutsu over Jin Shin Do.
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What Is Acupressure?
A page on this website about acupressure. It explains that the term “pressure” is misleading, since acupressure actually uses a very light touch. Also discusses the similarities and differences of acupressure and acupuncture.
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Four Paws Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs
by Cheryl Schwartz
This book is a delight. The author is a veterinarian, with a practice in Oakland, CA. You could actually learn Chinese medicine just by reading this book. What’s true for humans has a direct correlation for animals, including the pathways of the meridians. I recommend this book if you’re interested in learning some helpful acu-points to use when massaging your cat or dog and for its dietary recommendations for specific conditions.
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Equine, Canine, and Feline Acupressure
Acupressure for our animal companions. The site primarily promotes the Tallgrass training program, but it’s a useful resource for finding books and articles, with extensive book reviews and excerpts.
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