Chinese medicine, which encompasses practices such as acupuncture and acupressure, is often misunderstood due to its focus on energy movement. However, it is essential to clarify that these practices have a firm scientific and evidence-based foundation. New research supporting their effectiveness is published frequently.

One of the primary scientific foundations of acupuncture and acupressure lies in the human body's network of connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia is a filmy tissue that covers every organ and muscle in the body, structured in long bands, much like links of sausages.

For many years, the fascia was thought to merely reduce friction between moving structures within the body. However, recent studies show that it is an alive and adaptable tissue.

Notably, the overlapping points of these fascia bands align with 80% accuracy to what are considered acupoints in Chinese medicine. Fascia responds to pressure and injury, which is the principle behind acupressure and acupuncture.

Stimulating acupoints through pressure or injury can result in a range of effects. These can range from simply increasing blood flow to an organ, to inducing changes in your gene expression, depending on the specific acupoint and method of stimulation.

If you're interested in a more in-depth discussion on the science of acupressure, there are various resources available that provide a clear explanation supported by peer-reviewed research. One recommended book is "The Spark in the Machine: How the Science of Acupuncture Explains the Mysteries of Western Medicine", published on March 21, 2014. This book provides in-depth insights into the scientific foundations of acupuncture.