The CDC reports that 20% of American adults, or about 50 million people, experience chronic pain. Some experience pain so severe that it impacts their ability to work and simply enjoy their lives.

Pain management can mean a lot of trial and error. For some, medication may work. For others, mindfulness activities like meditation can ease their pain. Still, others rely on herbal remedies.

Another option to relieve pain comes from China—acupressure. This alternative medicine is similar to acupuncture and can offer relief to those suffering from both physical and mental pain.

Keep reading to learn more about acupressure and its many benefits.

The Basics of Acupressure

Acupuncture traces its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Ancient physicians believed that the human body contains a vital force, an energy that flows and gives life. This energy is also called qi.

These physicians theorized that this energy flows through twelve meridians, or channels, that connect to form a network between organs. Along each of these meridians are numerous acupressure points.

If any of these meridians are blocked or out of balance, diseases can occur. A balanced flow helps maintain good health.

Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows, or specialized tools to apply pressure to acupressure points. Sometimes, this also involves stretching or massage. The goal of this therapy is to restore balance to the energy flow.

Even if Western medicine works with alternate theories, it is still believed that acupressure can be beneficial. Acupressure can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and stimulate endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

Who Can Benefit from Acupressure?

If you’ve tried typical medical care options, but none have eased your pain, you may need to seek out other pain solutions. A natural treatment like acupressure may be the answer.

There are many conditions with symptoms that can be addressed through acupressure. Some of these include:

cancer/chemotherapy
arthritis
lower back pain
post-operative pain
headache
nausea
motion sickness
pain related to pregnancy

In addition to these physical ailments, acupressure may also help alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety. Acupressure can be seen as self-care, or therapy you seek out to find balance in a busy life.

A Typical Session

A typical session of acupressure lasts about an hour. Clothed, you lie on a massage table for the practitioner to work. Gently, they will press on targeted acupressure points.

Common areas treated include: