Acupressure is a form of bodywork that incorporates elements of massage and acupuncture. Students need to consider their goals in order to determine the best acupressure courses. Classes can teach students to how to treat themselves or others and how to offer services to the public. Regulations vary by nation and region, and course length also vary. Acupressure is medical intervention, and students and patients must be treated with respect and have their privacy maintained.
The discipline of acupressure may be viewed as separate from massage therapy. Certain therapies, however, such as Chinese Tui Na and Japanese shiatsu, are frequently categorized as forms of acupressure. Students may wish to research programs for these therapies because acupressure courses may be included in the class work.
Potential students may have various goals for their training. Some may wish to take acupressure courses to learn more about acupressure. Others may wish to treat themselves or close family members for minor complaints, and others may wish to treat the public. Students may already be practicing a form of body work, such as therapeutic massage, and would like to add acupressure as a service.
Anyone who is interested in practicing acupressure should check national and regional licensing requirements. They may find this field is largely unregulated. In the interests of employing high professional standards, students may still wish to attend the most rigorous courses available from an accredited and reputable college or training facility.
The length of acupressure programs are varied. Some programs may offer a single, introductory class that is only a few weeks long, and others may offer programs where courses last nine months or more. Though both programs may provide a certification to students upon completion, the longer programs are usually more valued.
An instructor’s experience should be considered as well. Students benefit more when taking courses from an instructor who is not only knowledgeable in acupressure, but who also has experience treating clients either with acupressure or acupuncture. An instructor with a solid understanding of traditional Chinese medicine principles may better aid students in understanding the reasons behind selecting particular points to treat a particular condition.
To become adept at treating others through acupressure, the student need to practice on others. The course should provide an opportunity for students to do so in a safe and respectful environment. Along with hands-on practice, acupressure courses that covers ethics and legal requirements, such as the need to protect patient data, can be helpful.