Acupressure vs. Massage — What's the Difference?

Acupressure (Chinese -Tui na), is an alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body.

Massage is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device.

See shiatsu.

The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain

(uncountable) An alternative medicine technique, derived from acupuncture, in which physical pressure is applied to acupoints.

Rub and knead (a person or part of the body) with the hands

(countable) An act or instance of applying an acupressure technique.

Manipulate (facts or figures) to give a more acceptable result

(dated) A mode of arresting hemorrhage resulting from wounds or surgical operations, by passing under the divided vessel a needle, the ends of which are left exposed externally on the cutaneous surface.

The therapeutic manipulation of body tissues by a trained practitioner, as by systematic stroking, kneading, or application of pressure, to effect a beneficial physiological response such as pain reduction or improved circulation.

A mode of arresting hemorrhage resulting from wounds or surgical operations, by passing under the divided vessel a needle, the ends of which are left exposed externally on the cutaneous surface.

An act or instance of the therapeutic manipulation of body tissues. Also called therapeutic massage.

Treatment of symptoms by applying pressure with the fingers to specific pressure points on the body

The rubbing or kneading of parts of the body to relax the muscles, aid circulation, or provide sensual pleasure.

An act or instance of such rubbing or kneading.

The manipulation of the genitals or other body tissues for sexual arousal; erotic massage.

An act or instance of erotic massage.

Illicit sexual services provided under the guise of therapeutic massage.

To give a massage to.

To treat by means of a massage.

To coddle or cajole.

To manipulate (data, for example)

The action of rubbing, kneading or hitting someone's body, to help the person relax, prepare for muscular action (as in contact sports) or to relieve aches.

(transitive) To rub and knead (someone's body or a part of a body), to perform a massage on (somebody).

(transitive) To manipulate (data, a document etc.) to make it more presentable or more convenient to work with.

(transitive) To falsify (data or accounts).

A rubbing or kneading of the body, especially when performed as a hygienic or remedial measure.

To treat by means of massage; to rub or knead; as, to massage a patient with ointment.

Kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation

Manually manipulate (someone's body), usually for medicinal or relaxation purposes;

Give a massage to;