An ancient system of massage aimed at encouraging qi or "life energy" to circulate through the body, acupressure probably predates acupuncture. However, the theory of stimulating points on the meridians that circulate qi remains the same whether it is needles or fingers that are used.  While acupuncture developed a high profile in the West during the 1970s, acupressure was imported later.  It is regularly practiced by many Chinese people, particularly for self-treating common ailments and boosting the body's immune system.

Tuina is the most common type of acupressure practiced in China.  Other forms include shen tao, possibly the oldest system and sometimes referred to as the "mother of acupuncture," in which very light pressure is applied with only the fingertips.  In jin shin do, relatively few acupoints are used and the patient is encouraged to enter a meditative state.  The Japanese version of acupressure, anma, has developed into what is now called shiatsu.

Pressure is applied directly down on the skin or angled in the direction of the meridian's flow, and acupoints on both sides of the body are massaged to balance qi flow.  You should feel a slight discomfort when the acupoint is pressed. Self-help treatment is possible for many ailments and can be practiced at home or work.

Some of the benefits associated with certain acupoints have been confirmed by research, but attempts to explain the meridian system of energy channels in terms of Western physiology have proved unsuccessful.