Precise thumb and finger pressure on key points to ease tension, headaches, and stubborn knots that don't respond to surface massage.
Acupressure massage in Redwood City is what we recommend when a client has a specific, stubborn point of pain that won't release. Where deep tissue addresses whole muscle groups and Shiatsu works through entire meridian systems, acupressure is the most targeted of the three: precise pressure on individual points, held with control, until the body lets go.
The technique is rooted in classical Chinese medicine — the same theoretical framework that gives us acupuncture, but using fingers and thumbs instead of needles. The points being addressed (called acupoints) are the same. The therapeutic logic is the same. Only the tool is different.
Five of our eight licensed therapists work skillfully with acupressure, and two of them (Edman and Jack) bring formal Eastern medicine backgrounds — Edman from Shanghai University of TCM, Jack from years of tuina and bone-setting practice in China. For clients with tension headaches, stubborn neck knots, or chronic pain that has resisted Western methods, acupressure often does what other modalities cannot.
Same low rate as every other modality on our menu.
| Duration | Now | Was | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 min | $39 | $49 | $10 |
| 60 min | $59 | $99 | $40 |
| 90 min | Call for Price · 650-868-5088 | ||
| 120 min | Call for Price · 650-868-5088 | ||
Couples sessions: per person, same rate as single service.
FREE 15-min Hot Stone treatment included with any service.
Our clients book this session for a wide range of body issues. The most common reasons:
Massage for tension headaches and migraine relief responds particularly well to acupressure. Specific points on the upper trapezius, scalp, and hands can ease headaches within minutes.
Massage for muscle knots and tight muscles is exactly what acupressure does best — sustained pressure on the trigger point until it releases.
Massage for trapezius pain involves a series of well-known acupoints across the upper back. Most clients feel meaningful release in a single session.
Massage for chronic pain often requires the targeted approach acupressure provides. Specific point work can reach what generalized massage doesn't.
Massage for anxiety through acupressure targets specific calming points (Heart 7, Pericardium 6, etc) that have been used for emotional regulation for centuries.
Massage for insomnia through acupressure works on the heart and kidney meridian points — the traditional sleep-related pathways.
Massage for chronic neck pain often combines acupressure with deep tissue. The combination addresses both the muscle and the meridian.
Skilled acupressure combines several specific techniques. Here's what your therapist will be doing during your session:
Acupressure starts with conversation. Your therapist will ask specifically where the pain is, what makes it better or worse, and how long it's been there. Acupressure is precise — they need to know exactly where to focus.
You can choose to be fully clothed (light comfortable clothing works well) or under a sheet on the table — most clients prefer the table with light covering. Acupressure doesn't require oil, but some therapists use a small amount on the points being worked.
The session moves point by point. You'll feel the pressure build at each location. Some points are subtle. Some are unmistakable — small electric sensations or warmth radiating away from the point. That's the body responding.
Toward the end of the session, your therapist will often work paired points (a point on one side balanced with a point on the other) and ground the work with broad palm pressure along the meridian.
After the session, most clients describe a slightly altered, calm awareness. The local pain that brought them in often feels noticeably different by the next day. For chronic conditions, a series of 3-6 sessions usually shows clear progress.
All eight of our licensed therapists are trained across the full menu. The therapists below have particular depth of experience with acupressure and are most-requested for this service:
Not sure who to book? Tell us where you're holding tension and we'll match you. Find your match by condition →
| Comparison | Notes |
|---|---|
| vs Acupuncture | Same theoretical framework, same points. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted into the points; acupressure uses sustained finger pressure. Acupressure is non-invasive and accessible to clients who prefer to avoid needles. |
| vs Shiatsu | Both Eastern-rooted. Acupressure usually focuses on a smaller number of specific points. Shiatsu is more systematic — working through every meridian in sequence. Many clients find acupressure more targeted; Shiatsu more comprehensive. |
| vs Deep Tissue | Different goals. Deep tissue addresses muscle groups; acupressure addresses specific points. Both are firm. Many sessions blend the two — using deep tissue to warm and release the muscle, then acupressure to address remaining stuck points. |
| vs Trigger Point Therapy | Closely related concepts from different traditions. Trigger points are Western (the work of Janet Travell); acupoints are Eastern (Chinese medicine, 2000+ years old). Many specific points overlap. Skilled therapists work with both frameworks. |
Verdict: Choose acupressure when you have a specific, stubborn pain point that hasn't responded to other treatment. It's particularly valuable for tension headaches, chronic neck knots, and old injuries. Often blended with deep tissue for the most complete result.
It depends on what brings you in. Here are the most common rhythms our clients keep:
Not sure what rhythm makes sense for your situation? Chat with us on the bottom right — we'll talk through it.
The questions our clients ask most often about this service.
Same theoretical framework, same points — different tool. Acupuncture uses thin needles; acupressure uses sustained finger pressure. Both are part of classical Chinese medicine. Acupressure is non-invasive and can be a good starting point for clients who want the benefits of point therapy without needles.
Acupressure is one of the most effective single approaches for tension headaches. Specific points on the upper trapezius, the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, and on the hands often ease headaches within minutes. We recommend a series of weekly sessions for chronic recurring headaches.
Yes. Massage for anxiety through acupressure targets specific calming points like Heart 7 (on the wrist), Pericardium 6 (forearm), and Yin Tang (between the eyebrows). The combination of point pressure and the slow pace activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Edman (30 years, Shanghai University of TCM) and Jack (20+ years, Chinese tuina background) are our most experienced. Mary's methodical, focused style is excellent for acupressure work. Peter's strong, confident pressure works well for clients needing deeper point work.
Acupressure can be done fully clothed (light comfortable clothing) or under a sheet on the table — your choice. Most points can be accessed either way. Just let us know what you prefer when you book.
For acute issues like a tension headache, you'll often feel the difference within minutes. For chronic conditions, a series of 3-6 weekly sessions usually shows clear progress. Acupressure builds on itself — each session opens what the next one can address more deeply.
60-min sessions from $59 (regularly $99). All sessions by appointment. Eight licensed therapists. Open daily 9am–10pm.
Call: 650-868-5088 Or chat with us on the bottom right →
