Press the Point .com
Your Guide to Pressure Points on the Body
Your Guide to Pressure Points on the Body
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Pressure Point FAQs
Pressure Point FAQ's
What is a pressure point?
A pressure point is a spot on the body that is sensitive to pressure. This can be a nerve cluster or sensitive areas of muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, arteries or veins. Pressure points are used by martial artists to cause pain or compliance in their opponents. They are also utilized in therapy and by masseuses. Acupressure and Shiatsu focus on pressure points to treat the human body.
Where are pressure points?
You
can find pressure points on every part of the body. Since we are
symmetrical creatures, similar pressure points exist on both sides. If
there is one on the right side, there is a corresponding one on the
left. If there is a pressure point in the hand, there is an
equivalent one in the foot. The best known pressure points are
vulnerable areas of the body like the eyes, groin and solar plexus.
Less
obvious pressure points include the Achilles tendon, the meaty flesh
next to your thumb and the spot directly under your ear.
Why do pressure points hurt?
When pressure is applied to a pressure point it pinches nerves or
disrupts a normal operation of the body. When a nerve is pinched
against a bone or muscle it shoots an signal of pain to the
brain. When blood flow or air is cut off, the body reacts with pain to
urge the body to restore normal function. Pain is also the reaction
when joint pressure points are pushed to the limit to warn people that
damage may occur if the pressure is not removed. When pressure points are
manipulated in a therapeutic way, they can stimulate feelings of
pleasure and euphoria. There is often a fine line between sensations of pleasure and pain.
How do pressure points help?
By temporarily disrupting bodily functions, pressure points can restore correct flow and balance. Pressure point manipulation is believed to cure a long list of ailments. Back pain is usually among the most commonly referenced since it is so wide spread. Every style of pressure point manipulation has a broad spectrum of techniques to treat back pain. Many people turn to these techniques when traditional western treatments produce poor results. Pressure points are also said to treat ailments such as depression, reproductive issues, and negative states of mind like anger.What is the history of pressure points?
Pressure points have been used in medicine and martial arts since
ancient times. They were of particular importance in Asian cultures.
Martial artists developed pressure point attacks to subdue and repel
their opponents. Because pressure points are so sensitive, a small
amount of effort causes an extreme amount of pain. Martial artists
learned to defend themselves against larger and stronger opponents
using pressure points. The ancient Chinese treatment of acupressure
Can everyone feel pressure points?
No. Most people react to pressure points and can be helped or harmed by their manipulation, however between 10 and 15 percent of people are "non-reactors." They don't feel much pleasure or pain from pressure-point manipulation. There are no clear-cut indicators to predict which people will be reactors and which will be non-reactors. It seems that some people are built with sensitive nerves while others are not. It is also possible for someone to feel certain pressure points on their body while not feeling others.
