COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

N 200 RLE: Community Health Nursing

PROCEDURES

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 COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

LESSON 3
Acupressure, Shiatsu, and Ventusa

A Acupressure is traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Similar with other Chinese medicine
C treatments, its goal is to encourage the movement of Qi (pronounced as Chi), otherwise
U known as life energy, through the 12 meridians or channels inside the body.

P
R
E In traditional medicine, these are strings connecting
S acupuncture/acupressure points, which are considered
as passageways through which energy flows
S throughout the body. The meridians connect specific
organs, organizing a system of communication
U throughout the body.
R
E

Below are the different forms of acupressure:

1. Tuina
It is the most popular form of acupressure performed in traditional Chinese medicine in
conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, t’ai chi, and other
modalities. This form is generally used for treatment to address specific patterns of disharmony and not
for pleasure and relaxation.
2. Shen Tao
In Chinese teachings “Shen” refers to the physical body while “Tao” speaks of life itself. It uses
very light pressure applied only with the fingertips.
3. Anma
“An” means press while “Ma” means rub, which describes the basic technique of kneading the
skin. It originated in China and is rooted in the principles of ancient oriental medicine. It is regarded as
the Japanese form of acupressure which is now popularly known as Shiatsu. Very gentle pressure is
used so as not to pull or tug the skin.

WHAT EXACTLY IS ACUPRESSURE?

W
H Acupressure is the application of gentle but firm pressure to certain acupoints within the body. The
points are similar to that in acupuncture but instead of using needles, the therapeutic result can be
A achieved by manual pressure with the use of the thumb, fingers, knuckles, elbows or with the use
of a device such as the tip of a pen. Oftentimes it is performed by acupuncturist but it can also be
T self-administered. It can be done by either sitting or lying down on a massage table. Pressure
should be gentle over fragile or sensitive areas, such as the face.

HOW DOES ACUPRESSURE WORK?

Stimulation of the acupressure points along the meridians is believed to maintain the free flow of
energy (Qi or Chi) or restore balance of Yin (negative energy) and Yang(positive energy). The
ancient Chinese believes that with constant flow of Qi (energy) within the channels keeps a person
in good health. On the other hand, if this energy is blocked and out of balance, the person have to
deal with health issues.

Prepared By: CHEZEL B. AGUILAR, RN MN 1

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021
 COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

INDICATION
• Cancer-related and other forms of fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Menstrual cramps
• Motion sickness
• Muscle tension and pain
• Nausea and vomiting after surgery, chemotherapy, and pregnancy
• Stress management

**Should be used only as an addition to treatment by a licensed physician especially for serious illnesses or
chronic condition.

USED WITH CAUTION (should be consulted with the doctor first and allowed only with licensed practitioner
of acupressure)
• Osteoporosis
• Recent fracture or injury
• Cancer
• Easy bruising
• Bleeding disorder
• Heart disease
• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin
• Pregnant (certain points may induce contraction)

**Acupressure shouldn't be done over open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any area that is bruised or
swollen.

NOTE: Acupressure should never be painful. Sometimes a person who undergoes the therapy may
experience temporary lightheadedness. Some even may feel soreness or bruising at acupoints.

Prepared By: CHEZEL B. AGUILAR, RN MN 2

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021
 COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

SHIATSU
It is a Japanese form of acupressure which literally means “finger pressure” in Japan. Its principles was
developed around 530 B.C. Originally used in traditional Chinese medicine and then widely used in other
Eastern culture such as Japan, Asia, and Korea. It was not popular within the Western culture until the 70’s.

The varied rhythmic pressure applied to acupressure points or acupoints maintain restore or maintain
the balance in the flow of energy within the body. With a combination of massage techniques and
stimulating the pressure points, it is believed to improve blood circulation, helps release toxins and muscular
tension, and stimulate the hormonal system.

HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM SWEDISH MASSAGE? The techniques may appear similar to Swedish
massage but it has differences in some way.
Strokes: directed towards the heart; long
and soothing strokes from light to
firm pressure
Clothing: removed
Oil/Lotion: Used
Stokes: directed away from the heart;
pressure point work is performed
along the energy channels
Clothing: loose and comfortable
https://www.healthnerdy.com/what-are-health-benefits-of-shiatsu-massage-therapy/ Oil/Lotion: Not used

THE SHIATSU POINTS

Prepared By: CHEZEL B. AGUILAR, RN MN 3

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021
 COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SHIATSU?

• Deep pressure is applied for 2 to 8 seconds for each point using fingers, thumbs, or palms in a
continuous sequence.
• There may be instances that when pressure points are stimulated it may feel tender but should not hurt.
Often referred to as “good pain”.
• If the client is uncomfortable, the pressure may be adjusted.
• It may be done on a low massage table or on a mat on the floor.
• The client may wear a loose, comfortable clothing.

INDICATION
Aside from lessening stress or protecting against stress-related issues, it is also believed to promote healing
in the following conditions:
• Anxiety • Menstrual Problems
• Arthritis • Neck and shoulder pain
• Back pain • Premenstrual syndrome
• Constipation • Sciatica
• Headache • Sinus problems
• Insomnia

IS IT SAFE?

It is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified professional. There are certain individuals who
should take caution and consult a physician before receiving shiatsu. It may or may not have harmful effects
to the following: pregnant women, patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy or radiation, people
with osteoporosis, heart disease, and blood clotting disorders.

It should never be performed: It should be avoided:

• Over bruises • Immediately after surgery
• Inflammed skin • Infectious disease
• Unhealed wounds • Rash
• Tumors • Open wounds
• Abdominal hernia
• Recent fractures

BENEFITS OF SHIATSU
• Stretching and pulling of the abdominal area can loosen muscles and relax the intestines and colon
therefore relieves constipation.
• Rubbing and pulling of the skin and pressing the acupressure points releases tension ans spasm of the
muscles resulting to elimination of muscle pain.
• Aids migraines by relaxing the body and increasing blood circulation throughout the body. (The rapid
widening or narrowing of blood vessels in the brain causes irritation and pain in migraines)
• Contributes to a relaxed and calm mind and body resulting to reduced stress, tension, anxiety and
depression.
• By applying pressure to certain acupoints to the hands, feet, or other areas affected by rheumatiod
arthritis, it is believed to give muscle nutrition,improved circulation, and reduced muscular pain.
• Helps in skin resilience and prevents wrinkling (improve glow of the skin) by stimulating circulation in
capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues which also stimulates the secretion of the sebaceous glands and
keeps skin moist and smooth.
• Alleviates menstrual cramps.
• Induce labor in women who are overdue.
• Aides in digestion and waste elimination.
• Restores and maintain the energy of the body.

Prepared By: CHEZEL B. AGUILAR, RN MN 4

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021
 COLLEGE OF NURSING, PHARMACY, AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

VENTUSA
Ventusa or Cupping Therapy is a ancient form of alternative medicine/TCM in which a therapist puts
special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. It is one of the oldest methods used in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - the earliest recorded use dates back to early 3,000 BC. It dates back
to ancient Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers
Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.

It works on the the same principle as acupuncture where acupoints are stimulated so energy flow can be
restored and balanced. It involves the application of a partial vacuum produced in cups placed on the skin.
The vacuum is typically generated either by means of heat from a burning alcohol cotton ball inside the cup
or by pump. A glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone may be used.

PURPOSE: Helps with

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Blood flow
• Relaxation

INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION

• Respiratory conditions such as common • Inflammed skin or rashes

cold, flu, bronchitis, and asthma • High fever
• Arthritis • Bleeds easily
• Gastrointestinal disorders • Pregnant
• Stiff and painful neck, back, and shoulder
muscles
• Depression

TWO METHODS:
1. Fire Cupping - A cotton ball soaked in alcohol is lit and placed inside a glass/cup. As the fire goes out, it
creates vacuum inside the cup. It is then quickly turned upside down and placed on the
skin, usually on an acupoint.

2. Mechanical Air Pump - The use of mechanical action of an air pump to draw the air out of the cup and
create a vacuum on the skin.

As the cup anchors the skin, the skin is gently pulled upward inside the jar and the pores are opened up so
Qi and blood flow are stimulated. This helps draw toxins out realigning and giving natural balance of the
body. The cups are left on for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the condition of the patient.

Alternatively, the cups can be moved up and down the meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood. To
enable movement, a small amount of herbal oil is applied to the skin before attaching the cup. Cups should
not cross the bony areas of the body.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Some redness and slight bruising may be experienced after treatment due to the expansion of the blood
vessels on the surface of the skin when the skin is drawn up. This bruises are painless and the skin will be
back to normal within a couple of hours to a day or a few days.

Prepared By: CHEZEL B. AGUILAR, RN MN 2

1st Semester, SY 2020-2021