YOUNG executives are often dogged by various office-related ailments such as stiff necks, headaches, migraines and numbness in the hands from repetitive-strain in juries, said Mr Patrick Ng.

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician stressed that one should seek treatment quickly once initial symptoms are felt.

Here is the good news: It is not just pain relief one can look for when it comes to trying to manage these ailments and the discomfort they bring. One can turn to acupressure (or tui na), said the 55-year-old,
a full-time IT professional in a foreign bank who has been practising acupressure, acupuncture and Chinese medicine for 12 years.

He Volunteers at the Tampines branch of the Public Free Clinic Society on Wednesday evenings, and will be giving a talk on acupressure on March 6.

Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a TCM technique derived from acupuncture.

According to the principles of TCM, qi - the circulating life force that flows through all things - travels through the body via 14 primary meridians, or channels, in the body.

To stimulate the (low of qi, or to remove blockages in the meridians, one can apply pressure with one's hands or elbows to meridian points. This is supposed to improve one's qi and blood circulation.

Acupuncture works on the same principle of meridian points, but needles are used to penetrate the skin and stimulate the nerves.

While acupressure has been an effective treatment for aches and pains, you should not wait too long before seeking help for a problem, said Mr Ng.

That could result in a long-term and more severe issue taking mot - one that acupressure might not be able to help. "One should not underestimate slight pains," he said, adding that one should be aware of what is going on in one's body.

He added that acupressure can be safely performed at home if a reasonable amount of pressure is applied with bare hands.

my paper asked him some questions from readers.

I am a young executive. I don't know whether it is my pillow or sleeping position, but I frequently suffer from a stiff neck, which also gives me bad headaches when I wake up. What should I do? MARILYN LIU, 30

Mr Ng: Severe stiff necks which lead to headaches can be treated by applying pressure to accupoints such as the lao zhen, near the elbow joint. Also apply pressure to the wax guan, which is 5cm from the top of your wrist. These should help the neck pains.

Pressing the he gu (a soft spot between the forefinger and thumb) and feng chi, at the back of the head behind the ear, along the side of the neck, can help ease the headaches.

This is because these are meridian points along the channel, which can release and enhance the flow of qi.
 
Pain usually results from a blockage in the meridian channel. Once the vital energy is flowing smoothly, there will be no more pain. I will be discussing these methods further in my talk.

I am 40 years old but I suffer from aches in my lower back due to long periods sitting in the office and a lack of exercise. Can acupressure help? What forms of acupressure treatment do you recommend? MS DOROTHY POON, 40

Mr Ng: If you've been suffering from aches in the lower back for quite some time, be warned that acupressure can help to relieve aches only temporarily, because it reaches only the surface of the skin. It cannot penetrate and reach the nerves.

For a complete and more effective treatment, you should consult a chiropractor to determine if there is any spinal problem, such as a dislocation or blockage.

I would also recommend that you undergo acupuncture treatment, because it will stimulate your nerves and initiate the circulation of qi in your body, which will relieve your back aches.