Acupressure

[FaithT]

As most of you know I get panic attacks. A very Catholic friend was telling me about something that’s supposed to relieve anxiety which I took to mean she was talking about acupressure.(sp). She was talking about using it on the ears, though I didn’t find anything about that. I did find something that says to use your index finger or thumb between the eyebrows and while applying light pressure, move your finger or thumb in a circular motion. Is acupressure against Catholicism?

 

[concretecamper]

I have never heard or read that it is.

 

[FaithT]

I have never heard or read that it is.

I did read on Catholic Answers about Acupuncture …..they didn’t have anything I could see about Acupressure and it said it’s ok if one divorces it from its non Christian spirituality. I also googled and it used words like “energy” and sounded New Agey.

 

[FaithT]

There are two sides to this question: First, Acupressure was based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, including the concept of "chi" or life energy, and thus could be (if done in a spiritual way) reliance on beliefs incompatible with Catholic Doctrine. However, while the original spiritual aspect does not align with Christian spirituality, the physical manipulation involved in acupressure (e.g., applying pressure to alleviate pain) is not particularly one of spiritual connotation; if acupressure is used strictly as a therapeutic technique to address physical ailments, it can be acceptable. However, as I said, if it involves invoking spiritual energies, practices, or beliefs contrary to Christian faith, it would not be appropriate for Catholics.

Just to be safe, I would consult a Catholic bioethics resource, such as the National Catholic Bioethics Center. God bless.

I cant find the answer on the National Catholic Bioethics Center but from what I’ve read elsewhere, it’s ok as long as I don’t combine it with the Eastern philosophy.

 

[AveChristusRex]

I cant find the answer on the National Catholic Bioethics Center but from what I’ve read elsewhere, it’s ok as long as I don’t combine it with the Eastern philosophy.

Yep! The physical manipulation is acceptable, but the spirituality is off-limits. Praying for your friend!

 

[FaithT]

Yep! The physical manipulation is acceptable, but the spirituality is off-limits. Praying for your friend!

Thanks!

 

[RileyG]

As most of you know I get panic attacks. A very Catholic friend was telling me about something that’s supposed to relieve anxiety which I took to mean she was talking about acupressure.(sp). She was talking about using it on the ears, though I didn’t find anything about that. I did find something that says to use your index finger or thumb between the eyebrows and while applying light pressure, move your finger or thumb in a circular motion. Is acupressure against Catholicism?

No. Not at all.

 

[FaithT]

No. Not at all.

Good. I’ll try almost anything. I’m on medication, I pray and pray and pray, including journaling my prayers, relaxation etc. Sometimes these things help, sometimes not.

 

[Michie]

Just ask your priest!

 

[FaithT]

Just ask your priest!

I asked and he said that it’s ok, just separate it from the spirituality and consult a doctor.

 

[RileyG]

I asked and he said that it’s ok, just separate it from the spirituality and consult a doctor.

Sounds good. I use acupressure for sinus relief. It’s natural.

 

[RileyG]

Good. I’ll try almost anything. I’m on medication, I pray and pray and pray, including journaling my prayers, relaxation etc. Sometimes these things help, sometimes not.

I’ve been on medication more than half my life for anxiety/panic attacks. My heart and prayers go out to you.

 

[FaithT]

Sounds good. I use acupressure for sinus relief. It’s natural.

Does it work?

 

[FaithT]

I’ve been on medication more than half my life for anxiety/panic attacks. My heart and prayers go out to you.

Thank you. I’ll pray for you, too.