An alternative form of bodywork that combines the practice of acupressure with the breathing and postures (asanas) of hatha YOGA. Acu-yoga is generally self-administered after a person has learned the basic yoga postures and the location of the acupressure points. The floor is used to apply pressure to those parts of the body that cannot be reached by the hand. Acu-yoga was developed by Michael Reed Gach, a leading acupressure practitioner who also trains physicians and other medical professionals in various bodywork techniques. He heads the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. As with many holistic health practices, the metaphysical and scientific claims mix in a complex fashion, but the practice of acu-yoga relies upon the claims for general overall body invigoration by the practice of both hatha yoga and acupressure.