| Acupressure Acupressure is another modality that some practitioners use as well as using the needles. I have learned a form called Jin Shin Do. Although I am not yet a registered practitioner, I do use it in my practice. It uses many of the same theories that acupuncture uses. It often requires me to think far more about the channel pathways than I did when I was learning to use needles. While I frequently believe that it is better for pain conditions, I get excellent results on internal conditions. I am often amazed. I had a woman who was afraid of needles and would only let me do acupressure. She had some heart burn as well as shoulder pain. I did some points there were listed in my books on Jin Shin Do for heartburn and the next week she reported that it was about 75% better. That level of improvement for just one treatment would have been impressive to me even had I used needles. I was even more astounded that we got that result with just pressure. Jin Shin Do is a very mind/body oriented practice. We talk to our patients, asking them to focus their mind on the parts of their bodies that are causing problems. Such practices can often bring up old issues for the patients, and if someone is primarily coming to work with me for this type of treatment, I ask that they also see a qualified therapist. I also like using this form of practice when people are very needle sensitive. Some people find that even one or two needles tend to make them sick. Others are just so afraid of the needles that they won't relax during a treatment. This allows me to use the energetic principles of acupuncture without ever using a needle. Fibromyalgia patients can do very well with this treatment as points can be held as softly or as firmly as necessary. It can be a far more tonifying treatment than the needles and often people with this type of pain enjoy this more than a traditional acupuncture treatment. At the Jin Shin Do site, people can find lists of registered practitioners. Some practitioners are acupuncturists, others are massage therapists who have taken extra training to learn about acupuncture theory and incorporate this into their practice. Each practitioner has a slightly different focus, just like with acupuncture, so it is important to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. |
Home | What's acupuncture? | Related Information |
