Annette Reilly ©

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.neki.ie

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior
permission of the copyright owner.

A Special Acknowledgement
To my Son Brandon, my daughter Jasmine and my Partner Michael for their
Love, Support and Patience during the many hours it took to prepare this
course.

1st Edition – 13/09/2017

Table of Contents
Module 1 - Acupressure

What is Acupressure?
How to Apply Pressure to Acupressure Points
Self Acupressure
The Different Levels of Pressure
Questions on Module 1 (10 Questions)

Module 2 - Meridians
What are Meridians?
The Role of the Meridians
The Meridian Clock
Key Points to Remember
Essentials Before Getting Started
How to Begin and End an Acupressure Treatment
Questions on Module 2 (10 Questions)

Module 3 - Circulatory System

Acupressure for Chest Pain
Chest Pain Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bruising
Bruising Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Oedema
Oedema Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Hepatitis
Hepatitis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Raynaud‟s Syndrome
Raynaud‟s Syndrome Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 3 (10 Questions)

Module 4 - Digestive System

Acupressure for Acid Reflux/GERD/Heartburn
Acid Reflux/GERD/Heartburn Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bloating/Colic
Bloating/Colic Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bleeding Gums/Mouth Ulcers
Bleeding Gums/Mouth Ulcers Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bowel Incontinence
Bowel Incontinence Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Colitis/Chron‟s Disease/I.B.S
 Colitis/Chron‟s Disease/I.B.S Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Constipation
Constipation Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Halitosis
Halitosis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Hiccups
Hiccups Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Indigestion
Indigestion Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Nausea/Vomiting
Nausea/Vomiting Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Ulcers
Ulcers Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 4 (10 Questions)

Module 5 - Endocrine System

Acupressure for Adrenal/Chronic Fatigue
Adrenal/Chronic Fatigue Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Disorder Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Depression
Depression Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Diabetes
Diabetes Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Insomnia
Insomnia Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Thyroid Imbalance
Thyroid Imbalance Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 5 (10 Questions)

Module 6 - Integumentary System

Acupressure for Acne/Rosacea/Skin Blemishes
Acne/Rosacea/Skin Blemishes Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Athlete‟s Foot/Ringworm
Athlete‟s Foot/Ringworm Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 6 (10 Questions)
Module 7 - Lymph/Immune System
 Acupressure for Allergies
Allergies Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bacterial Infections
Bacterial Infections Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bladder Infections
Bladder Infections Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Fungal Infections
Fungal Infections Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Viral Infections
Viral Infections Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 7 (10 Questions)
Module 8 - Musculoskeletal System
Acupressure for Arthritis
Arthritis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Neck Spasm/Stiff Neck
Neck Spasm/Stiff Neck Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 8 (10 Questions)

Module 9 - Nervous System

Acupressure for Addictions
Addictions Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Alopecia
Alopecia Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Sciatica
Sciatica Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Tinnitus
Tinnitus Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Vertigo
Vertigo Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 9 (10 Questions)
Module 10 - Reproductive System
 Acupressure for Irregular Menstruation
Irregular Menstruation Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Breast Distention/Mastitis
Breast Distention/Mastitis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Infertility
Infertility Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Insufficient Lactation
Insufficient Lactation Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Menopausal Symptoms
Menopausal Symptoms Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Morning Sickness
Morning Sickness Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Prostatitis
Prostatitis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Vaginal Discharge/Infection
Vaginal Discharge/Infection Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 10 (10 Questions)
Module 11 - Respiratory System
Acupressure for Asthma
Asthma Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Bronchitis
Bronchitis Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Common Cold
Common Cold Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Cough
Cough Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Phlegm
Phlegm Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Rhinitis/Runny/Stuffy Nose
Rhinitis/Runny/Stuffy Nose Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Sore Throat
Sore Throat Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 11 (10 Questions)

Module 12 - Urinary System

Acupressure for Bedwetting
Bedwetting Other Points to Consider
Acupressure for Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence Other Points to Consider
Questions on Module 12 (10 Questions)
Module 13 - Practice Management
How to Attract Clients to Your Clinic
 What is Marketing?
The Importance of Marketing
Marketing Techniques, Tips & Advice
Professionalism
Ethics
Client Support
The Responsibilities of the Therapist
Creating Boundaries
Dress Code
Clinic Environment
Professional Fees
Preparation Checklist Prior to Treatment
Questions on Module 13 (10 Questions)

Module 14
Case Study Requirements
Case Study Guide
Case Study Example
Approved Training Provider Certificate
Congratulations on Completing this Acupressure Course!
 Module 1

Acupressure
 What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to gradually press

key healing points along the surface of the body. Acupressure was developed

in Asia over 5,000 years ago. The pressure applied to Acupressure points

helps to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure

Therapy helps to release muscular tension, promote circulation of blood and

enhance the body's life force energy to aid healing.

Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure Therapy is effective

in the relief of stress-related ailments and is ideal for self-treatment and

preventive health care because of its amazing ability to boost the Immune

System. By relieving stress, Acupressure Therapy strengthens resistance to

disease and promotes an overall sense of well-being.

Acupressure therapy can be used to relieve pain, increase energy levels,

detoxify the body for greater health and beauty and tone facial and back

muscles.

You can learn self-care applications and pressure point formulas for specific

problems such as addiction, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions,

emotional imbalances and much more.

Long known for its ability to alleviate physical pain, the ancient healing art of

Acupressure can also relieve trauma and emotional pain from day-to-day

pressures to life's most significant trials.

Emotional stress causes the body to shut down which keeps negative feelings

stuck. A build up of these stressors can cause the body to contract its muscles

and harden like protective armour to shield your inner self. For instance,

when something frightens you or someone uptight treats you abrasively, your

neck and shoulders may tighten immediately in response. This tension

prevents energy from circulating freely in your body and this can lead to

various physical and emotional imbalances.

If you do not deal with these tensions and resulting afflictions, emotional

problems may stay buried and then resurface at a later time when they're

triggered by some new stress. Most therapies address the cognitive and

emotional aspects of trauma but they do not get to the physiological source.

Acupressure Therapy has an advantage in that it works directly with the body

to relieve physical ailments, muscular tension and the emotional imbalances

associated with them.

 How to Apply Pressure to
Acupressure Points

Use prolonged finger pressure directly on each point. Gradual, steady,

penetrating pressure for approximately three minutes is ideal. Each point will

feel somewhat different when you press it. Some points will feel tense, while

others are often sore or ache when pressed. How much pressure to apply to

any point varies from person to person depending on their level of fitness. A

general guideline to follow is that the pressure should be firm enough so that

it "hurts good" - in other words, something between pleasant, firm pressure

and outright pain.

Usually, the more developed the muscles are, the more pressure you can

apply. If you feel extreme or increasing sensitivity or pain, gradually decrease

the pressure until you find a balance between pain and pleasure. Acupressure

is not meant to increase your tolerance of pain, so don‟t think of it as a test of

endurance. Do not continue to press a point that is excruciatingly painful.

Often though, if you firmly hold the point for long enough (approximately 3

minutes) the pain will diminish. Note that sometimes when you hold a point,

you'll feel pain in another part of your body. This phenomenon is called

referred pain and indicates that those areas are related. You should press

points in these related areas as well to help release blockages.

 If you find that your hand is generally weak or hurts when you apply finger

pressure, you can use the knuckles or your fist or other tools, such as an

avocado pit, a golf ball or a pencil eraser.

Although you may be tempted to massage or rub the entire area, it is best just

to hold the point steadily with direct finger pressure. The rule of thumb is to

apply slow, firm pressure on the point at a 90 degree angle from the surface of

the skin. If you are pulling the skin, then the angle of pressure is incorrect.

Consciously and gradually direct the pressure into the centre of the part of the

body you‟re working on. It's important to apply and release finger pressure

gradually because this allows the tissues time to respond, thus promoting

healing.

The better your concentration as you move your fingers slowly into and out of

the points, the more effective the treatment will be.

After repeated Acupressure sessions using different degrees of pressure, you

will begin to feel a pulse at the point. This pulsation is a good sign - it means

that circulation has increased. When you‟ve applied pressure for

approximately 3 minutes, slowly decrease the finger pressure, ending with

about 20 – 30 seconds of light touch.

Each body and each area of the body requires a different amount of pressure.

If it hurts a great deal when you apply pressure on a point, then use light

touch instead of pressure. The calves, the face and genital areas are sensitive.

The back, buttocks and shoulders, especially if the musculature is developed,

usually need deeper, firmer pressure.

To achieve the full benefits of Acupressure, you should choose a comfortable,

safe environment that lends itself to deep relaxation. Ideally, you should wear

comfortable clothing. Tight collars, belts or shoes can obstruct circulation. It's

also a good idea to keep your fingernails trimmed fairly short to prevent any

discomfort or injury to the skin while you work.

Avoid practicing acupressure right before a big meal or on a full stomach.

Wait until at least an hour after eating a light meal and even longer after

eating a heavy meal. Practicing a complete Acupressure routine when your

stomach is full inhibits the flow of blood to the digestive organs and may cause

nausea. However, simply applying pressure to one or two points to relieve

indigestion or hiccups is perfectly safe.

Avoid iced drinks, especially during the winter months because extreme cold

generally weakens your system and can counteract the benefits of

Acupressure. A cup of warm herbal tea would be good after an Acupressure

session followed by a period of deep relaxation.

 For optimal results you should perform the Acupressure routines daily,

whether you are using Acupressure to maintain your health or to help relieve

an ailment. If you are using Acupressure for the latter reason, continue using

these same points even after you've obtained relief. This can prevent

recurrence. If you cannot practice every day, treating yourself to Acupressure

two or three times a week can still be very effective in promoting health and

wellbeing.

Self Acupressure
Limit your self-Acupressure sessions to an hour at the most. When you begin

practicing acupressure you may find that you are most comfortable holding a

point for two to three minutes. You may find that you can gradually increase

this and work up to holding points for longer, but do not hold any one point

longer than ten minutes and do not work any single area of the body such as

the abdominal area or the face for longer than 15 minutes. The effects of

Acupressure can be quite strong so if you work too long, too much energy is

released and complications such as nausea and headaches can occur.

Tension tends to concentrate around Acupressure points (also referred to as

acu-points). When a muscle is in spasm or chronically tense, the muscle

fibres contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma,

stress, chemical imbalances or poor circulation.

 As an Acupressure point is held, the muscle tension yields to the finger

pressure enabling the muscle fibres to elongate and relax. This helps the

blood to flow freely and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased

circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas.

This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier,

more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy can circulate

properly, there is a greater sense of harmony, health and well-being.

The Different Levels of Pressure

There are 3 LEVELS of PRESSURE you can use at a POINT: Light, Medium &

Deep. Gradually go into each of these depths to open the point so that healing

energy can flow. Once you are into the point deeply, come out gradually too

in order to seal the healing energy and increase your effectiveness.

The purpose of the three levels is to make you conscious of energy flow -

instead of having you just pressing the points as if they were buttons.

Apply pressure to each point for approximately 3 minutes.

Remember to breathe deeply while working on the points. Take long, slow,

deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
 Questions on Module 1
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What is Acupressure?

2. When was Acupressure developed?

3. List 3 benefits of having an Acupressure treatment?

4. How does emotional stress effect the body?

5. How should you apply pressure to the points?

6. What can you expect to feel at an Acupressure point?

7. What would be good after an Acupressure Treatment?

8. List the 3 levels of pressure you can use at a point?

9. What is the purpose of the different levels of pressure?

10. Approximately how long should you hold each point?

Module 2

Meridians
 What are Meridians?

The design of the meridian network is awesome. Rather than thinking of

meridians as an obscure or foreign concept, you can know them as fourteen

tangible pathways that carry energy into, through and out of your body.

Meridians are energy pathways that "connect the dots," hundreds of tiny

reservoirs of heat, electromagnetic and more subtle energies along the surface

of the skin. Known in Chinese medicine as acupuncture points, these

energy dots or "hot spots" can be stimulated with needles or physical pressure

to release or redistribute energy.

Acupuncture points are on the surface of the skin, but the meridians they open

into travel deep into the body and through each of the organs and muscle

groups. Your meridians are your body's energy bloodstream. Each meridian is

named for the primary organ or system that it services. Two additional energy

pathways called central and governing vessel are also thought of as meridians.

The other twelve meridians form a chain with one meridian linked to the next.

The central and governing meridians open more directly to the environment.

The energies that surround you can enter and exit through them.
 The Role of the Meridians
Meridians affect every organ and every physiological system including the

Immune & Nervous systems, the Endocrine, Circulatory, Respiratory,

Digestive, Skeletal, Muscular & Lymphatic systems. Each system is fed by at

least one meridian. In the way an artery carries blood, a meridian carries

energy. As the body's energy bloodstream, the meridians bring vitality and

balance, remove blockages, adjust metabolism and even determine the speed

and form of cellular change. Their flow is as critical as the flow of blood, your

life and health depend on both. If a meridian's energy is obstructed or

unregulated, the system it feeds is jeopardized. If you think of the meridians

as an energy transportation system, a complex traffic network, you have a

concrete model of how meridian energies interact. The Meridian pathways

need regular maintenance and repair because disturbances in meridian

energies correlate with ill health.

While many of the essential structures of the human body including

the meridians, evolved millions of years ago, these structures evolved

to support a body that was adapting to a markedly different world than we

encounter today so it is not surprising that your body's energy transportation

system may sometimes get its lines crossed and may deliver too much energy

to one organ or not enough to another. The stressors we face daily tend to

send our most vulnerable meridians into a frenzy of overwork or alternatively

virtual shutdown.
 When this frenzy or shutdown is recurrent, other meridians attempting to

compensate for the imbalance, become entrenched in crisis mode. In the

ensuing chain reaction, your whole energy transportation system can become

ineffective, draining your vitality and leaving you susceptible to all sorts of

illness.

The Meridian Clock

Every organ in your body has a 2 hour repair/maintenance schedule to keep

on a daily basis. Most of us in the West have never been aware of this, but

Chinese and Ayurvedic holistic health practitioners have known this for

hundreds of years. It is important to know these cycles if you want to

understand your health problems and learn to treat yourself. If you feel

sluggish, foggy, achy, etc. at these particular times of day, you will know

which organ is trying to repair the damage done to it and these „feelings‟ you

are having are the result of the energy being expended to do these repairs.
 How to Begin and End an Acupressure Treatment

You can begin and End an Acupressure treatment by doing the following:

Place one hand on the client‟s forehead and one hand on their navel. There

are E.S.R (Emotional Stress Release) Points located on the forehead so by

placing one hand here you help to increase blood flow to the area and thus

help to defuse any emotional stress in the client‟s system. One hand on the

navel will also help to defuse any conflict in their system.

This protocol is a really great way of connecting with your client initially and

preparing them for the deep level of balancing you are about to complete. I

would usually hold these points for about 3 minutes at the beginning and end

of an Acupressure Treatment.
 Questions on Module 2
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What are Meridians?

2. How many Meridians are there?

3. Where are Acupuncture/Acupressure points located?

4. How are each of the Meridians named?

5. What systems of the body are affected by the Meridians?

6. What do Meridians carry through the body?

7. List 3 roles of the Meridians?

8. What happens if a Meridian‟s energy is obstructed?

9. List the 2 hour repair/maintenance schedule for the Large Intestine?

10. List the 2 hour repair/maintenance schedule for the Liver?

Module 3

Circulatory

System
 Questions on Module 3
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟t the best point to treat Chest Pain?

2. What is the location of the Lu1 point?

3. List 2 other points that can be used to treat Chest Pain?

4. What‟s the best point to treat Oedema?

5. What‟s the best point to treat Hepatitis?

6. What is the location of the Lv3 point?

7. What‟s the best point to treat Raynaud‟s Syndrome?

8. What is the location of the Ht7 point?

9. What‟s the best point to treat Varicose Veins?

10. What‟s the location of the Sp6 point?

 Module 4

Digestive System
 Questions on Module 4
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Acid Reflux/GERD/Heartburn?

2. What‟s the location of the Pc6 point?

3. What caution should you be aware of with the CV23 point?

4. What‟s the best point to treat Bowel Incontinence?

5. What‟s the location of the GV20 point?

6. What‟s the best point to treat Colitis/Chron‟s Disease/I.B.S?

7. What‟s the best point to treat Constipation?

8. What‟s the best point to treat Hiccups?

9. What‟s the location of the Sp4 point?

10. What‟s the best point to treat Ulcers?

Module 5

Endocrine

System
 Questions on Module 5
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Adrenal/Chronic Fatigue?

2. What‟s the location of the Ki1 point?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Anxiety Disorder?

4. What‟s the location of the GV24.5 point?

5. What‟s the best point to treat Bipolar Disorder?

6. What‟s the location of the Lv2 point?

7. What‟s the best point to treat Depression?

8. What‟s the location of the Sp10 point?

9. What‟s the best point to treat Thyroid Imbalance?

10. What‟s the location of the CV12 point?

 Module 6

Integumentary

System
 Questions on Module 6
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Acne/Rosacea/Skin Blemishes?

2. What‟s the location of the St8 point?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Athlete‟s Foot/Ringworm?

4. What‟s the location of the Lu11 point?

5. What‟s the best point to treat Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema?

6. What‟s the location of the Lu7 point?

7. What‟s the location of the Sp6 point?

8. What‟s the best point to treat Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye?

9. What caution should you be aware of with this condition?

10. What‟s the location of the GB14 point?

 Module 7

Lymph/Immune

System
 Questions on Module 7
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Allergies?

2. What‟s the location of the LI20 point?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Bacterial Infections?

4. What‟s the location of the LI11 point?

5. What‟s the location of the Sp6 point?

6. What‟s the best point to treat Bladder Infections?

7. What‟s the location of the CV4 point?

8. What‟s the location of the GV20 point?

9. What‟s the best point to treat Fungal Infections?

10. What‟s the best point to treat Viral Infections?

 Module 8

Musculoskeletal

System
 Questions on Module 8
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Arthritis?

2. What‟s the BL40 point also known as (A.k.A?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Tennis Elbow?

4. What‟s the location of the TH3 point?

5. What‟s the best point to treat Frozen Shoulder?

6. What‟s the location of the SI3 point?

7. What‟s the best point to treat Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)?

8. What‟s the location of the Sp4 point?

9. What‟s the best point to treat Low Back Pain from Lifting or Bending?

10. What‟s the best point to treat Neck Spasm/Stiff Neck?

 Module 9

Nervous System
 Questions on Module 9
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Addictions?

2. What‟s the best point to treat a Food Addiction?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Alopecia?

4. What‟s the best point to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

5. What‟s the location of the Ht7 point?

6. What‟s the best point to treat Sciatica?

7. What‟s the location of the Sp10 point?

8. What‟s the best point to treat Tinnitus?

9. What‟s the location of the Ki3 point?

10. What‟s the best point to treat Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Module 10

Reproductive

System
 Questions on Module 10
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Irregular Menstruation?

2. What‟s the best point to treat Irregular Menstruation with Cramping?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Breast Distention/Mastitis?

4. What‟s the best point to treat Infertility?

5. What‟s the location of the Ki6 point?

6. What‟s the best point to treat Insufficient Lactation?

7. What other point could you add to the treatment for Insufficient

Lactation?

8. What‟s the best point to treat Morning Sickness?

9. What‟s the location of the St8 point?

10. What‟s the best point to treat Prostatitis?

Module 11

Respiratory

System
 Questions on Module 11
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Asthma?

2. What‟s the location of the Ki27 point?

3. What‟s the best point to treat Bronchitis?

4. What‟s the location of the CV17 point?

5. What‟s the best point to treat Common Cold?

6. What‟s the location of the LI4 point?

7. What‟s the best point to treat a Cough with Sticky, Yellow Mucous?

8. What‟s the best point for Digestive Phlegm?

9. What‟s the best point to treat Sore Throat?

10. What caution is given with the CV23 point?

 Module 12

Urinary System
 Questions on Module 12
Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. What‟s the best point to treat Bedwetting?

2. What‟s the location of the Sp6 point?

3. What caution is given with the Sp6 point?

4. What is the GV20 point used for with Bedwetting?

5. What is the Ki6 point used for with Bedwetting?

6. What benefits will the CV1 point provide for Bedwetting?

7. What‟s the best point to treat Urinary Incontinence?

8. What is the location of the CV4 point?

9. How does the Sp6 point help with Urinary Incontinence?

10. How does the Lv3 point help with Urinary Incontinence?
Module 13

Practice

Management
 Practice Management
How to Attract Clients to your Clinic
A great many qualified and highly skilled complementary therapists and

alternative medicine practitioners are very much underemployed simply

because they cannot get enough clients. The main reason is because their

expertise is in helping people but they know precious little about effective

marketing. It's a problem that affects a great many people that have products

and services that they want to spread to a wider market.

What is Marketing?
Here's one definition: “It is how you apply your resources - financial and time

- in an effort to achieve your objective i.e. to help people for a fair

recompense.”

The Importance of Marketing

As mentioned above, it's really all about marketing. We know that many

people in the field of holistic treatments feel uncomfortable with the term but

don't forget that practitioners of main stream medicine have no qualms about

promoting their services and charging far more than you may ever charge.

So let's not shy away from using the term marketing - it's not a dirty word. It's

what is needed to get the message about you and your skills out there. You've

invested in gaining your qualifications so that you can help people. But how

can you help people in difficulty if they don't know that you exist?
 If we assume that your clients will pay a fair price for what you do then the

focus must be on those activities that you engage in before any client ever

arrives in your practice. Those activities are constrained by the limited

availability of money and time. Therefore it is vital that you spend both wisely

and only focus on activities and expenditure that will generate more resources

than they consume. That is the theoretical side covered. The following is

some practical marketing advice on how to attract and retain clients.

Marketing Techniques, Tips and Advice

Most people are aware of the tried and trusted marketing techniques and tools

such as using business cards, brochures and leaflets however you should take

a more holistic approach to your marketing. Methods and techniques that

work in other areas of business can and do work in the area of complementary

and alternative therapies. The following list contains marketing tips and

advice which may not be for everyone but you should find something that has

some practical application for your practice.

Determine who your target markets are. For example: athletes, business

people, children. Develop a specific plan for each target group.

Do market research and find out what other therapists and practitioners

in your area are doing and how they are marketing. Ask them to send

you their flyer, card or brochure.

 Print up brochures, flyers, business cards, gift vouchers etc. Be extra

vigilant and treble-check everything. Mistakes with hard copy printing

can be very expensive to rectify.

Pay particular attention to your contact details. Make a mistake with

those and you will definitely miss out on potential clients.

Use both sides of your business cards.

Develop an information kit for new prospective clients telling them

everything they need to know about getting a treatment such as

location, cancellation policies, educational material etc.

Develop a therapist online marketing plan. More and more people are

using their computer, phones and other electronic devices to find

services such as yours on the internet. If you are not online then you

are definitely missing out on potential clients.

Set up a PayPal a/c so that you can accept credit card payments to sell

gift vouchers from your web page/site.

Most mobile phone packages offer a set number of free web text

messages. Set up a text mailing list of your clients and use this free

facility to contact them with appointment reminders, special offers,

follow-up messages after therapy sessions etc.

Text/contact clients to remind them of their appointments.

Text/contact clients to let them know you have time slots available.
 Distribute your leaflets, flyers, posters, brochures etc using notice

boards and on counters in health food shops, pharmacies, supermarkets

and veterinary clinics.

Use tear-off phone numbers on notice board posters.

Try to work regular hours so clients know that they can count on you.

Keep good records so that you can keep track of everyone who comes to

see you and keep your mailing and phone lists up to date.

Contact clients that you haven't seen for some time and let them know

what time slots that you have available that week.

Make every effort to return all phone calls promptly, within hours or at

the very least, on the same day.

Give regular clients a special volume discount e.g. pay upfront for 3

sessions and get a small discount off each session.

Ask your clients to write testimonials for use in flyers, brochures and on

your web page/site.

Contact/text your client the next day after a treatment session to see

how they feel.

Send offers for gift vouchers for holidays such as Christmas, Valentine‟s

Day, Mother‟s Day etc.

Write articles for the newspaper or regular local publications.

Develop a one line slogan that can be associated with your practice.

Send letters to other supporting practitioners in your area (naturopaths,

acupuncturists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychologists,

counsellors, herbalists, doctors, osteopaths, orthopaedic physicians, etc.)

Ask for referrals. Ask them for information about themselves too so that

you can refer clients to them also.

Find other health-related businesses and people to network with such as

yoga studios, health clubs, pilates teachers etc.

Send hand written thank you notes when appropriate.

Donate gift vouchers to auctions for local non-profit business such as

schools or other local community services.

Attend conferences, seminars and industry shows & exhibitions.

Regularly research rates and price structures in your area to make sure

you are competitive.

Offer your clients a free treatment if they refer (say) three friends to

you.

Keep up to date with techniques and methods to constantly improve

yourself and your treatments.

Watch out for low cost small advertisement opportunities in your local

newspapers. Make contact with the person that sells the ad space and

ask them to keep you in mind if they have late unsold space. Quite

often this can be sold at knockdown rates.

Make copies of interesting and informative articles to have on hand for

distribution to your clients.

Subscribe to a marketing newsletter or e-zine to generate ideas to help

to keep you motivated.

 Offer a senior citizens discount.

Join the Chamber of Commerce or local rotary club for networking

purposes.

Run promotions for the various holidays emphasising gift voucher sales

for Christmas, Valentine‟s Day, Mother‟s Day etc.

Volunteer your time to charities or not-for-profit organisations.

Change your voice mail message every day to let clients know what

openings you have each day or when your next opening will be.

Professionalism
1. When with a client, always give them your full, undivided attention.

2. Cultivate the art of putting out of your mind your own personal interests

or problems during the treatment session.

3. Forget about the previous client and concentrate on the present one.

4. When the next client is presented, make sure that you do not carry over

problems from previous sessions.

5. Whether making home visits or working from your own clinic, always

make a point of washing your hands before commencing treatment. Ensure

that your client is aware that you have done so.

6. Never let a client dictate the treatment, or the form it should take, because

you are the person who has the training and knowledge to decide this.

However, wherever possible try to take into account the client‟s preferences.

7. Talk calmly to the client but do not gossip.

8. You must guard against any emotional involvement. This applies to a

 wide range of problems which may complicate the client/therapist

relationship. Give good, sound advice and help with the problem in any way

you can, but do not become emotionally involved in it.

9. Keep a complete record card for each client. Complete the record card

before you begin the first therapy session and update the record card each

time you treat the client.

Ethics
1. When a client is referred by a medical doctor, or other professional

person, the instructions given at the time of referral must be scrupulously

carried out.

2. A client should not be accepted for treatment if they are currently being

treated by anyone else, for the same or an associated condition.

3. When you accept a client you are obliged to give the best treatment of

which you are capable, irrespective of race, religion or any other

consideration.

Client Support:

You should support your clients through:

- Communication

- A listening ear
 - Understanding their circumstances etc. (pain, stress)

- Patience

- Basic language

Firstly, listen to your client. Hear what they have to say and value it.

Ask how they have been since their last treatment and the reason they came to

you in the first place. Be patient with your client and never hurry a treatment.

The client will not thank you for it.

Do not use a lot of medical or technical terms. Explain everything in simple

language according to your client‟s level of understanding. Finally, once a

treatment has finished give advice on diet, lifestyle, etc. You will earn a great

deal more respect and the client will thank you for it.

The Responsibilities of The Therapist:

The most important asset of a proficient therapist is a genuine compassion for

the suffering of humanity and a desire to assist in relieving this suffering. A

thorough knowledge of your chosen therapy/therapies, as well as anatomy

and physiology, will increase your competence. A clean, hygienic work space

or clinic is necessary to create the correct impression.

Grubby, noisy surroundings are hardly the environment in which people seek

health care. Everything about a therapist should give the impression of

professionalism.
 Creating Boundaries
Establish treatment boundaries by turning off mobile phones and getting rid of

any distractions. Focus your attention wholly on the client you are treating

and avoid conversations about yourself or your own worries.

Your attitude, image, environment and intentions are all important both

before and during treatment because you will be affecting your client on

numerous levels.

Dress Code

It‟s important to make a good impression with your clients, therefore how you

appear to them is the first image they will have of you.

If you appear professional they will feel more at ease and feel they are getting

appropriate attention. As they are paying for this service they are entitled to

that. If their first impression of you is that you‟re sloppy and don‟t care much

for your appearance, then they would be quite entitled to be concerned about

how well you‟re going to care for their health. Always be professional, clean

and tidy. Personal hygiene is also very important. Bad breath and body

odours are not acceptable when you are working over people‟s bodies.

Keep your nails short and clean, otherwise they may dig into your client‟s skin

as you work. Always wash your hands before and after treatment to keep

them clean and fresh. If you have long hair, keep it tied back so it doesn‟t fall

over your client‟s body as you work on different points.

 Clinic Environment

Your clinic should be a place that your clients enjoy coming into. It should be

clean and tidy and look professional. The temperature needs to be warm

enough so that people don‟t get cold if they are lying down and also not too

hot so as to have them sweltering. A blanket covering the client can make

them feel less vulnerable. Avoid strong smells in the clinic, such as burning

oils or incense sticks, as this may cause irritation to some clients.

Provide magazines and somewhere comfortable to sit if you have to keep them

waiting for a short period of time.

Your clients like to see nice equipment in your office, this shows that the

practice is doing well and instils more confidence in you.

Have your certificates displayed on your wall, so that clients can see them, also

keep updating so that your clients can see you‟re keeping abreast of things.

This makes them feel good about your clinic and your professionalism.

Professional Fees
Your fees should reflect your professional ability, if you are only charging a

nominal fee, then your clients will think that you are only minimally qualified.

People don‟t go for the cheapest, they understand that if they want a good

service then they have to pay for it.

 If you charge a small fee that is not covering your expenses then you will

appear most unprofessional if you keep putting up your fees. Charge an

appropriate fee for the work that you do. If you don‟t value yourself, how can

you expect your clients to? Remember this is a value that they are putting in

their own healing. You can always reduce your fee for someone who cannot

afford the full treatment cost.

Preparation Checklist Prior to Treatment

 Is the environment warm and well ventilated?

 Is the lighting calming?

 Are you dressed appropriately so that your client can respect the value

of your treatment?

 Are your fingernails clean and short?

 Have you removed any jewellery that may interfere with the treatment?

 If you have long hair is it tied back so as not to fall over the client

during treatment?

 Do you have a clean blanket and pillow to make your client feel

comfortable?

 Have you a glass of water ready to give to your client afterwards?

 Questions on Module 13

Please answer the following questions using no more than 100 words for

each. Incorporate the questions within your answers (e.g. Q. How many days

are there in one week? A. There are seven days in one week.)

1. List one of the main reasons why therapists find it difficult to attract

new clients?

2. What does it mean to „market‟ your business?

3. Name 3 tried and trusted marketing techniques?

4. Compile a list of the marketing tips and advice you feel will be most

helpful to you in setting up your business?

5. List 3 ways in which you can support your client during a treatment?

6. List 4 responsibilities of the therapist?

7. Why is an appropriate dress code important?

8. List 3 ways in which you can make your clinic warm and inviting for

clients?

9. Why is it important to charge an appropriate fee for the work you do?

10. List 3 things you must do prior to treatment?

Module 14

Case Studies
 Case Study Requirements

In order to meet the requirements of the International

Institute and receive your certificate for this course you will

be required to complete all questions and a total of 10 Case

Studies - 1 case study on each body system.

Case Studies are a great way of helping students to learn as

they begin to work with people, whether it‟s with family,

friends or clients.

You will be given a Case Study Guide and a Case Study

Example on the pages that follow to help ensure ease and

confidence in completing your own.

 Case Study Guide
Name:

Issue (Ask the person you‟re working on to give you a brief

explanation of their symptoms and you note it down here)

(0-10 Scale) (0 = No Pain) (10 = Extremely Painful) (Using

a 0-10 Scale is a great way to assess how strongly an issue is
affecting someone)

(Ask the person the following question prior to working on

them) - On a 0-10 Scale, how would you rate this issue?
(Note the number down here)

Point Combinations Used: You will always complete the

protocol for „How to Begin and End an Acupressure
Treatment‟ and then proceed with any relevant shortcut
charts that you feel will help your client.

How did the person feel after the treatment was complete?
(0-10 Scale)
 Case Study Example
Name: Jane Doe
Issue (0-10 Scale): Client has been suffering from
heartburn, constipation and bloating for the past 6 weeks.
This is causing the client a lot of stress & anxiety. On a 0-
10 scale, client feels this issue is a 10 out of 10.
Treatment Protocol:
I began the treatment by placing one hand on the forehead
and one hand on the navel as a way of connecting with the
client and to help defuse any emotional stress or conflict in
her system. I held this position for about 3 minutes then
proceeded with the treatment points for Heartburn CV12,
CV22, Pc6 & St36, I then worked on the points for Bloating
St36, CV12, Pc6 & St25. I also worked on the points for
Constipation - St25, St40, St36 & Ki3. I applied pressure to
each point for approximately 3 minutes. I ended the
treatment by placing one hand on the forehead and one
hand over the navel for approximately 3 minutes.
How did the client feel after the treatment was complete?
The client really enjoyed the treatment and said she felt very
relaxed. She noticed her tummy gurgling as I was working
on some of the points which I explained can be a positive
sign that we are clearing blocked energy. She said the
bloating had definitely improved and her tummy didn‟t feel
as hard as before the treatment. On a 0-10 scale the client
felt her issue had reduced to about a level 7 out of 10. I
advised her to do a further 2 sessions over the following 2
weeks to further reduce symptoms.
 Congratulations on completing this Acupressure Course!
Please forward your completed questions and case studies for correction to

Annette at: [email protected]

Upon successful completion of the course you can avail of Discounted Membership and

Practitioner Insurance with the International Institute - please type the following info into

your browser and hit the enter key. https://www.iictinsurance.eu/neki

Please use my name „Annette Reilly‟ as the Referral Name signing up to ensure

you receive a discounted rate.

(Please note - You will need to scan in a copy of your Acupressure Certificate and upload it

as part of your application. The application process usually takes about 5 working days.

Once your application has been successful you will receive a professional membership

certificate from the International Institute and a link for discounted insurance will be

emailed to you.)

Any issues with signing up please contact me directly on: 085 785 8770