The Principle Behind Accupressure 

When we are hurt, we instinctively hold the affected part and massage or press it to ease the pain. This is because pain in that part of the body can be temporarily eased by pressure over that pain. A headache can often be relieved by pressure on the temples.

Over thousands of years, this principle was redefined into a fine art as it was seen that pressure at various parts of the body could alleviate problems elsewhere in the body. Gradually it was found that pressure with a sharp object appeared to be more effective than pressure applied with the fingers. This was the origin of the art of acupressure.

A form of acupressure and martial art called Kalaripayatt is practised extensively in south India especially in Kerala. This form of treatment spread from India to Indonesia and Japan around two thousand years ago and gave rise to Shiatsu and the various Japanese martial arts. The Japanese form of acupressure is called "Shiatsu" and is a highly developed form of treatment. The knowledge of pressure points is also used in the Japanese martial arts like karate and Judo.

Benefits of Accupressure

Acupressure is a useful means of treatment as it can be carried out without any special equipment. Accupressure relieve pain, trauma, fatigue and lack of energy and promote relaxation and strengthen our resistance to disease .