What is acupressure?

Acupressure involves applying firm pressure on specific points or areas of the body. Traditional Thai massage practitioners usually apply acupressure with their thumb or fingers but can also use their elbows, feet or knees. In treatments like Tok Sen, Herbal Compress or Ched Hak, practitioners use tools like wooden sticks, compresses, leaves and fangs or claws from wild animals.

In Traditional Thai Medicine, acupressure points are physical locations on the Sib Sen that a practitioner manipulates to release blockages of Lom Pran. In a Thai massage, the practitioner uses acupressure combined with stretching to manipulate the points, whereas, in Foot Reflexology, a practitioner uses acupressure almost exclusively.

Some acupressure points are more important because they directly correlate with specific physical or mental functions or organs. Practitioners focus on these points in therapeutic Thai massage for a particular illness or pain.

Scholars debate whether acupressure originated with traditional Chinese medicine or Indian Ayurveda Marma therapy. But acupressure has existed in many Asian traditions for centuries.