Differences Between Acupuncture & Acupressure

Acupuncture - Training
Most states require licensing of acupuncturists. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine keeps a list of certified practitioners. You can also check the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institute of Health (NIH)

Acupuncture - Treatment
In acupuncture, a licensed practitioner inserts a hair-like needle into specific pressure points. The area may be stimulated by twirling the needle or by attaching it to a mild electrical current.Several pressure points may be stimulated simultaneously. The same areas of the body are stimulated in both treatments.

Acupuncture Effectiveness
Since acupuncture needles are so thin, placement requires greater accuracy, yet because of the required precision you may experience quicker relief.

Acupressure - Training
There is no licensing or acknowledged certification for acupressure practitioners.Most acupuncturists are able to perform both therapies.Acupressure is simply learned. Once you've learned the techniques, you can perform acupressure on yourself.

Acupressure - Treatment
An acupressurist touches one or two pressure points at a time, since they use their fingers, thumbs, palms, and elbows.

Acupressure - Effectiveness
Acupressure is less precise since the tool used is as at least as wide as a finger. Acupressure is the less invasive of the two procedures since energy is redirected by applying pressure on top of the skin rather than insertion underneath it.