The Benefits and Uses of Acupressure

Updated December 07, 2017
Woman pressing a pressure point on her hand
GARO/PHANIE/Getty Images

Acupressure is often called acupuncture without the needles. Instead of needles, acupressure involves the application of manual pressure (usually with the fingertips) to specific points on the body.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, the body has invisible lines of energy flow called meridians. There are thought to be at least 14 meridians connecting our organs with other parts of the body.

Acupuncture and acupressure points lie on those meridians.

If the flow of energy (also called "chi" or "qi") is blocked at any point on a meridian, it's thought to cause various symptoms and health conditions anywhere along the meridian. That's why a practitioner may apply pressure to an acupressure point on the foot to relieve a headache.

There is no consensus on how acupressure might work. Some theorize that the pressure may promote the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, called endorphins. Another theory is that the pressure may somehow influence the autonomic nervous system.

Uses

Most people try acupressure for the first time to manage symptoms of a condition, such as:

  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Headache
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Motion sickness
  • Muscle tension and pain
  • Nausea or vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
  • Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning sickness
  • Stress management

    Benefits

    There's currently a lack of studies exploring the effectiveness of acupressure. Still, there's some evidence suggesting that wrist acupressure may help to relieve pain after a sports injury. In a 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, for instance, researchers examined the effects of three minutes of acupressure, three minutes of sham acupressure, or no acupressure in athletes who had sustained a sports injury on the same day.

    At the study's end, acupressure was found to be effective in reducing pain intensity compared to sham acupressure or no acupressure. There was no change in anxiety.

    Acupressure may help to ease nausea and vomiting in those with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, according to a report published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Researchers analyzed the results of three previously published trials and found that acupressure (using finger pressure or an acupressure wristband) decreased nausea, vomiting, and retching.

    In a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, scientists analyzed 22 previously published clinical trials on acupuncture or acupressure for the induction of labor and found no clear benefit in reducing the cesarean section rate.

    A Typical Acupressure Session

    Acupressure is often administered by an acupuncturist, with the person receiving the acupressure sitting or lying down on a massage table.

    Acupressure can also be self-administered. While it's best to consult an acupuncturist for proper instruction, acupressure is generally done by using the thumb, finger, or knuckle to apply gentle but firm pressure to a point. The pressure is often increased for about 30 seconds, held steadily for 30 seconds to two minutes and then gradually decreased for 30 seconds.

    It's typically repeated three to five times.

    The point "P6" can be found by turning the arm so that the palm is facing up. Place the thumb at the center of the crease of the wrist (where the hand meets the wrist) and then position it two finger widths away from the crease towards the elbow. The point is between the two large tendons.

    Side Effects and Safety

    Acupressure should never be painful. If you experience any pain, tell your therapist immediately. After an acupressure session, some people may feel soreness or bruising at acupressure points. You may also feel temporarily lightheaded.

    Pressure should be gentle over fragile or sensitive areas, such as the face.

    If you have a condition such as osteoporosis, recent fracture or injury, cancer, easy bruising, a bleeding disorder, heart disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, or are using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, you should speak to your doctor before trying acupressure.

    If you are pregnant, you should speak to your care provider before trying acupressure. Acupressure typically isn't done on the abdomen or certain points on the leg or low back during pregnancy.

    Acupressure shouldn't be done over open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any area that is bruised or swollen.

    Sources:

    Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al. Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin. 2017 May 6;67(3):194-232.

    Mącznik AK, Schneiders AG, Athens J, Sullivan SJ. Does Acupressure Hit the Mark? A Three-Arm Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acupressure for Pain and Anxiety Relief in Athletes With Acute Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries. Clin J Sport Med. 2017 Jul;27(4):338-343.

    Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Oct 17;10:CD002962.

    Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.