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Acupuncture and Acupressure

Accupuncture and Accupressure

Some spas offer acupuncture and/or acupressure therapies. Read below to see how you can benefit from one of these services at a spa near you.

Acupuncture

According to Eastern philosophy, channels of energy run through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians, are said to be like rivers running through our bodies, nourishing our organs and tissues. The meridians start at our fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the organ associated with the specific meridian. If something blocks one of these meridians, a dam-effect results, causing pain and imbalance.

Therapists place special acupuncture needles just below the surface of the skin at these acupuncture or meridian points to try and stimulate them and to remove the blockages, thereby restoring energy flow. The benefits of acupuncture include increased circulation; decreased swelling and inflammation; relief from pain and muscle spasms; and increased T-cell count, which stimulates the immune system.

Acupressure

While both acupuncture and acupressure both work to relieve pain, acupressure does not use needles. Rather, a therapist uses the hands to place pressure on one or several of the body's 14 meridian points. Acupressure can help relieve muscle tension and balances all of the body's forces.

Both acupuncture and acupressure have been noted to have significant benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• Relief of stress and tension
• A Relaxed mind and body
• Increased blood circulation
• Removal of toxic wastes from the body
• Relief of head, neck, shoulder and other body aches
• Quicker recovery from injuries
• Heightened energy levels
• Improved overall sense of well being
• Decreasing labor pains and other pregnancy problems
• Improved immune system functioning