Acupressure is a type of massage therapy that involves applying manual pressure to specific points on the body. It is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses pressure from fingers instead of needles.
Acupressure is said to help with a variety of conditions from motion sickness to headaches to muscle aches. TCM practitioners say that the benefits of acupressure are achieved by using pressure points along energy pathways in the body to encourage the free flow of energy, or qi.
This article explains the process of acupressure massage and how the pressure points are used. It discusses the safety and side effects of acupressure as well as research on the benefits of acupressure.
How does acupressure work?
It is believed that acupressure treats blocked energy, although it is uncertain what acupressure actually does. Some people think that stress can cause the release of endorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Others think that stress can affect the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary things like your heart, digestion, and breathing.
According to the principles of TCM, invisible pathways of energy called meridians flow within the body. It is believed that at least 14 meridians connect organs to other parts of the body.
If Qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it is thought to cause health problems along that path.
A practitioner applies pressure to specific acupressure points to restore healthy energy flow. The numbers they choose depend on your symptoms.
Given how the meridians move, the pressure points used may be far from the site of the symptom. For example, an acupressure point on the foot is used to relieve headaches.
What are acupressure points?
There are 361 pressure points on the 14th meridian. These points are the same ones used in acupuncture.
For example, the pressure point Neiguan (P-6) is mainly used to treat nausea and vomiting. To find it, turn the palm of your hand upward.
Place your thumb in the center of where the hand meets the wrist. Move your thumb two finger-widths toward the elbow. The point is between two large tendons, which you should be able to feel when you apply pressure.
Some other commonly used pressure points include:
Lai Qi (LU-7) on the thumb side of your wrist can help stimulate your immune system.
Qi Chi (LI-11) at the elbow is used for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Tzu San Li (ST-36) below the knee is used for loss of appetite, acid reflux and constipation.
He Gu (LI-4) in hand can reduce chemotherapy side effects, menstrual pain, and headaches.
Shen Shu (UB-23) is used for lower back pain.
Liang Qiu Above the Knee (ST-34) may prove useful for osteoarthritis knee pain.
What is acupressure used for?
Most people try acupressure to manage a condition, such as:
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
Some studies suggest benefit from auricular (ear) acupuncture in treating cancer-related fatigue, which is common in people receiving chemotherapy.
Benefits of acupressure
Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of acupressure, but there is some evidence to suggest it may help.
In a 2017 study, researchers looked at the effects of acupressure on pain and anxiety. The subjects were athletes with sports injuries. On the day of injury, researchers treated subjects with one of the following or gave them no acupressure:
three minutes acupressure
Three minutes of placebo treatment (sham acupressure applied to a false pressure point)
The study concluded that acupressure reduced pain compared to sham treatment or no acupressure treatment. There was no change in concern.
A 2017 review analyzed the results of three trials in chemotherapy patients. Researchers found that acupressure applied with fingers or an acupressure wristband reduced nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation.
Although these are promising results, a review released in 2023 of 22 clinical trials on acupuncture or acupressure to induce labor found a clear benefit.
What happens during an acupressure session?
Acupressure is often performed by an experienced practitioner. Depending on which points they need to reach, you can sit or lie down on the massage table during the session.
You can also do acupressure on yourself. It is best to learn proper technique from an expert.
However, in general, you can learn to apply pressure to a specific point using a thumb, finger, or knuckles. You can also use the tip of a pen. The pressure should be light but firm.
Increase pressure for about 30 seconds. Then hold it still for 30 seconds to two minutes. After this slowly reduce the pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat three to five times. Benefits start appearing immediately.
Dr. Piyush Trivedi Ayurveda Medical Incharge Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Jaipur.