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Michael Eric Everson

The theory behind acupressure is that the human body has a network of energy pathways, known as meridians, through which life force energy, or "qi," flows. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when the flow of qi is disrupted, it can lead to pain, illness, and other health problems. By applying pressure to specific acupoints along these meridians, acupressure is believed to help balance the flow of qi and promote healing.

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The theory behind acupressure is that the human body has a network of energy pathways, known as meridians, through which life force energy, or "qi," flows. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when the flow of qi is disrupted, it can lead to pain, illness, and other health problems. By applying pressure to specific acupoints along these meridians, acupressure is believed to help balance the flow of qi and promote healing.

Acupressure can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including headaches, back pain, menstrual cramps, anxiety, and digestive problems, among others. It is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner and can be used alone or in conjunction with other forms of medical treatments.

You can study and complete this entire course in the comfort of your own home with lifetime access to the videos in case you need to go back, review and re-inspire yourself.

In this course you are going to learn:

> Practical Acupressure application for the most common issues and aches

> Massage techniques for all over the body from the feet all the way to the head

> A variety of techniques and reasoning why you would perform them on certain areas

> Massage techniques that anyone from beginner to pro can learn to elevate their health and wellness practice

Enroll now. Grow your knowledge base and practice today.

*Accredited for 2.5 CEUs through the NCBTMB 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • A comprehensive practical guide to acupressure application for the most common issues and aches
  • Massage techniques that anyone from beginner to pro can learn to elevate their health and wellness practice
  • Includes a fully illustrated 31 page pdf course guide
  • Accredited ceu course through the national certification board for therapeutic massage & bodywork (ncbtmb)

Syllabus

Introduction
Download the 31 Page PDF Course Guide
Getting to Know Acupressure
What is QI?
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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Acupressure Massage Therapy Certificate Course (2.5 CEU). These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Acupressure Massage Therapy Certificate Course (2.5 CEU) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Acupressure Practitioner
An Acupressure Practitioner specializes in applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to stimulate natural healing processes. This course is exceptionally well-suited for anyone aspiring to become an Acupressure Practitioner, as it provides a comprehensive practical guide to acupressure application for common issues and aches. Learners will delve into the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine, including the intricate network of meridians, the flow of "qi," and the Five Phases of Transformation. Furthermore, the course teaches essential client assessment techniques such as questioning, pulse reading, and tongue reading, alongside diverse application methods like circular pressure and fingertip pressure. By covering specific treatments for conditions ranging from headaches and back pain to stress and digestive issues, this course equips you with the detailed knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively support clients seeking natural wellness and pain relief. It also provides CEU accreditation through the NCBTMB, affirming its professional standard.
Massage Therapist
As a Massage Therapist, you provide therapeutic touch to clients, often specializing in various modalities to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. This course offers a significant advantage for aspiring or current Massage Therapists, as acupressure massage is a recognized and valuable form of bodywork. The curriculum provides practical acupressure application for common issues and aches, expanding your repertoire of massage techniques for the entire body. It thoroughly explores the underlying principles of traditional Chinese medicine, such as meridians and qi, which enhance your understanding of energy pathways relevant to all forms of bodywork. The course’s focus on client examination, including questioning and assessment techniques like pulse and tongue reading, will refine your ability to tailor treatments effectively. With its NCBTMB CEU accreditation, this course is particularly valuable for professional development, helping you to elevate your health and wellness practice and offer a distinct, specialized service to clients.
Bodywork Therapist
A Bodywork Therapist uses various manual techniques to improve bodily function, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being. This course provides an excellent foundation for a Bodywork Therapist, offering in-depth training in acupressure massage, a sophisticated manual therapy. You will learn the practical application of acupressure for a wide range of common ailments, from musculoskeletal pain to stress and digestive problems. The course’s comprehensive exploration of traditional Chinese medicine principles, including the 14 meridians and the concept of "qi," provides a robust theoretical framework for understanding the body's energy systems. By mastering diverse massage techniques, client assessment methods like questioning and pulse reading, and specific treatment protocols, you will be well-prepared to integrate acupressure into a broader bodywork practice. This skill set helps build a distinctive and effective approach to client care, making you a versatile and sought-after practitioner in the field of manual therapies.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Assistant
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Assistant supports practitioners in delivering care based on ancient healing philosophies, often helping with client intake, treatment preparation, and adjunctive therapies. This course is highly beneficial for a prospective Traditional Chinese Medicine Assistant, as it provides a strong foundation in the core principles of TCM. You will gain knowledge of "qi," the 5 Phases of Transformation, the 5 Basic Substances, and the 8 Key Principles, which are fundamental to all TCM modalities. The curriculum's focus on the 14 meridians and their relevance to health directly correlates with the energetic anatomy central to TCM. Furthermore, the course teaches practical client assessment methods, including questioning, pulse reading, and tongue reading, skills directly applicable in a TCM clinic. While becoming a full TCM practitioner typically requires extensive advanced schooling, this course offers an invaluable entry point, helping you understand foundational theories and practical applications that will make you a highly competent and valuable assistant.
Integrative Health Practitioner
An Integrative Health Practitioner guides clients by combining conventional medical approaches with complementary and alternative therapies to promote holistic well-being. This course offers very relevant knowledge for an Integrative Health Practitioner looking to incorporate manual therapies. It provides practical acupressure application for common issues and aches, and a deep dive into traditional Chinese medicine principles such as meridian theory and the flow of "qi." Understanding these concepts allows you to offer a robust, non-invasive therapeutic option for conditions like pain, anxiety, and digestive problems. The ability to perform client assessments through questioning, pulse reading, and tongue reading, as taught in this course, also enhances your overall diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities within an integrative framework. While this role often involves advanced degrees or extensive clinical training, the course helps build a strong foundation in a potent complementary modality, enriching your ability to offer diverse healing strategies to clients.
Reflexologist
A Reflexologist applies pressure to specific reflex points, typically on the feet, hands, and ears, which correspond to different organs and systems of the body, to promote healing and relaxation. While reflexology focuses on specific zones, its core principle of stimulating healing through pressure points is closely aligned with acupressure. This course is beneficial for a Reflexologist as it broadens your understanding of energetic pathways (meridians) across the entire body, offering a complementary perspective on how pressure application influences systemic health. The practical acupressure application techniques for various conditions, coupled with the foundational knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine theories like "qi" and the Five Phases, can deepen your grasp of energetic healing. This understanding can inform your reflexology practice, helping you to identify and address underlying imbalances more comprehensively and enriching your overall client support and therapeutic approach.
Pain Management Assistant
A Pain Management Assistant supports healthcare professionals in helping patients alleviate chronic or acute pain through various therapeutic interventions. This course is particularly helpful for a Pain Management Assistant because acupressure massage is a non-pharmacological method for addressing a wide range of painful conditions. The curriculum explicitly covers specific acupressure treatments for common issues like headaches, back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, and foot pain – all frequent concerns in pain management. By understanding how to apply circular pressure, fingertip pressure, and other massage techniques to specific acupoints, you help build a valuable skill set for offering complementary pain relief. The knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine principles also provides a broader context for understanding pain and healing, allowing you to contribute to a more holistic approach to patient care within a medical setting.
Holistic Health Coach
A Holistic Health Coach guides clients towards improved well-being by addressing mind, body, and spirit, often incorporating diverse lifestyle and alternative health strategies. This course can be highly beneficial for a Holistic Health Coach seeking to broaden their understanding of complementary therapies. It provides a practical introduction to acupressure, a natural healing modality that can be recommended or even incorporated into client sessions for issues such as stress, anxiety, digestive problems, and sleep difficulties. The course's exploration of traditional Chinese medicine principles, including "qi" and meridians, helps build a foundational knowledge of energetic health. This allows you to explain the benefits of such practices to clients with greater confidence and depth. By understanding acupressure applications and self-massage techniques, you can empower your clients with practical tools for self-care, enhancing your coaching services with evidence-informed, holistic approaches to health and vitality.
Health and Wellness Educator
A Health and Wellness Educator develops and delivers programs and information to promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention in communities or organizations. This course can be a valuable asset for a Health and Wellness Educator, as it provides a deep understanding of acupressure massage and its foundational principles in traditional Chinese medicine. You will learn about "qi," meridians, and the Five Phases of Transformation, which are key concepts for explaining holistic health approaches. The course covers practical applications for a variety of common issues, from stress and anxiety to digestive problems and various types of pain, equipping you with concrete examples of how alternative therapies can support well-being. This knowledge enables you to educate your audience effectively on non-invasive self-care techniques like acupressure and Qigong, helping to build a more comprehensive and diverse wellness curriculum for your programs.
Spa Therapist
A Spa Therapist offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments, including various forms of massage, facials, and body wraps, in a serene, client-focused environment. This course may be helpful for a Spa Therapist looking to expand their service offerings with a specialized and highly regarded modality. Acupressure massage is a distinctive form of bodywork that can attract clients seeking deep relaxation and targeted relief for specific issues. The course provides practical acupressure application for common issues and aches across the body, from head to foot, making you capable of delivering a diverse array of treatments. By also learning client assessment techniques, you can better tailor the spa experience to individual needs. Your expertise in traditional Chinese medicine principles related to "qi" and meridians will also allow you to articulate the unique benefits of these specialized services, elevating your professional profile within the competitive spa industry.
Health Promotion Coordinator
A Health Promotion Coordinator plans, organizes, and evaluates programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and prevent illness in specific populations or communities. This course may be useful for a Health Promotion Coordinator as it provides a solid understanding of acupressure massage and its underlying traditional Chinese medicine theories. You gain insight into a non-invasive, accessible modality for addressing common health issues such as stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and various pains, which are all pertinent to public health outcomes. Knowledge of "qi" and meridians helps build a holistic perspective that can be integrated into health campaigns and educational materials. By understanding practical applications and even self-massage techniques, you can identify opportunities to incorporate these principles into community workshops or resources, empowering individuals with knowledge and practices for self-care, thereby enriching the scope and impact of your health promotion efforts.
Yoga Instructor
A Yoga Instructor guides students through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. This course may be useful for a Yoga Instructor seeking to deepen their understanding of the body's energetic systems and enhance their teaching. The course's exploration of "qi" and meridians, fundamental concepts in traditional Chinese medicine, resonates strongly with the energy flow principles observed in yoga. Learning about acupressure points and their effects on conditions like stress, anxiety, and various pains can inform your verbal cues and hands-on adjustments. The inclusion of breath work and Qigong, a gentle movement practice, directly complements yoga's emphasis on breath and mindful movement. This integrated knowledge helps build a more holistic approach to wellness, enriching your ability to support students in their practice and provide a broader context for their physical and energetic experiences.
Wellness Program Manager
A Wellness Program Manager designs, implements, and oversees health and wellness initiatives for organizations, focusing on employee well-being and productivity. This course may be helpful for a Wellness Program Manager to gain insight into a valuable complementary healing modality. Understanding acupressure massage, its theoretical foundations in traditional Chinese medicine, and its practical application for common issues like stress, anxiety, and pain, enables you to evaluate and potentially incorporate such services into corporate wellness programs. Knowledge of "qi" and meridians provides a broader perspective on holistic health strategies. This insight allows you to create more diverse and inclusive wellness offerings, such as workshops on self-massage or Qigong, which can empower employees with accessible tools for self-care and stress reduction, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and appeal of wellness initiatives under your management.
Restorative Movement Specialist
A Restorative Movement Specialist helps clients improve their movement patterns, reduce chronic pain, and recover from physical limitations through gentle exercises and mindful practices. This course may be useful for a Restorative Movement Specialist as it thoroughly addresses various pain conditions through acupressure, offering a complementary approach to pain relief. The practical acupressure application for issues like neck pain, back pain, hip pain, and knee pain can provide alternative strategies for client care. Furthermore, the course's inclusion of Qigong, a practice that combines gentle movement, breath, and meditation to cultivate and balance "qi," directly supports the principles of restorative movement. Understanding the body's meridians and energetic flow helps build a deeper context for how movement influences overall well-being, allowing you to integrate holistic perspectives into your practice and offer a broader spectrum of support for clients seeking pain reduction and improved mobility.
Personal Trainer Certified
A Personal Trainer Certified professional guides clients in developing and implementing personalized fitness programs to achieve health and wellness goals, often incorporating exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle advice. This course may be useful for a Personal Trainer Certified professional who wishes to expand their knowledge of complementary practices that support client recovery and holistic well-being. While not directly about fitness, acupressure techniques for managing pain in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and knees can offer insights into client discomfort. Understanding the concept of "qi" and meridians from traditional Chinese medicine helps build a broader perspective on energetic health, which can subtly inform your advice on client vitality. The course also includes Qigong and self-massage techniques, which you could introduce as recovery or stress-reduction tools, enhancing your value as a comprehensive wellness resource for your clients.

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Acupressure Massage Therapy Certificate Course (2.5 CEU).
A very recent 2022 release that covers the practical application of acupressure for modern lifestyle ailments. It serves as an excellent current reference for the specific treatment protocols listed in the syllabus, such as allergy relief and migraine management. The book’s clear instructions make it a great companion for the course’s practical video demonstrations.
Published within the last five years, this book aligns perfectly with the course’s introductory approach to Qi and the 14 meridians. It serves as an excellent additional reading for beginners who need clear, modern visuals to supplement the course's PDF guide. It is particularly helpful for providing background knowledge on hand preparation and basic pressure techniques.
Is specifically designed for beginners and mirrors the course's goal of making acupressure accessible to anyone. It is particularly useful for the 'Self-Massage' and 'Allergy Relief' sections of the syllabus. It acts as a great review material for students who have completed the course and want a simple handbook for daily use.
Is considered a foundational text in the field and provides a direct practical application for the common aches mentioned in the course syllabus. It is highly useful as a reference tool for locating points and understanding the specific healing benefits of each. While the course provides a certificate, this book adds significant depth to the self-massage and treatment frequency sections of the curriculum.
This laminated chart serves as a quick reference tool for the 14 meridians and major acupoints during practical application. It is published recently and is ideal for students to keep nearby while watching the course videos on leg, foot, and hand pain. It simplifies the complex syllabus into an easy-to-digest visual format.
This recent publication adds breadth to the course by integrating aromatherapy with traditional acupoint stimulation. It is valuable as additional reading for practitioners looking to elevate their health and wellness practice beyond standard massage. The book specifically complements the course sections on stress, anxiety, and respiratory issues.
Published recently, this book provides the broader context of massage therapy in which acupressure is often situated. It is helpful for understanding 'Massage techniques for all over the body' as mentioned in the course description. It serves as excellent background knowledge for students who are entirely new to the field of manual therapy.
This standard textbook used by academic institutions and professional practitioners worldwide to master the 8 Key Principles and 5 Phases of Transformation. It provides the heavy academic depth that a 2.5 CEU course might only touch upon briefly. It vital reference tool for anyone looking to transition from a certificate level to a professional clinical understanding of TCM.
This specialized text expands on the course's modules regarding anxiety, stress, and happiness. It provides specific '3 points for energy' and other emotional balancing protocols that add significant breadth to the general massage techniques. It highly useful reference tool for practitioners working in mental wellness settings.
Published in 2019, this book offers a deep dive into the 'Foot Pain' and 'Foot Acupressure' modules of the course. While reflexology distinct field, the overlap in point stimulation makes thvaluable breadth-adding resource. It popular reference for wellness practitioners looking to expand their service menu.
Is highly recommended for providing the philosophical background of Qi and the Five Phases mentioned in the course introduction. It helps learners understand the 'why' behind the 'how,' making it a perfect supplement for those interested in the intellectual side of TCM. It is widely recognized for its authority in explaining complex Eastern concepts to a Western audience.
This text is frequently used by industry professionals as a portable, high-quality reference for point location and meridian pathways. It specifically details the Heart, Kidney, and Liver meridians covered in the course syllabus with anatomical precision. It is an excellent study aid for the pulse and tongue reading sections of the curriculum.
This atlas useful reference tool for the 'Examining the Client' portion of the course, providing clear surface anatomy for point location. It is specifically helpful for the modules on back, shoulder, and knee pain where precise location is critical. It is highly regarded for its clarity and professional-grade illustrations.
Is essential prerequisite knowledge for any manual therapist to ensure they are applying pressure to the correct anatomical structures. It common textbook for Registered Massage Therapists and manual osteopaths, like the course instructor Michael Eric Everson. It provides the necessary anatomical background to safely perform the neck, back, and hip treatments described in the syllabus.
Regarded as the definitive reference for point location and meridian theory, this book is indispensable for professional-level study. Although focused on acupuncture, the detailed point descriptions are the gold standard for acupressure practitioners seeking precision. It is more valuable as a lifelong reference tool than as a casual introductory read.
Classic introductory text that elaborates on the 5 Phases of Transformation and the 'Five Basic Substances.' It is helpful for providing the cultural and historical background required to fully grasp the course's theoretical modules. It is often recommended as prerequisite reading for those entering massage therapy certification programs.
Provides a very practical, results-oriented approach to treating pain and injuries, which aligns with the course's focus on common aches. It is excellent additional reading for those interested in the 'Practical Acupressure' application for sports-related issues like elbow and foot pain. It is written by a well-known authority in sports medicine and TCM.
Adds depth by connecting the meridian system to Western embryology and fascia, which is highly relevant to manual osteopaths. It provides a unique perspective on the 'De-Qi' feeling and the physical reality of the meridians. It is more valuable as additional reading for those wanting to bridge the gap between alternative and conventional medicine.
Since the course involves massage techniques and meridians, this book on Shiatsu provides a complementary perspective on 'Circular Pressure' and 'Shaking' techniques. It is commonly used as a textbook in bodywork schools and helps the learner understand the flow of Qi in a more dynamic way. It adds depth to the practical activities and frequency of treatment sections.
As the primary source for all TCM, this book provides the ultimate authority on the concepts of Qi and the Governor/Conception vessels. It is more valuable as a historical reference and additional reading for those seeking intellectual curiosity about the origins of the practice. It helps students understand the ancient roots of the 8 Key Principles.
This heavy academic textbook is used by medical professionals to understand how alternative therapies like acupressure fit into modern healthcare. It provides the necessary evidence-based background to support the course's claims about treating nausea and respiratory issues. It is more valuable as a high-level reference for those pursuing professional development in clinical settings.

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