xué wèi àn yā
Steady pressure on acupuncture points by hand, chosen from the same pattern reading as your needles. We use it in the treatment room and teach a few points for you to use at home between visits.
Here the classical lens leads: differential pattern diagnosis decides the treatment, with the Western picture as context.
The Western lensAnatomy, physiology, biomechanics
Many acupuncture points sit over nerves, between muscles or near where a nerve passes close to the surface. Steady pressure there is studied for nausea, tension and pain, and research is ongoing.
The classical lensChannels, patterns, the five phases
Acupressure uses the channel map and point functions of acupuncture, so a point pressed by hand is chosen for the same classical action as a point that would be needled.
Used in the treatment room with acupuncture, and taught as a few points for home, chosen from your pattern and checked at each visit, so the work of the treatment room carries on between appointments. Your physician stays your primary doctor.
Acupressure works on the same points and channels as acupuncture, using a thumb, fingertip or knuckle in place of a needle. Pressure is held or pulsed for a short while until a dull ache or a spreading warmth appears, the sensation classical practice calls dé qì (得氣). Points are chosen from your pattern, not from a chart of symptoms.
On the table we use acupressure where a needle is not the best tool that day: for someone who is very sensitive to needles, on a point that is inflamed or hard to reach, or to settle the nervous system before or after needling.
The larger part of acupressure happens between visits. We show you a small set of points on your own body and check them at your next appointment. A few that are often taught:
For painful periods, points on the lower leg and the low back may be added, chosen from your pattern.
Press firmly but never to sharp pain, and skip points over broken skin, a bruise, a varicose vein or a recent injury. If a symptom is new, severe or getting worse, see your physician first; acupressure is self-care alongside medical care, not a substitute for it.
It is gentler and usually more general, so we do not treat it as a stand-in for needles. Its real value is that you can use it yourself, every day, on points chosen for you.
That depends on your pattern and what you are working on. Most people leave with two or three points, shown on their own body, with how hard to press and for how long.
Some points are traditionally avoided in pregnancy, so please tell us if you are or might be pregnant before we teach you any. We will choose points with that in mind and alongside your OB or midwife.
18 conditions in our library list this as part of how we work with them. It is always one part of a plan chosen from your assessment.
