Acupressure originated in ancient China. Like many other treatments used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the goal of the practice is to support movement of qi, or life force inside the body, notes the University of Michigan Health’s Rogel Cancer Center. According to TCM theory, qi flows through paths throughout the body, known as meridians. Along the meridians lie acupressure points, which can be stimulated by manual pressure with fingers or tools, heat, or needles, depending on the therapy and modality. Read more.