Voluntarily letting someone put tiny needles into your body, it sounds like you’ve lost your mind. However, acupressure has proven to be effective in treating health conditions such as back pain, Osteoarthritis and headaches. Acupressure has been practiced for centuries, in fact, it is believed that acupressure originated around 100 BC in China. In the past decade, acupressure has become increasingly popular in the rest of the world and it is now a well-known treatment option. But still, we often find people stressing over their first acupressure session. That’s why we will be debunking 10 myths that will put your mind at ease.

1. Acupressure is extremely painful

Chances are high you expect acupressure to be extremely painful. After all, there’s someone sticking needles into your body?! Everyone’s pain levels are different and one might experience pain differently than others, but it’s safe to say that acupressure is painless. After a session, you might feel soreness or bruising at the pressure points but that is nothing to worry about. It’s all part of the process!

2. Acupuncture results aren’t instant

Another myth is that results of acupuncture aren’t instant and it takes a long time to finally start seeing results. This is not true, you can start experiencing the benefits of acupuncture after the first session already. Depending on the severity of your problem and how your body reacts to the treatment, results can appear quickly. You may even experience immediate relief from a symptom, such as headaches or back pain. In that case; lucky you!

3. Acupressure doesn’t work

Then there’s the belief that acupressure doesn’t actually work at all, it’s just made up. We can tell you confidently: it definitely works! Give acupressure a chance, go to that first session and experience for yourself. You might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but once you start experiencing results, you will love it as much as we do. 

4. It’s part of ancient folklore and nonsense

Acupressure is definitely ancient, as it has been around for over 2000 years. However, saying that it’s folklore, nonsense or not legitimate is absolutely not true. Even though acupressure descends from Chinese philosophy, the principles of acupressure are firmly grounded in science. 

5. Acupuncture conflicts with other medicines

People often believe that acupuncture conflicts with other medicines, but they are very wrong. Acupuncture can be practiced while taking other medication without problem. To elaborate on this, acupuncture is a form of holistic treatment, which is preventative but can also target an existing problem. 

6. Acupressure is magic and a form of voodoo

Some people might think that acupressure is some vague form of magic or voodoo and overall very spiritual. When in fact, acupressure is actually very tangible. While the specifics of how acupressure can heal the human body are unclear, the tiny needles that are used can target pressure points with important nerves. These nerves then send a signal to the brain to release pain relieving hormones. It’s simply science.

7. Only pain can be treated with acupressure

Next in line, there’s the myth that acupressure can only treat pain. However, acupressure has proven to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, stress, nausea and gynaecological conditions. So no, acupressure is definitely not only for treating pain. 

8. Acupressure has a lot of side effects

You don’t have to worry about acupressure having acupressure having side effects. After a session, you can easily return to work or continue your day. The only thing you will be experiencing is a positive one: pain relief!

9. You can’t just stop with acupressure

Once you start acupressure, you will have to continue forever to make the results last. That’s a myth for sure. People with minor pains or issues might benefit from acupressure within only a few sessions, whereas others with bigger issues might need eight to ten sessions to see improvement. However, there’s no need to continue with acupressure once you’re feeling better.

10. Acupressure is extremely expensive

Finally, let’s talk about money. The price for an acupressure session ranges between £45-£70 for the first session and £30 -£50 for subsequent ones. You might only need one or two sessions, but you could need more. What if we tell you that you can practice acupressure with the help of an Acupressure Mat. The mat works in a similar way as traditional acupressure. You lay down on the mat for ten to twenty minutes and the pressure points made out of plastic will release muscle tension.