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Acupressure versus Acupuncture
The Differences & Benefits
Acupressure and Acupuncture are two ancient healing modalities from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Both approaches use the same meridians and points. They differ in method, intensity, and application. Understanding these differences can help you choose the approach that best supports your health, stress management, pain relief or overall wellness.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a therapeutic practice that uses the hands, fingers, elbows, and other parts of the body to stimulate specific therapeutic points along the meridians. The acupressure points are also referred to as trigger points, acupuncture points, or healing energy points. Pressing these points releases muscular tension, improves circulation, and enhances the body’s self-healing ability. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure does not involve needles, making it accessible for self-care as a daily healing practice.
The benefits of acupressure are wide-ranging. Regular practice can relieve muscle pain and tension, reduce stress, and promote deep physical and emotional healing. Stimulating key acupoints strengthens the body’s resistance to disease, supports overall wellness, and improves mental clarity and energy flow that’s necessary for well-being..
The benefits of acupressure are wide-ranging. Regular practice can relieve muscle pain and tension, reduce stress, and promote deep physical and emotional healing. Stimulating key acupoints strengthens the body’s resistance to disease, supports overall wellness, and improves mental clarity and energy flow that’s necessary for well-being..
Styles of Acupressure
Different acupressure styles vary in technique, rhythm, and pressure. Understanding these styles can help you select a method that aligns with your body’s condition and your healing goals:
Styles
Techniques
Pressure & Duration
Shiatsu
Techniques
Japanese bodywork style using finger, thumb, fist, foot and palm pressure.
Pressure & Duration
Firm, rhythmic pressure held for 3–5 seconds leaning your body weight
Jin Shin
Techniques
Slowly applying gentle to deep pressure of two or more points
Pressure & Duration
Held at different depths of pressure for 1 to 3 minutes, advanced practitioners can hold up to 5 minutes
Tuina (Tui Na)
Techniques
Strong, energetic Chinese Massage techniques
Pressure & Duration
Rigorous hand movements for stimulating the Qi circulation of healing energy
Swedish Massage
Techniques
Western full-body oil massage
Pressure & Duration
Relaxing, gentle strokes using oils or lotions
Thai Massage
Techniques
Full body stretches integrated with Shiatsu techniques
Pressure & Duration
Compresses and stretches all areas of the body using firm pressure for structural integration
Acupressure is also closely tied to energy work, including Reiki and other forms of life energy healing. By channeling Qi energy through acupoints, practitioners can enhance circulation, restore balance, and support holistic health. Applying acupressure point therapeutics can complement the effectiveness of various touch therapies, self-care routines, and professional massage therapy.
Benefits of acupressure include:
- Relieving stress and muscle tension
- Strengthening the body’s natural self-healing capacity
- Emotional Balancing & Healing Trauma including PTSD
- Mental Health for Memory & Clear Thinking
- Anti-Aging, longevity, beautification, and vitality
- Women’s health: Balancing menstruation & menopausal issues
- Pain Relief - Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, pressure & stiffness
- Sports Applications, Stamina, Endurance & Injury
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture shares the same acupoints and meridians as acupressure, but it uses fine needles inserted into the skin to stimulate the flow of Qi energy. The needles create a precise energetic response, often offering faster or deeper pain relief for musculoskeletal issues.
Acupuncture is typically performed by trained practitioners who may also integrate herbal medicine and other TCM therapies for a holistic approach. While acupuncture requires professional administration, it is highly effective for conditions that require targeted treatment or deeper stimulation of the body’s energy pathways.
Acupuncture is commonly used to:
- Reduce chronic pain and tension
- Address energy imbalances or Qi blockages
- And all of the benefits listed for acupressure
Comparing Acupressure and Acupuncture
While acupressure and acupuncture share a common foundation, the main differences are in method, intensity, and accessibility. Acupressure uses touch and pressure, making it safe, flexible, and suitable for self-care. Acupuncture uses needles to reach deeper layers of energy, under professional supervision. Both therapies promote healing, balance, and wellness, and complement each other when used together.
Feature
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Method
Acupressure
Hands, fingers, elbows, knees, or feet for applying pressure
Acupuncture
Fine needles inserted into the skin at specific points
Intensity
Acupressure
Gentle, firm or deep pressure
Acupuncture
Deep, precise stimulation
Accessibility
Acupressure
Can be self-administered
Acupuncture
Requires licensed practitioner
Safety
Acupressure
Safe for most ages
Acupuncture
Safe under professional supervision
Integration
Acupressure
Combines with massage, Reiki, energy work, Qigong, stretching
Acupuncture
Often combined with TCM herbs and lifestyle therapy
Cost & Convenience
Acupressure
Lower cost, daily self-care possible
Acupuncture
Professional visits required
Choosing between acupressure and acupuncture depends on your personal goals, comfort level, and whether you want the professional treatment of needles or the power of touch, human contact and self-care. Acupressure is ideal for ongoing stress relief, energy balance, emotional balancing and relaxation, while acupuncture is often preferred for neuromuscular medical conditions or when professional oversight is desired. Both practices share the same acupoints, making them complementary for holistic healing.
Getting Started with Acupressure
To begin practicing acupressure, start by familiarizing yourself with the key points and meridians. Books, DVDs, and online courses provide step-by-step instructions for self-acupressure formulas designed to relieve stress, pain, and energy imbalances. Incorporating acupressure into your routine supports relaxation, promotes healing, and complements other therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic and physical therapy.
For those interested in energy work, your healing practice can be enhanced by combining acupressure with Reiki for instance. By focusing on points where Qi flows most freely, you can achieve profound physical and emotional balance, creating a holistic self-care practice rooted in centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicinal knowledge.
For those interested in energy work, your healing practice can be enhanced by combining acupressure with Reiki for instance. By focusing on points where Qi flows most freely, you can achieve profound physical and emotional balance, creating a holistic self-care practice rooted in centuries of Traditional Chinese Medicinal knowledge.
Acupressure Online Trainings
These certification programs, personally taught by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D.,
make it easy for you to learn and use Acupressure. You’ll gain a deep
understanding for your personal and professional growth.
make it easy for you to learn and use Acupressure. You’ll gain a deep
understanding for your personal and professional growth.
Acupressure
Online Trainings
Online Trainings
These certification programs, personally taught by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., make it easy for you to learn and use Acupressure. You’ll gain a deep understanding for your personal and professional growth.
See All of Michael Reed Gach's Course Offerings