You are here: Home Managing Your ... Complementary ... Acupressure
Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

What Acupressure Is

  • Acupressure ia acupuncture without the needles. It can be used to reduce stress 
  • Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique which is based on the idea ill health comes from blocked energy that otherwise flows through channels (meridians) to different parts of the body. Energy is known as "qi" which is pronounced "chee." (It is also referred to as "vital energy" and "life force".)
  • There are 361 points along 14 different meridians. To release energy, pressure is applied by the therapist through his/her finger tips to the patient's points.
  • Acupressure is generally considered to be safe.

Acupressure is used for a variety of purposes. For example:

How To Choose An Acupressurist

 When choosing an acupressurist, look for:

  • A person with a license if required by your state. To find out how to contact your state licensing agency, see: www.nccaom.org offsite link.
  • Certification from a reputable professional organization. For example, certification from The National Certification Commission For Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). You can locate local acupuncturists who are certified by NCCAOM at: http://www.nccaom.org/ offsite link. Look for the words "Find A Practitioner". According to Betsy Smith, Deputy Director of NCCAOM, "It is not only important for a practitioner to have a state license that is current without disciplinary action, it is also critical that the practitioner has met national standards for safe and competent practice. The standard recognized currently by the majority of states is NCCAOM certification (and/or passage of the NCCAOM exams). This assures the healthcare consumer that the practitioner has met the standard for education and examination as other heath care practices require as well."
  • A practitioner who is trained and experienced in situations like yours.
  • Also ask:
    • How many sessions will you need?
    • What result can be expected? 
      • What is the best case scenario? 
      • What is the worst case?
    • How much does each session cost?

Beware of anyone who promises too much.

How to locate an acupressurist: