BY JOY FANG

YOUNG executives are often dogged by various office-related ailments such as stiff necks, headaches, migraines and numbness in the hands from repetitive-strain injuries, 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 flow 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 root - 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.