| Definition | What to Expect | Benefits |

What is Accupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure is a form of body work in which pressure is applied to these specific points to balance internal function.

Acupressure is practiced around the world. It uses the same points as with acupuncture, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle pressure on the points. The points are held until they "release" - to encourage the release of muscular tension, sedate or invigorate the nervous system and help the body to deeply relax.

A typical acupressure session is done in a relaxing environment and does not require removal of the client's clothing.

What are the benefits of Accupressure?

Accupressure can help with:

• Back Pain
• Relaxation
• Headaches/migraines
• Anxiety/Stress
• Smoking Cessation and Drug Withdrawal
• Weight Management
• Much, much more - Click here for a full description of the items listed above and other maladies that may benefit from accupressure.

What can I expect from an Accupressure session?

The therapeutic use of massage by a practitioner at Wellness Through Balance affects all the systems of the body - the muscular, lymphatic, circulatory and nervous systems are all either sedated or stimulated, depending upon the needs of the client.

The practitioner always starts a session asking about any particular health concerns or "problem areas" that the client wants to be addressed in the session. The practitioner will then discuss what the client can expect from the session to address those concerns. Please ask any questions that you may have - we want you to understand what we will be doing so that you can be an integral part your health care!

The client is fully clothed during a session, but please wear loose, unrestrictive clothing. A client will be asked to remove their socks and shoes as a foot massage/treatment is part of the session.

First, the client will receive a foot massage with special attention on certain points on their feet that correspond with the "problem areas" on the rest of their body. Usually a client is so relaxed after this that they can drift off in peace.

Then the practitioner puts gentle but firm pressure on proscribed points of the legs, arms, upper chest (around the collar bone), neck and back. The client may feel a slight discomfort when the points are first pressed due to the localized build up of tension. However, as the point is pressed and "released" the client may feel a feeling of tension being "washed away" and pain/discomfort even in other parts of the body will be alleviated.

By the end of a session the client will usually have improved their breathing, muscular range of motion, and emerge deeply relaxed. There may very well be a decrease in the health concerns that were discussed in only one session, but usually it will take a number of sessions for lasting reductions in health symptoms.

After the session, the practitioner will discuss these health concerns and offer a strategy to address them. Our clients are encouraged to participate in their health care, and we welcome their input.

We are located at 381 Hubbard Street in Glastonbury, CT 06033. You can call 860-306-2057 to sign up for a massage.

Feel free to email us at info@wellnessthroughbalance.com for more information as well.