Chronic Pain Treatment Acupressure Uses and Benefits By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 17, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How It Works Uses Benefits Technique Side Effects/Safety Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. Acupressure is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles. Acupressure is said to help with a range of conditions, from motion sickness to headache to muscle pain. TCM practitioners say acupressure benefits are achieved by using pressure points along the energy pathways in the body, to encourage the free flow of energy, or qi. This article explains the procedure of acupressure massage and how pressure points are used. It discusses the safety and side effects of acupressure, as well as research on acupressure benefits. Garo / Phanie / Getty Images How Does Acupressure Work? Acupressure is thought to treat blocked energy, although it remains uncertain exactly what acupressure does. Some think the pressure may cause the release of endorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Others think the pressure may influence 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. At least 14 meridians are thought to connect the organs with other parts of the body. A practitioner applies pressure to specific acupressure points to restore healthy energy flow. The points they choose depends on your symptoms. Given how meridians run, pressure points used may be a long way from the site of the symptom. For example, an acupressure point on the foot may be used to relieve a headache. Acupressure Points In traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure points lie along energy pathways in the body called meridians. If qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it's thought to cause health problems along that pathway.Different pressure points are used to treat various conditions. For example, hegu (LI-4) in the hand may improve chemotherapy side effects like pain and headaches.Other pressure points, including ST34 in the leg, may prove useful for osteoarthritis knee pain. Natural Approaches to Chemotherapy Side Effects What Is Acupressure Used For? Most people try acupressure to manage a condition, such as: Insomnia Stress management Headache Menstrual cramps Motion sickness Muscle tension and pain Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning sickness Nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy Cancer-related and other forms of fatigue Benefits of Acupressure Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of acupressure, but there is some evidence that suggests it may help. In a 2017 study, researchers looked at the effects of acupressure on pain and anxiety. Subjects were athletes with a sports injury. On the day of the injury, researchers treated the subjects with one of the following or gave them no acupressure at all: Three minutes of acupressureThree minutes of a placebo treatment (sham acupressure applied to a false pressure point) The study concluded that acupressure reduced pain compared to the sham treatment or no acupressure. There was no change in anxiety. A 2017 review analyzed the results of three trials in chemotherapy patients. Researchers found that acupressure performed with fingers or an acupressure wristband decreased nausea, vomiting, and retching. While these are promising results, another 2017 review of 22 clinical trials on acupuncture or acupressure for the induction of labor found no clear benefit. A Typical Acupressure Session Acupressure is often done by an acupuncturist. Depending on what points they need to access, you may sit or lie on a massage table during the session. You can also do acupressure on yourself. It is best to learn proper technique from an acupuncturist. In general, though, you apply pressure to a specific point using a thumb, finger, or knuckle. You can also use the tip of a pen. The pressure should be gentle but firm. Increase the pressure for about 30 seconds. Then hold it steady for 30 seconds to two minutes. Next, gradually decrease the pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat three to five times. The pressure point P6 is primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting. To find it, turn your hand palm up. Place your thumb at 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 as you apply pressure. Do Acupressure Mats Work? Acupressure mats are designed to improve circulation and reduce muscle pain. They're made with thousands of small spikes to reach as many pressure points as possible, often with foam padding and other useful features. While they're available for home use, you may want to talk to a qualified acupuncturist before you try doing acupressure, or using an acupressure device like mats or wristbands, on yourself. Safety and Side Effects of Acupressure Acupressure should never be painful. If you feel any pain, tell your therapist at once. Some people may feel sore or have bruises at acupressure points after a session. You may also feel lightheaded for a while. Pressure should be gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face. If you're pregnant, talk to your care provider before trying acupressure. During pregnancy, acupressure isn't usually done on: The abdomenCertain points on the legThe lower back Acupressure shouldn't ever be done over any of these areas: Open wounds Bruises Varicose veins Swollen areas If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupressure. Osteoporosis Recent fracture or injury Cancer Easy bruising A bleeding disorder Heart disease Uncontrolled blood pressure Diabetes Use of prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as Coumadin (warfarin) How Cupping Could Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms Summary Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy in which pressure is applied to a specific point on the body. It is done to free up energy blockages said to cause health concerns from insomnia to menstrual cramps. There isn't much research into the effects of acupressure. Some studies do suggest it might help treat pain and nausea. Acupressure can be done by an acupuncturist, though you can also try doing it yourself (with proper instruction). Ask your healthcare provider for a green light to try it if you are pregnant or are managing a health condition. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K. Classic and modern meridian studies: a review of low hydraulic resistance channels along meridians and their relevance for therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:410979. doi:10.1155/2015/410979 Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V. Contemporary acupressure therapy: adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(2):251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Acupressure for Pain and Headaches. Ho KK, Kwok AW, Chau WW, Xia SM, Wang YL, Cheng JC. A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Apr 27;16(1):282. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02398-2. Movahedi M, Ghafari S, Nazari F, Valiani M. The effects of acupressure on pain severity in female nurses with chronic low back pain. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017;22(5):339-342. doi:10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_108_16 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;27(4):338-343. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378 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;67(3):194-232. doi:10.3322/caac.21397 Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG. Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10:CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Acupressure for nausea and vomiting. By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit