This article will give you some points to understand the basic difference between acupuncture and acupressure. So read on and get enlightened.
Among the various holistic approaches that people have taken to, to treat various ailments and conditions like arthritis, allergies, migraines, menstrual cramps, etc., the Chinese options of acupuncture and acupressure have become quite the favorite among a lot of people. These treatments offer methods by which one can help the unrestricted flow of chi or qi within the body. An uninterrupted flow of chi is what helps the body maintain its health. When this flow of ‘breath’ is disturbed, it leads to distressing conditions, which in turn leads to physical ailments. Acupuncture and acupressure focus on harmonizing the flow of chi by stimulating the meridians which carry it around the body. How then are they different? If you’ve been wondering this for quite some time, this is the day you’ll find the answer. This HolisticZine article will tell you how different they are. All you have to do is proceed to the following section of the article
Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure
Both are Chinese forms of medicine that have been used since ancient times, both involve the location and stimulation of the meridians in the body. They’re so similar that not many will realize how different they are. But are they really that different? If they are, then how so? Want to find out? Well that’s exactly what we’re going to tell you in this section of the article. Given below is a table with information about both acupuncture and acupressure. By reading the points of subtle and some not so subtle distinctions between them, you’re sure to get all your doubts cleared.
| Acupuncture Vs. Acupressure | |
| Acupuncture | Acupressure |
| Acupuncture, or Zhen Jiu is the practice of stimulating the meridians in the body by using needles. These needles are hair thin, and made of metal. | Acupressure, or Zhi Ya too, involves stimulating the meridians. However, it does not make use of any needles to do it. The most commonly used tools for practicing acupressure are the fingers of the practitioner, and sometimes even the elbows are used. |
| As the name suggests, the needles used in the practice of acupuncture, ‘puncture’ the skin at various acupuncture points. This means that they pierce through the skin and are then stimulated by way of electric activity or the practitioner’s fingers. | In the practice of acupressure, the practitioner applies a specified amount of ‘pressure’ at the various acupressure points using his or her fingers and maybe elbows. |
| Acupuncture is a practice which involves the locating and puncturing the specific points in the body with very thin needles. Hence, it is a very precise form of medicine and cannot afford any miscalculations. | Acupressure, when compared to acupuncture, covers a wider area around the body. This is because the practitioner’s fingers are wider compared to the needles used in acupuncture. Hence, it does not require the level of precision that acupuncture does. |
| The practice of acupuncture is a very accurate one. It takes years of practice and needs to be done very carefully and precisely. Hence, it can be difficult, not to mention, more expensive to find a practitioner of acupuncture. | Acupressure is a much easier practice, compared to acupuncture. It can even be learned by a layman. There are a lot of books and websites which teach people how they can practice acupressure on their own. Needless to say it works out much easier and cheaper than acupuncture. |
| Since acupuncture requires puncturing the skin, it carries with it a higher risk, if not practiced by a learned and experienced practitioner. | Since acupressure does not involve any tools and any piercing, it carries little to no risks and can be performed even by an inexperienced person. |
| Acupuncture is a very precise form of medicine. Hence its effects tend to last for a long period. | Since acupressure is a less precise form of treatment, its effects are short lived, and can wear off earlier than those of acupuncture. |
As you can see, though both acupuncture and acupressure are similar, they’re also quite different. Both have proven to be very effective in helping people get respite from various ailments. And now that you know about how different they are, you can make your choice about which one you’d like to go for!
