Acupressure is a form of clothes-on bodywork based on the energy system discovered and developed thousands of years ago by Taoist monks in China. 

What is this energy system? It is the body electric, the particular form of electricity—life force energy, or qi— that is unique to us and responsible for our ability to grow, to move, to think, to feel joy or anger or wonder and awe. Everything is made of energy.

How can the ancient practice of acupressure help reduce stress? If everything is energy, it makes sense that if we just don't feel good or right, or if we’re feeling physical or emotional pain, our energy is out of balance. We know that stress can make us feel uncomfortable or give us aches and pains. So when we lower stress—which most doctors now recognize as the basis of most, if not all, disease—we feel much better. And interestingly, as we work with the energy, we can become conscious of our stressors and learn ways to recognize them and lower our stress by listening to our bodies.   

In an acupressure session, as in acupuncture, the focus is on acupressure points. Instead of needles, however, the practitioner uses her fingers, which enables her to constantly adjust the movement of the client’s energy, enhancing the experience of the client as the practitioner follows the qi.

The practitioner pays special attention to the neck and shoulders, which are a stress barometer: The tighter the area, the greater the stress. As the neck and shoulders relax, the entire body often begins to relax as well, and a sense of well-being sets in.  

Simply put, as the energy balances, energy moves. When the energy moves, the muscles relax. The result is lower stress—naturally.   

Gail Kellstrom is a licensed massage therapist and senior acupressure teacher. To ask about classes, contact her at 914.232.5754 or [email protected].