Acupuncture and acupressure

Traditional Chinese medicine techniques used to balance the energy flow in the body.

My way of grounding and stepping out of busy mind.

What are Acupuncture and Acupressure?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific body points along the body's meridians - energy pathways- to rebalance the energy flow ,"qi". Qualified practitioners adjust the procedure to suit your needs. While you comfortably lie on a couch, they insert needles into areas such as your feet, fingers, belly, or head. You then rest for about 30 minutes with the needles in place.

Acupressure stimulates the same meridian points but uses firm pressure from fingers, palms or special devices instead of needles. You don’t necessarily need a practitioner; for instance, you can use an acupressure mat at home.

Why and how I use these techniques

I've found both acupuncture and acupressure to be helpful for:

• Pain relief (e.g., headaches, muscle aches, period pain)

• Stress reduction

• Improved sleep

• Increased energy

• Digestion stimulation

My Routine:

Acupuncture

I see a qualified acupuncturist about once a month for a full-body rebalancing. This frequency varies depending on my stress levels, any physical issues, and how often I feel I need it. After each session, I feel more relaxed, energized, and at peace with myself.

Acupressure

I incorporate acupressure into my daily routine using a few different tools:

Acupressure Mat:

I lie on the mat with small plastic spikes daily before sleep. Overthinking is a habit of mine, and the initial pain from the mat interrupts my thoughts and brings my attention back into my body.

It also helps stimulate digestion and relax sore muscles. If I wake up at night and can’t fall asleep again, I put the mat under my head, and it usually helps me relax.

Acupressure Ring:

I roll the ring on my fingers for an energy boost, especially during long work calls or in the afternoon when I feel tired but need to stay focused.

Massage Roller:

Once or twice a week, I use this roller on my feet, legs, and belly to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and aid digestion. The initial pain is sharper than with the mat, but I immediately feel its effects.

Eye Pillow:

Filled with clay beads, this pillow helps me fall asleep faster and soothes tired eyes. Initially, I was skeptical, but now I even take it with me when traveling. It’s handy and helps me relax quickly, even during a 20-minute nap after lunch.

Most of these tools are from Shakti Mat, while the roller is a Lyapko roller.

My journey

My first acupuncture experience was in Sri Lanka during an Ayurveda retreat years ago. It didn’t have a noticeable impact and left me somewhat disappointed. However, a later session during a two-week fasting retreat in Germany completely changed my perspective.

At the time, I was in a fasting clinic, and the combination of the fasting-induced calm and the acupuncture’s stimulation felt incredible. I emerged deeply relaxed, connected, and in flow. This experience inspired me to seek out a regular acupuncturist in Hamburg. I tried several specialists until I found the perfect one for me.

Acupressure, on the other hand, has been a part of my life since childhood. My parents are strong advocates of alternative medicine and introduced me to Lyapko mats and rollers in Russia. Lyapko, a reflexologist, enhanced traditional acupressure devices by incorporating specially sharpened needles made of metals with varying electric potentials.

Over time, I experimented with new tools and refined my personal selection, as described above.

My learnings

Give It Several Tries:

I’m glad I tried acupuncture at different times in my life. This allowed me to discover its benefits and understand how to use it for my well-being. It’s a technique that balances me physically and mentally, and I wouldn’t want to miss it.

Finding the Right Acupuncturist Is a Process:

Every specialist has a unique approach, from understanding patients to deciding what they need. I noticed significant differences between practitioners, and not all resonated with me. However, I’m glad I invested the time and energy into finding the right one because it has been well worth it.

Keep Testing:

Acupressure devices are simple, easy-to-use daily companions. Finding my ideal set took time, as I tried different tools and methods. My collection continues to evolve since I love experimenting with new options.

Note: The brands mentioned reflect my personal preferences, and I am not affiliated with them. All the above is based on my personal experience and does not constitute medical advice.