What is acupressure?
Acupressure is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which believes that health problems are related to blockages of qi, or the vital energy, within the body. It works by applying pressure to various points on the body, called acupoints, to increase blood flow. As a result, pain or discomfort is relieved and a wide range of symptoms can be improved. The primary benefit of acupressure is that it helps activate the natural self-healing abilities of the body. Acupressure therapists apply pressure with their fingers, knuckles, nails, elbows and even feet. Acupressure may ease sports injuries, menstrual cramps, headaches and nausea, among other conditions. Both adults and children can benefit from it.
To gain access to career opportunities, potential clients and a wealth of information to advance their knowledge and skills, qualified acupressure practitioners in Melbourne can join the following professional associations:
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
- Australian Natural Therapists’ Association (ANTA)
- Complementary Medicine Association (CMA)
Should you study acupressure?
As a result of its high success rate among individuals seeking ways to feel better without taking medication, acupressure has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a student of this modality, you will gain the skills and knowledge to treat a wide range of conditions and to help people of all ages, from babies and small children to adults and the elderly. Acupressurists have many valuable personal attributes, including:
- Empathic and showing genuine care for the wellbeing of others
- Strong communication skills that allow them to communicate with their clients in a compassionate and understanding way
- Patience is essential for acupressure therapists, especially when their patients are in pain or emotionally stressed
- A good grounding in anatomy and physiology allows them to spot where the different acupoints are located and be able to apply appropriate pressure to them during treatments
- Good body mechanics are vital, so therapists that practise these are able to apply gentle yet firm pressure to a client’s acupoints with their hands or elbows for a sustained period without suffering any injuries.
If you have these qualities and you believe strongly in the benefits of acupressure, continue reading to learn where you can earn your qualification.
What are the course and study options for acupressure in Melbourne?
Acupressure courses in Melbourne are available in many different formats, including face-to-face classes, online courses, and evening or weekend classes. If you would like to fit your study schedule around your work schedule or other everyday commitments, distance learning is an excellent choice.
In a short training program, you will learn how to locate pressure points and how to stimulate them in order to relieve stress and pain in your clients. A course like this usually takes 9 to 12 months to complete.
In addition to pressure point locations, a 2-year advanced diploma offers a deeper dive into anatomy, physiology, diagnosis techniques and other areas of study.
To go beyond the basic overview of acupressure and learn which pressure points can be used for specific conditions, such as anxiety or insomnia, a bachelor’s degree in complementary medicine or Traditional Chinese Medicine is the way to go.
Find the best acupressure schools and courses in Melbourne that offer highly qualified instructors with strong industry backgrounds in the list above. Review their offerings and contact your preferred course provider if you have any questions about their curriculum, tuition fees, and delivery methods, among other things.
What happens after you complete your acupressure course?
Completing an acupressure course in Melbourne opens up a world of career possibilities. You can work in massage clinics, sports facilities or multidisciplinary clinics. Acupressure is widely recommended as an adjunct therapy for a wide range of conditions, so you can work with natural health practitioners and medical professionals alike.
Your qualification also allows you to start your own private practice and educate clients about different lifestyle changes they can make so that acupressure can achieve its healing effects faster, which in turn will aid in regaining their health. Getting your business listed on the practitioner listing page of Natural Therapy Pages will help propel you to success faster.
Besides managing many health issues with your qualification in acupressure, you can further your studies in certain areas that interest you, whether it's pregnancy massage, sports therapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy. Here are a few course options to consider in Melbourne:
