INTRODUCTION:

Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure the pressure points on the body are identified that will give the desired results. They are then stimulated using finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body.

BENEFITS OF ACUPRESSURE:

· Relieving pain

· Balancing the body

· Maintaining good health.

· Acupressure's healing touch reduces tension

· Increases blood and fluid circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply.

· By relieving stress, acupressure therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

· Acupressure can help alleviate ailments such as tension, stress, aches and pains, arthritis or menstrual cramps.

· Acupressure can also be used for general preventative health care.

· Migraines, insomnia, depression, toothache, dizziness, muscular tension, menstrual pain, digestive problems, constipation, morning sickness, stress, poor memory, poor concentration are some of the problems which are being helped by acupressure therapy.

· Stimulate the body's own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body.

OBJECT OF PRESSURE APPLICATION:

FINGERS OBJECT OF PRESSURE APPLICATION:

Fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet apart from wooden blunt object or special gadgets are often used to give acupressure points to other parts of the body.

Common acupressure techniques are: Rubbing, Kneading, Percussion and Vibration. Fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet are often used to massage other parts of the body.

THE EQUIPMENT USED IN ACUPRESSURE:

The most widely used techniques of acupressure are rolling, rubbing, and gentle stretching and pressing. The pressure levels vary, and in most cases, are gradually increased during a session. The amount of pressure applied depends on the problem that needs to be cured. A light touch is advisable to treat acute conditions, while chronic conditions need a deeper touch.

Acuball:

Acupressure practitioners use various tools, one of which is the acuball. This is a small rubber ball with bulges that can be heated. This is used by acupressure therapists to relieve joint and muscle pain.

Rollers:

Therapists also use a variety of rollers. The energy roller is a small cylinder-shaped device with protuberances used to apply pressure on the hands by rolling it back and forth. A cylindrical foot roller is used to apply pressure to acupoints on the foot.

Spine rollers and Power mats:

Spine rollers and power mats are other important devices used in acupressure. The spine roller is used to apply pressure to the spine, while the power mat has little pyramid-shaped bumps on which a person is required to walk

BODY POSITION:

Acupressure can be performed sitting, standing or lying down.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

 During pregnancy special care is to be taken by the practitioner to not stimulate the reproductive organ points and other such points which might induce early labor pains.

 In high fever or diarrhea, acupressure is not practiced.

 During menstruation strong pressure is avoided.

 If you suspect a serious illness encourage the individual to seek a medical opinion

 Do not perform acupressure when the individual feels full after a meal

 Do not perform acupressure if the individual is exhausted or shocked, if the pulse rate is very fast (above 90 beats a minute) abandon acupressure

 Do not perform acupressure if there is an infection present

 Do not perform acupressure in pregnancy

 Do not perform if there is a history of cancer.

ACUPRESSURE POINTS FOR RELIEVING PMS AND MENSTRUAL CRAMPS:

Working on these points can help you get better quicker. You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective

Points (A) -- Mansion Cottage:

Location: In the pelvic area, in the middle of the crease where the leg joins the trunk of the body. Benefits: Very important points for releasing menstrual discomforts, cramps and abdominal discomfort.

Points (B) -- Rushing Door:

Points (C) -- Sea of Energy:

Location: Two finger widths below the belly button. Benefits: Relieves PMS, menstrual cramps, reproductive problems, irregular vaginal discharge, irregular periods, and constipation that increases menstrual pain.

Points (D) -- Gate Origin:

Location: Four finger widths below the belly button. Benefits: Relieves menstrual cramps, reproductive problems, irregular vaginal discharge, irregular menstrual periods, and incontinence.

Points (E) -- Sacral Points:

Location: The acupressure points are on the sacrum (at the base of the spine directly above the tall bone) Benefits: help relieve menstrual cramps and lower-back pain. Two minutes of steady, firm pressure on these sacral points - by lying down on your back with your hands, one on top of the other, under the base of the spine helps relax the uterus and relieve menstrual cramps.

Points (F) -- Womb and Vitals:

Location: One to two finger widths outside the sacrum (the large bony area at the base of the spine) and midway between the top of the hipbone and the base of the buttocks. Benefits: Relieves pelvic tension, PMS, menstrual cramps, and urinary problems

Points (G) -- Three Yin Crossing

Caution:

Do not stimulate this point during the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy.

Location: Four finger widths above the inner anklebone close to the back of the shinbone. Benefits: Relieves water retention, menstrual cramps, irregular vaginal discharge, and genital pain.

Points (H) -- Grandfather Grandson:

Location: In the upper arch of the foot, one thumb width from the ball of the foot. Benefits: Relieves PMS, bloating, and menstrual and abdominal cramps.

REFERENCE:

1. www.herbalshop.com

2. napsandroadmaps.com/2013/02/24/acupressure-for-pms

3. www.ehow.com › Health‎

4. Peter Deadman, Premenstrual Syndrome, Journal of Chinese Medicine. Number 48 May 1995

5. www.acufinchley.co.uk

Received on 31.07.2013 Modified on 25.08.2013

Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research 1(1): Oct.- Dec., 2013; Page 26-28