East Bay Acupressure Center in Pleasanton - Theraputic Massage

A Specific form of Therapeutic Massage

Often called "acupuncture without needles" acupressure seeks to remedy illness through the application of deep finger pressure at points located along an invisible system of energy channels called meridians. Acupressure massage can be used over general areas of the body to promote Qi and Blood flow through the meridian stagnation. There are many different ways of stimulating the points in acupressure treatments, but the most basic one is also the most important and effective. That method is simply holding the acupoints. In this way the acupressurist can contact the Qi energy the strongest way, release the Qi blockage most thoroughly, and channel the Qi through the body most effectively to the patient. To understand the importance of releasing these points of Qi blockage and muscular tightening, it may be helpful to look briefly at the "development of chronic tension. Because a muscle is tight or tense, the circulation of Blood and Qi through it is impeded and the "fatigue toxin" (by-products of muscle work) build up. These cause the muscles to tense further, and eventually the facial tissues (which surround muscles and enable their smooth movement) begin to adhere together. These "facial adhesions" create larger and larger, harder and harder masses of muscle tension, which build up larger and larger blocks of stagnated Qi. Almost everyone has many tense, hard, and blocked points. Using an epidermal touch will release a person's Qi flow to some degree and then this flow will itself begin to carry some of the stagnant Qi away. It is necessary to release, direct, and balance Qi flow so that the body can maintain a normal function of balancing itself, and also so that tension release can be easier and gentler" (Teeguarden, Iona Acupressure Way of Health). Acupressure thus helps to relieve fatigue, restore circulation, balance Yin and Yang energies, stimulate organs and glands, and tone the muscles and ligaments.

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The Difference Between Acupressure and Acupuncture?

Not much. Specific points are based on the same type of diagnosis that is used in acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture uses thin disposable needles to penetrate the points, while Acupressure uses pressure of the hands, much like a massage (more information can be found in Tom Williams' Chinese Medicine, A Comprehensive System for Health and Fitness).  However, when using the two in combination for treatment, maximum effectiveness will be achieved.  The doctor will recommend the combination of acupuncture and acupressure when the illness is chronic, long standing, for quicker results, or maximum effectiveness.

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Acupressure at the Eastern Medical Center

Dr. Long oversees the use of Osteopathy and acupressure to help this patient with an injury on the job due to repetitive movements. The combination of acupressure and osteopathy offered at our clinic is valuable for a patient. The acupressure portion includes the correct pressure applied to the patient at the specific acupressure points located along the body, depending on whether the aim is to tonify, to reduce, or to achieve a more neutral, calming effect.  The osteopathy portion works with the bones of the spinal cord, including the cervical, thoracic region, and the lumbar and sacral regions. Perfect for neck and back problems! During treatment, Dr. Long uses a combination of specialized treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine technology for a variety of ailments. Acupressure by stimulation of acupoints combined with the acupressurist's experiences of Bone Setting and Manipulation work together for such injuries as bone and joint trauma; and soft tissue injury. Other specialties in treatment includes injuries from falls, sports injuries, car accidents, work injuries causing whole body pains such as neck, back pain, headache, limb and body paralysis pain, bone disease, bone tuberculosis, infections, rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis (proliferate arthritis), stiff joints, woman problems, skin conditions, etc.  Good clinical results have been achieved using these methods.

He has proven to have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of Internal Medicines, as well as Dermatology, Gynecology, and Ophthalmology. Methods Include: Manipulation, Bone Setting, Acupuncture, Oral and External use of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Surgical Operations and so on.

Effective for Relaxation and General Health

There is general agreement that the technique can relieve muscle and joint aches and pains, promote deep relaxation and relief of tension, and improve general vitality. Acupressure combined with acupuncture is also a reasonably effective remedy for headache pain, using points on the hands and feet as well as the neck.