What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

In a typical acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist places needles into acupuncture points. Acupressure is essentially acupuncture without the needles. It's the practice of using your hands (and sometimes other tools that don’t break the skin barrier) to apply pressure to acupuncture points. This pressure mimics the effects of an acupuncture needle being placed in the point.

Since Press This Point is focused on providing self-care information that you can apply on your own, the point recommendations are all considered acupressure. No self-needling please!

Is it safe to press acupuncture points?

There are no known negative side effects to applying manual pressure to acupuncture points. The relatively few side effects that have been reported from acupuncture almost always involve needling. Some acupuncture points, when pressed firmly, can produce a very strong sensation. If it becomes too much for you, just ease up on the pressure until you find a comfortable level. For points that are known to produce a strong sensation, we usually mention it in the episode. Some acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy, which we’ll always call out.

When you say acupuncture points can be used for “self-healing,” does that mean I should only press the points on myself?

No, but great question. By all means, acupuncture points should be pressed on yourself, and that’s probably the most common way Press This Point information will be used. Self-applied acupressure is a wonderful way to not only heal every day ailments but also make tactile connections that help ground you in your body — something we can all use more of when we spend so much time in our heads and on devices.

However, when we refer to self-healing, we also mean that acupuncture points can be used to self-generate health in other people. The driving idea behind acupuncture is that we’re already in possession of everything we need to be well. Rather than focusing on what’s missing, and adding something to fill the gap, acupuncture takes what’s already there and rearranges it to restore balance and resolve symptoms. When you press an acupuncture point on another person, you help them engage their inherent healing mechanisms. You help them self-heal.

Can I search the episodes you’ve done to see if any discuss points that can help with my condition?

Yes! Just enter your condition in the search box at the top of the homepage. That will pull up any episodes that mention your condition.

What if my condition hasn’t been addressed in an episodes so far?

If you’ve tried searching for your condition at the top of the homepage and came up empty, write to us. We can’t accommodate all requests, but we’ll do our best to create an episode for a point that addresses your condition soon.

How can I get notified when new episodes come out?

There are two ways to stay on top of new episodes: 1) Subscribe to Press This Point in whatever podcast app you use. 2) Subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll send you an email when new episodes drop.

Why are some points recommended for more than one condition?

Acupuncture works by addressing underlying patterns of disharmony, not specific symptoms, so most acupuncture points have a variety of uses. It’s very common for the same acupuncture point to be used for seemingly unrelated symptoms from a Western-medical perspective. Within Chinese medicine, the overlap makes complete sense.

How do I know if I’m in the right spot?

With some acupuncture points, you’ll know it when you’re on it! Sensation can be strong when firm pressure is applied to certain points. However, that’s not always the case. Point location is important, so we recommend listening closely to the episodes, then following up on the website for a photograph and written description of the point.

That said, point location is not everything. Acupuncture points exist along meridians, the pathways through which energy moves throughout the body. So even if you’re not in the exact right spot, chances are good that you may still be applying pressure to the appropriate meridian.

Intention also influences outcomes. If you’re pressing a point with one hand and checking your phone with the other, it’s probably not going to do much. When you perform acupressure on yourself or someone else, you’re moving energy. Commit to a location for the point you want to press, then close your eyes and focus on that area. Visualize it easing whatever is ailing you or your loved one. Be present and put intention behind what you’re doing. It will make a difference.

What should I do if a point isn’t helping?

Acupuncture is based on the idea that everyone has a unique constitution and combination of factors influencing their health. We all react differently — a point that worked wonders for your friend may not be as effective for you. Finding self-care tools that resonate is individualistic and largely a game of trial and error. You have to figure out through experience what works for you.

The good news is, there’s no harm in experimenting with acupuncture points because there are no side effects. Worst-case scenario, a point doesn’t fix your symptom but you spend a few minutes breathing consciously and bringing awareness to your body. That alone will help calm your nervous system and refresh you on your search for solutions.

Can I do these points on my kids?

Yes. In fact, Press This Point host Sara Calabro wrote a whole book about it! Acupuncture points are amazing tools for kids. By watching and feeling their parents perform acupressure on them, kids internalize the idea that their bodies are strong and capable of self-healing. Pressing acupuncture points is safe for children of all ages. With infants, use very light pressure, especially on points on the head, but trust your instincts and remember that acupressure is a very low-risk therapy relative to drugs and other interventions. To learn more about using acupuncture points on kids, check out Heal Your Kids With Acupressure.

If I’m using your point recommendations to treat myself, do I still need to visit my acupuncturist and doctors?

Self-administered acupressure is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners. Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with low-risk therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you'll want to visit an acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms. It’s impossible to offer personalize healthcare in the form of a podcast. The information provided by Press This Point should not be considered medical advice.