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Review
. 2016 Jul 22;7(2):251-263.
doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004. eCollection 2017 Apr.

Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments

Affiliations
Review

Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments

Piyush Mehta et al. J Tradit Complement Med. .

Abstract

Since time immemorial, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) have played a significant role in human health care. CAM is known to have a strong reputation and reliability within every culture to provide basic health care treatment for patients. CAM acts as a better therapeutic option in human being for treating various diseases and improving quality of life with apt consideration to the economic aspects. Acupressure, one of the known CAM, originated in ancient China is based on the principal of acupoints activation across the meridians which correct the imbalance between Qi. Activation of specific points on the meridians is known to facilitate reduction of pain at the local sites. It also reduces the pain from other body parts. This review outlines various types, devices and mechanisms involved in the acupressure treatment.

Keywords: Acupoints; Acupressure; CAM; Marma and acupressure devices.

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Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Biochemical mechanism of acupressure.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Patented devices (A–J). Acupressure device name: A. Acupressure foot board, B. Acupressure device for fingers, C. Acupressure and reflexology clamp, D. Acupressure device for treating insomnia, E. Automatically modulating acupressure device, F. Adjustable foot acupressure and pain relief platform, G. Electrical plus acupressure system, H. Finger acupressure apparatus, I. Hand-held acupressure device, and J. Massage footwear.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Patented devices (K–S). Acupressure device name: K. Opto-mechatronic acupressure pen, L. Quantitative acupressure device, M. Spinal acupressure device, N. Acupressure instrument for applying rolling pressure to the human body, O. Acupressure device for ear, P. Detachable acupressure device, Q. Acupressure ring, R. Acupressure apparatus for treatment of soft tissue injuries, and S. Acupressure clip.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Patented devices (A–H). Acupressure device name: A. Acupressure apparatus with foot control, B. Acupressure head clamp, C. Acupressure element for cupping device, D. Handheld acupressure applicator, E. Hinged handheld acupressure device, F. Non invasive pain relief apparatus, G. Acupressure device, and H. Point pressure therapy device.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Classification of Marmas points based on anatomy, site and properties.

References

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    1. Tournaire M., Theau-Yonneau A. Complementary and alternative approaches to pain relief during labor. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2007;4:409–417. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary. 27th ed. Thomas Press (I) Ltd; India: 2007.
    1. Andrews S., Dempsey B. 1st ed. John Wiley & Sons; Canada: 2007. Acupressure and Reflexology for Dummies.

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