Some people who have tried acupressure believe that applying pressure on a point three finger widths below the navel can induce a bowel movement, sometimes within just ten minutes. This pressure point is given an asinine label: “poop button.” The body has actually a lot of “poop buttons.” They can be found on the arms, navel, and back. It is up to the acupressure practitioner or the individual to locate and stimulate them to cure constipation.
Acupressure has been given a bad rap by a lot of so-called medical experts. They consider it pseudoscience all because their minds would not allow them to find out how this ancient healing modality really works. This skepticism and disbelief they actually apply to all forms of “alternative medicine” although the effects of acupressure and acupuncture have been observed on neuro-imaging studies. For example, when a rather famous orthopedic surgeon studied electro-acupuncture, he was able to observe amounts of electromagnetic energy on traditional acupressure energy channels which were absent on non-acupressure points.
James Reston, a writer in the New York Times in the 1970s wrote an article entitled “Now, about my operation in Peking.” In the article, he observed that the effect of acupuncture on post-surgery operation for constipation can be seen on a fluoroscope where inserted needles on his limbs resulted in movements within his intestines.
Actually, there has never been a time in history as the present when studies dealing with the effects of acupressure and acupuncture have led to so much evidence proving the extreme effectiveness of these two therapies in curing various types of health conditions. Ever since that Reston article, the US has accepted acupuncture as one of its most popular alternative treatments ever.
When you doubt acupuncture, you doubt acupressure even more, as the latter works on the same principles as the former. The only difference is that one uses needles while the other uses the fingers, thumb, or hands. Probably, a method in which controversy is justified involves a technique known as Tapas acupressure. This therapy is allegedly designed to free negative energy and emotional blockages. Tapas acupressure does not entail any physical contact and it sprung out from traditional acupressure practice. It will not be discussed in this article.
Brushing aside skepticism and disbelief, millions of people in the Orient and around the world particularly the poor have benefited greatly from acupuncture and acupressure as they’ve helped resolve these people’s various health problems. Acupuncturists and Chinese doctors will sometimes recommend acupressure as part of a patient’s plan of treatment.
If you suffer from constipation and believe it can be properly managed at home, acupressure can be used in lieu of narcotic laxatives. A family member can perform this therapy on you. It can gently heal your gut and even boost your emotional well- being.
Acupressure is a versatile and very safe healing technique. It is a convenient treatment that you can use anywhere and anytime and is easy to learn. Besides the aforementioned acupressure point below the navel, you can also use the point located in the crease of the bent arm at the outer edge of the crease. The number and length of the treatment course will be based on the severity of your constipation. If you have the means to get acupressure treatment from professional practitioners, you may also be treated with a Chinese medicine modality known as moxibustion in which the acupressure points are warmed by a lighted stick of moxa plant.
Acupressure may not be recommended for the following people:
• Pregnant women
• People with low or high blood pressure
• People with skin blisters and open wounds
Ivelisse DeJongh is a Miami acupuncturist and the medical director at DeJongh Acupuncture Clinic.