Acupressure Therapist

Acupressure Therapist is a natural therapy technique whereby trained professionals use their fingers and hands to stimulate and apply precise pressure to certain specific points on a person's body (pressure points) that are distributed along the energy channels of the human body. These pressure points are part of our body's own energy system which circulates and directs life-force energy throughout the body.

Acupressure Treatment

Acupressure is used to alleviate pain, muscle tension and discomfort. Treatment is usually provided on the skin, but can be applied through thin clothing as well. Acupressure Therapists use their fingers, knuckles, palms or elbows to apply non-invasive deep pressure to various pressure points. The points that are targeted are located along 12 main channels that can be stimulated to balance the flow of life energy within the body and treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Acupressure treatment is a safe and gentle form of alternative medicine that can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress

Acupressure aligns with principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views various elements of the human form as existing in accordance with natural principles that comprise Qi (life force), Yin and Yang. Proper Qi flow is also understood to promote harmony and bring about the balance necessary for good health. As a holistic practice, such beliefs also promote positive thought and exercise as additional means of achieving greater well-being.

Acupressure and Acupuncture

Acupressure differs from acupuncture, which mainly deals with meridians and points on the human body with needles or fine wires, and also from Shiatsu, which is performed by using the thumb, fingers and palm to apply pressure to points on the body's surface to correct imbalances in the body's energy flow. With acupressure, physical pressure is applied using the thumbs or palms of the hands on targeted pressure points to release and promote the flow of energy throughout the body.

Training and Education

Individuals interested in pursuing a certification in acupressure will be able to do so through an online program and/or by way of intensive on-site instruction. Training and education to become a certified Acupressure Therapist typically takes about 200 hours. Coursework commonly includes topics such as:

• Acupressure history and theory
• Acupressure techniques
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathology
• Ethics
• Business practices

After completing a certification program, acupressure therapists may choose to seek national certification through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM certification is the highest level of certification available for acupressure therapists in the United States. Self-employed therapists who work for themselves typically must obtain business licenses depending on the municipality in which they live and do business. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but typically include obtaining general liability insurance.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for acupressure therapists is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. This is due to the increasing popularity of acupuncture and other alternative therapies. Acupressure therapists can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Acupuncture clinics
• Massage therapy clinics
• Chiropractic offices
• Wellness centers
• Hospitals
• Private practice

Skills and Qualities

Acupressure therapists need to have a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology. They also need to be able to work with their hands and have good communication skills. Other important skills and qualities for acupressure therapists include:

• Compassion
• Empathy
• Patience
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Professionalism

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about acupressure. Online courses in Acupressure provide a convenient and affordable way to learn about the human body and the principles of acupressure. Online courses in acupressure can cover topics such as acupressure theory, acupressure techniques, and acupressure for specific conditions. Online courses can also provide hands-on training, such as video demonstrations of acupressure techniques. Students who take online courses in acupressure can learn how to use acupressure to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health and wellness.

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about acupressure, but they are not enough to prepare you for a career as an acupressure therapist. To become an acupressure therapist, you will need to complete a training program and obtain certification.