EB writes: “I have been seeing a certified acupressure therapist. Does this pertain to the New Age category like chiropractors?”

Yes, this is New Age.

Acupressure is known as “acupuncture without needles” and is a form of complementary medicine, meaning it is often combined with conventional medical treatments (see Understanding Complementary & Alternative Medicine)

Practitioner websites describe acupressure as “an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).” (www.Acupressure.com)

An acupressure therapist may apply physical pressure to acupuncture points with the hand, elbow, or other device such as an acuball, energy roller or foot roller. One of the most commonly used acupressure devices is the acupressure wristband - called “Sea Bands” - that many use to relieve symptoms of motion sickness.

As you may or may not know, acupuncture/acupressure is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the belief that a universal life force known as chi runs through the body through 14 channels known as meridians. Practitioners believe that sickness can be caused by blockages in the flow of chi, or imbalances in two opposing “energies” known as yin and yang. In order to cure illness and other maladies, a needle or pressure is applied to any one of hundreds of points on the body known as acupoints that are positioned along the meridians and which are thought to correspond to specific organs or body systems.

Medical science believes acupuncture may work due to the modern concept of neuroscience rather than in the movement of a form of energy that is not scientifically supported. Scientists believe acupuncture may work by releasing endorphins which are part of the body’s natural pain-control system; by stimulation of nerves in the spinal chord that release pain-suppressing neurotransmitters; or by the naturally occurring increase in blood flow in puncture areas that remove toxic substances.

EB states that her therapist is “certified” but unless one is a licensed medical professional, chances are their practice is based on the TCM form of acupuncture/acupressure rather than the scientific version - which makes a big difference for Christians.

You can find more information on this subject by reading The Scoop on Acupuncture.

Send your New Age questions to newage@lhla.org