Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

46 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Acupressure for Facial Massage: What is Acupressure? Acupressure is a modality that involves the application of pressure to the same points on the body stimulated by needles in acupuncture. The English term acupressure , which dates back to 1958, is sometimes used to refer to a variety of massage techniques that also involve pressure on or manipulation of the body, even when they are not based on the energy theories of traditional Chinese medicine. All versions of acupressure are considered to be forms of integrative health care in the United States and Canada. 19 We will be using basic acupressure in this facial massage protocol. Basic Acupressure Techniques and Contraindications Basic acupressure 20 is a technique where pressure is applied by your finger to relieve stress or tension and enable the body to relax. There are four techniques used in basic acupressure: • Firm pressure . Using your finger or knuckle to apply pressure to relax a part of the body or relieve pain. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute to relax and calm the nervous

• Slow motion kneading . The practitioner uses the heels of their hands, as well as the thumbs and fingers, to knead or squeeze large muscle groups, like the neck or shoulders. • Light brisk rubbing . Use when you want to improve blood circulation in the skin. • Quick tapping . Using your fingertips on the face to tap into the meridians and improve energy flow. Do not to work on any single area of the body for longer than 15 minutes or extend the entire session beyond an hour. Some potential benefits of acupressure include: • Decreasing: • Anxiety 21 • Insomnia and other sleep disorders 22 • Headache 23 • Chronic lower back pain 24 • Depression 25 • Morning sickness/nausea 26 • Pain management 24 • Lowering high blood pressure 27 Some reasons your clients may want to use acupressure include: • Few to no side effects • Does not involve the use of needles • Can easily be combined with other forms of therapy • Noninvasive • Relatively risk free Before an acupressure session, clients should complete a thorough intake, including information about their health, any acute or chronic conditions, prescribed medications, as well as other therapies they use, like herbal remedies. Make sure you fully understand the contraindications for any massage technique, especially one that is new to you. The list below is a sample of the common contraindications for acupressure. • Pregnancy—pressure on certain lumbar and sacral points may stimulate labor pains and labor • Cardiovascular disease—may lead to a drop in blood pressure

system and promote the body’s natural restorative abilities in the affected part.

Photo by Mark Hanson Photogrpahy

amtamassage.org/mtj