Acupressure Shodh Prashikshan Evam Upchar Sansthan (ASPEUS), based in Prayagraj (Allahabad), India, practices a range of acu therapies to promote drugless, cost-effective healing. Below is a synopsis of the therapies employed at ASPEUS, highlighting their origins, principles, and applications.
Originating in China around 2000–3000 BC, acupuncture and acupressure are foundational acu therapies. Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific acu points along meridians—pathways of energy flow in the body—to correct imbalances causing disease. Acupressure applies pressure to these same points using thumbs, fingers, or objects, offering a non-invasive alternative with similar effectiveness but less pain. While acupuncture provides faster relief, acupressure is preferred for its simplicity and minimal discomfort.
At ASPEUS, acupuncture is not currently practiced. Instead, a modified form of acupressure, primarily Sujok acupressure, is used, building on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Developed in 1987 by Prof. Park Jae Woo of Korea, Sujok acupuncture revolutionized classical acupuncture by identifying the hands and feet as replicas of the entire body. Acu points on the hands and feet correspond to body parts, allowing treatment without targeting the whole body. Sujok, meaning "hands and feet" in Korean, uses smaller, superficially inserted needles for acupuncture or pressure for acupressure, making it simpler and more convenient.
ASPEUS primarily practices Sujok acupressure, a non-invasive method that has gained significant popularity in India through the institute’s efforts. It is highly effective and easier to apply than classical acupressure.
These therapies stimulate acu points using micro magnets, seeds (e.g., buckwheat, methi, gram, peas), or colors instead of needles or pressure, achieving tonification (energy increase) or sedation (energy decrease). Micro magnets are fixed with adhesive tape, with the North pole increasing energy and the South pole decreasing it. Seeds, applied similarly, balance energy through bio-energy and pressure, requiring periodic pressing and daily replacement. Colors are used for patients sensitive to magnets or seeds, especially children, with specific colors and durations chosen by therapists.
ASPEUS extensively uses these therapies for their simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness, particularly in Sujok acupressure applications.
Prof. Park Jae Woo’s Onnuri Medicine encompasses additional therapies like tri-origin, eight-origin, six qi, and regional diagnosis/treatment, all based on the hand and foot correspondence system. These methods allow treatment of specific organs or body parts by stimulating corresponding points on the hands or feet. Initially popular at ASPEUS, Onnuri Medicine has been largely overshadowed by the institute’s development of Ayurvedic acupressure, though it remains part of training curricula.
ASPEUS has pioneered a unique Indian version of Ayurvedic acupressure, distinct from global interpretations that combine Vat, Pitta, and Kapha with Chinese meridians. Based on the Charak Sanhita’s ten-element theory, this therapy maps the body’s ten elements to the fingers and toes, with meridians on palms, feet, wrists, and ankles. Treatment uses micro magnets, seeds, or colors to address imbalances, effectively treating complex diseases like cancer, AIDS, and trigeminal neuralgia without surgery.
This innovative therapy, influenced by Prof. Park’s tri-origin and eight-origin concepts, has become a cornerstone of ASPEUS’s practice, surpassing earlier methods.
Rooted in Indian yogic philosophy, this therapy leverages the energy of seven major chakras, mapped to corresponding points on the palms via Sujok acupressure. By stimulating these points with micro magnets, seeds, or colors, ASPEUS treats complex diseases using the chakras’ inherent energy. The institute has advanced this therapy and published two books on the subject, making it a significant part of its treatment and training programs.
Developed by Dr. Reinhold Voll in the mid-20th century, EAV uses electrodes to stimulate acu points, validating Chinese acupuncture scientifically. Voll discovered new meridians on hands and feet for tissue disorders and an eye meridian, redefining and expanding acu point locations. His dermatron instrument measures electrical resistance to diagnose disease stages and treat specific organ parts.
ASPEUS practices a modified EAV, using micro magnets or seeds instead of electrodes, as dermatron instruments are unavailable. This approach remains highly effective for complex conditions.
Originating in ancient Egypt (2300 BC) and modernized in the early 20th century, reflexology uses 38 points on the palms and feet to represent body organs. ASPEUS initially adopted reflexology in 1995 but discontinued it after adopting Sujok acupressure, which offers infinite corresponding points for greater precision and versatility.
Founded in 1995, ASPEUS integrates these therapies to provide free, effective treatment through over 280 centers across India, serving thousands daily. The institute trains volunteers in these methods, publishes over 120 books and the quarterly journal Saraswati, and conducts research to advance acupressure. For more details, contact:
Address: 49/24 A, Minto Road, Allahabad-211001, India
Phone: +91 92081 48610 | +91 93358 35005
Email: ayurved_acu@rediffmail.com
Website: https://www.acusansthan-ald.in
