An acupressure ring is a device that’s placed on a finger or toe and then rolled up or down to stimulate the acupressure points. It is known by many names, such as massage ring, finger massage ring, Chinese medicine ring and figit. Whatever the name, it serves the same purpose.
The table below lists the best selling acupressure rings online:
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy based on the concept of life energy flowing through “meridians” in the body. Meridians are channels where specific points of the body move through. When activated, these points open up the meridians which allow energy to pass through unhindered. Pressure is applied to specified points of the body in order to activate them. The body then functions like clockwork and free from the nuances of back pain, headaches and many other undesired conditions.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture vs. Reflexology
The difference between acupressure and acupuncture is that acupuncture makes use of needles to penetrate the skin, while acupressure simply uses a certain amount of force. Both modalities use the Meridian System.
It’s also worth noting that Acupressure and Reflexology both use pressure points. However, reflexology uses a different energy principle along with different point locations on the feet, hands and ears. It uses a different “map” from the one that acupressure employs.
The Meridian System is like a body map that specifies where the energy is flowing. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that obstructions to these pathways are what causes a person to feel discomfort or get sick.
They performed acupuncture trials to identify points of the body that were somehow connected with a particular health problem. They found out that these points were organized and followed a unique pattern. Thus, the meridian map was developed.
There are 365 acupuncture points (or acupoints). Each point belongs to a specific meridian channel. There are 12 principal meridians and 8 smaller ones. Visit this resource page for an in-depth view of the Merdian System.
Acupoints on the hand. Photo credit: Valerie Everett
Benefits of Acupressure
Benefits of acupressure include energy regulation, stress reduction, nerve stimulation, pain management and improved mental focus.
Acupressure can help in pain and stress relief, motion sickness, nausea and other chronic conditions. Improved circulation also helps in toning the muscles.
An acupressure ring is especially helpful to people who often use a computer. Guitar and keyboard players can benefit as well. These types of people always have their hands full and are regularly exposed to fatigue. By using an acupressure ring, circulation can be improved. It is also believed that acupressure enhances concentration.
Acupressure Ring Usage
Stimulating the acupoints on a daily basis is recommended. Therefore, using the ring at least once a day for 5-10 minutes is highly encouraged. It is also a good companion to meditation or yoga.
