What is the term for the process of applying pressure to specific points in the body to alleviate pain?

The term for the process of applying pressure to specific points in the body to alleviate pain is acupressure. This technique is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and involves employing manual pressure on acupuncture points to balance energy and promote healing. Practitioners believe that by stimulating these points, they can release tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain, making it effective for managing various conditions.

Reflexology focuses on pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears, which correspond to other areas of the body, but it does not specifically target the same points as acupressure. Myofascial release is a technique that works to relieve tension in the fascia and surrounding structures through stretching and pressure but is not solely based on specific pressure points. Aromatherapy, on the other hand, uses essential oils for therapeutic benefits, and while it may help with relaxation and stress reduction, it does not involve applying pressure to points in the body like acupressure does.