What is Seated Acupressure?
Acupressure is the non-invasive equivalent of acupuncture. Pressure is applied to the body rather than needles.
Seated Acupressure, also known as On-Site Massage, is a treatment given through the clothes to a client who is seated in a specially designed massage chair. There are no oils or creams used.
This treatment is perfect for anyone whose job involves sitting down for long periods of time, for example, working at a computer or driving.
I offer 15 and 25 minute sessions in my treatment room. For on-site corporate clients offering workplace well-being to their employees, this can be adapted to your specific needs, lasting from as little as 5 minutes up to as long as 30 minutes. Get in touch if you feel your company could benefit from this well-being in the workplace treatment.
How does Seated Acupressure work?
The treatment works to improve the flow of energy (Ki) throughout the body. It also affects the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Over 60 Acupoints and specific trigger points are also worked.
Using my thumbs, hands, arms and body weight, I apply pressure to specific points on your back, arms, hands, neck, shoulders and head. This stimulates energy points along the body's meridians – the channels in the body that carry the Ki.
What are the health benefits of Seated Acupressure?
The benefits can include:
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improving circulation and relaxing tense muscles
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relief from lower back pain and repetitive strain injury
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improved mental clarity and focus
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improved posture
It should also help to re-balance and energise you, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Origins of Seated Acupressure
Acupressure is based on the traditional form of Japanese massage, called Anma, which means press and rub. Officially founded in 1320, Anma was popularised in the 17th century in Japan by Sugiyama Waichi. Being blind himself, he founded a number of medical schools for the blind where he taught anma. During this time, anma became solely the preserve of blind people, with sighted people prohibited from practicing it.
Acupressure became popular in the west during the 1970s. Acupressure was performed with the client either lying on a table, the floor or on a seat, but the position of the client on a seat made it difficult to apply pressure.
In 1984, David Palmer invented a specialised chair, known as “a chair in a box”, that was portable and could be carried around to different locations to perform seated acupressure. The chair folded up into a box but it was heavy. Over the years, he refined the design to become the lightweight, but sturdy, folding chair that is used today.
My Qualifications
I am a fully qualified seated acupressure practisioner, having trained with the Academy of On-Site Massage. The result of the training was a City & Guilds Diploma in Seated Acupressure Therapy.