Acupuncture vs. Acupressure: What's the difference?

Acupuncture and acupressure are complementary therapies that focus on stimulating certain pressure points throughout the body. These points connect to various organs and organ systems through channels, or meridians. As a result, these treatments are able to improve a vast variety of medical issues like arthritis, migraines, digestive complications, fatigue, and chronic ailments through the release of tension. Both of these practices encourage healing through the promotion of increased blood flow and energy, although their processes are quite different from one another.

You’d be surprised to know that some of these pressure points tend to be far from their organ origins.For example, the lungs are connected to the balls of your feet, between the big toes and little toes. The location of the sore points on your feet will correlate to the soreness in your chest.

	Acupuncture	Acupressure
What is it?	Acupuncturists use hair-thin needles as a method of stimulation for different meridians, or acupoints, in order to help heal the body.	Acupressure uses firm pressure from hands, wrists, and elbows in order to target and stimulate different meridians, or acupoints.
How does it help promote healing?	It is said to be the most effective treatment when working with various ailments because of its ability to facilitate a better flow of energy in comparison to other methods. Acupuncture is commonly integrated with traditional Western medicine or chiropractic methods in order to help patients achieve optimum results.	The firm pressure that is applied during acupressure, which is similar to a Shiatsu massage, helps to stimulate endorphins, or the “feel good” hormones; this helps when it comes to increasing blood flow and oxygen throughout the body, relaxing the muscles, decreasing pain and promoting healing. In addition to relieving pain, acupressure works to rebalance the body by strengthening the immune system and reducing existing stress and tension.
What are the pros?	Patients are working with a skilled professional for their treatment There are actual medical diagnoses involved	Low to no-cost if using self-healing Patients’ ability to receive treatments on a daily basis rather than weekly
What are the cons?	Patients should be prepared for costlier sessions, meaning that some patients may be limited in their ability to continue sessions in the long run.	Patients need time and research to understand the basics of acupressure methods, acupoint locations throughout the body, and Chinese medical theory.
What are the costs?	The average acupuncture treatment costs about $100 or more	Low to no cost if self-treated

Acupuncture and acupressure are complementary therapies that can provide relief to chronic pulmonary patients and help them feel better both physically and mentally. By correctly and continuously incorporating complementary therapies such as acupuncture and/or acupressure, patients can better manage symptoms associated with pulmonary fibrosis and/or other pulmonary ailments, as well as stress, tension, digestive complications, fatigue, and migraines. Prior to the start of any new treatments, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional and discuss your options.