Acupressure is a type of treatment that sends signals to the body to promote self-healing and wellness and is also used to treat illness and pain. The technique is commonly known as ‘acupuncture without needles’ as it’s guided by the same holistic principles. An imbalance of the body’s energy, or ‘qi’, is thought to be the cause. To cure the imbalance, an acupressure therapist will put pressure on certain ‘acupoints’ to unblock the meridians (energy pathways).

Acupressure unclogs the body's built up energy in the meridian pathways while triggering the release of muscular tension and blood flow. This can help to restore the body to its equilibrium, while also working to relieve a range of physical and emotional ailments.

On this page we will discover the types, benefits and what to expect from an acupressure session. We will also cover self-applied acupressure and what training qualifications and experience you should look for in a therapist.

What are the benefits of acupressure treatment?




Pain relief


Stress relief


Cold and flu treatment


Infertility treatment


The therapy aims to increase blood circulation by pressing certain meridian points - sending oxygen rich blood to the reproductive organs. This helps to ease pelvic congestions, expel toxins and may even reduce inflammation. These are all considered to be important in maintaining healthy reproductive organs.

Maternity acupressure





Emotional healing



What to expect in a session

There are several techniques that can stimulate acupressure points on the human body. The variation will typically depend on the symptoms of the patient. This is because certain acupoints will correspond with certain ailments.

Before your treatment starts, your therapist will ask you what’s troubling you. They do this to find out what techniques to use and what meridian points to target.

You will be fully clothed during the session. However, it is recommended that you wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to lie on a padded table while the therapist massages specific energy points and the surrounding muscles and joints. This shouldn’t be painful and you should only feel slight pressure. If you find it uncomfortable, let your practitioner know. They will then adjust their technique.

An average session will last between 30 and 60 minutes. So make sure you drink plenty of water beforehand to prevent dehydration. Try to keep any food consumption beforehand light and non-spicy. This means if your stomach is massaged, you will not feel any digestive discomfort.

You may require follow-up sessions to ensure the best relief from your symptoms.

A typical course of treatment may involve regular weekly visits for around six weeks. Spreading it out like this will give you time to really determine the effects of treatment. You can then decide whether it is beneficial for you. Above all it will be a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the massaging sensation.

Types of acupressure

Here are some of the most common forms of acupressure massage used today, which are considered to be the most beneficial for a range of ailments and symptoms:

Tui Na Chinese massage

One of the most common acupressure treatments is the ancient Tui Na Chinese massage. It involves a range of full body stretches and hand movements. Many of the techniques are similar to Western massage styles such as gliding, kneading, rolling, pulling and tapping. Stimulation of the acupoints is done by using knuckles, palms, fingers and thumbs to target key muscle groups. This therapy is considered to be more effective for healing very specific problems.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese healing art that involves the use of hands, arms, legs and even feet to apply pressure to meridian points. Some versions do use other healing techniques. It also incorporates a number of different dance-like movements to stretch the body and to apply a very direct and firm pressure to the meridian points.

Similar to other forms of acupressure, the movements, pressure applied and meridian points will depend on the patient’s reason for choosing the therapy.

If you would like to find out more about shiatsu massage, visit our fact-sheet.


Originating from South Korea, Su-Jok is considered to be one of the simplest acupressure therapies. 'Su Jok' translates as 'hand feet'. It is a healing art that concentrates on applying pressure to the acupoints on these body parts. The reason it focuses on the hands and feet is because the meridian points correspond to other organs in the body. Massaging these meridians enables fast healing through the qi energy pathways. Su-Jok is thought to provide swift relief. It is believed to be particularly good for chronic pain and tension-related problems.


Reiki is another Asian healing art that follows similar processes to acupressure by using the same acupoints on the body. It primarily involves using the palm of the hand to channel and stimulate life energy. It’s also believed to have the same effect as acupressure.

The difference is that Reiki therapy can be used to heal the body from a distance. It also uses alternative healing techniques such as the use of homeopathic medicine, crystals and aromatherapy. Reiki works to restore the balance of energy in your body. It ultimately aims to promote self-healing, block pain and remove emotional issues.

If you would like to find out more about Reiki, visit our fact-sheet.

Self-applied acupressure

A trained practitioner will offer the most effective type of acupressure, but you can self-apply the technique. Individuals can use an acupressure mat to discover what points to target that can help relieve their symptoms. With this information, they can use their finger and thumb to administer the pressure from their own home.

Some types of self-applied acupressure utilise the acupressure mat. Used in addition to acupressure treatment, this self healing tool – which is covered in spikes protected by rounded tips - can be used a couple of times a week to achieve a range of self-healing, relaxation and meditation benefits. It is recommended that users lie on the mat for a duration of 20-30 minutes. In this time the pressure can most effectively release endorphins and help to soothe muscle aches and pains. But make sure you seek advice from a trained practitioner beforehand.

What training qualifications and experience should therapists have?

In the UK there is no overall governing body to provide national standards for acupressure treatment. However, there are a number of professional bodies and associations in which professionals can choose to register with. Although there is no specific acupressure association, it is recognised under acupuncture guidelines, which entail a strict code of ethics and practice.

In order to become a member of a professional body, acupressure practitioners will need several years of training and experience behind them. Specific requirements will vary from association to association. Ultimately, their professional membership will ensure a degree of reliability and safety in the eyes of those seeking treatment.

All acupressure practitioners listed on Therapy Directory have the relevant qualifications and insurance or are members of a voluntary regulator.

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