Acupressure
Acupressure is an alternative medicine practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, often using fingertips or specialized instruments. It is closely related to the Japanese practice of shiatsu and is believed to help treat various ailments, including muscular pain, migraines, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Practitioners assert that by stimulating designated points along energy pathways called meridians, acupressure can restore balance to the body’s energy, known as chi, which is thought to enhance healing and alleviate discomfort.
Although scientific evidence does not support the idea of opening blocked energy pathways, many believe that acupressure can stimulate the release of endorphins, contributing to pain relief. It has found applications in sports medicine and is often combined with traditional medical treatments due to its low risk profile. Research has suggested that acupressure may also help manage symptoms in cancer patients, such as pain and nausea, and has shown promise in reducing anxiety, particularly during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic. As a non-invasive therapeutic option, acupressure appeals to those looking for complementary methods to enhance their well-being.
Subject Terms
Acupressure
Also known as: Shiatsu, Tui na
Anatomy or system affected: Muscles, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, skin
Definition: A specialized form of massage used to allegedly stimulate energy pathways in the body
Indications and Procedures
Acupressure is an alternative medicine procedure derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that uses pressure from the fingertips, knuckles, or a blunt-tipped instrument called atei shin to stimulate points on the body. The Japanese version is known as shiatsu. This rhythmic, moderately deep form of massage may be carried out by a trained practitioner or in some cases the patient themselves. It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including muscular pain, migraines, insomnia, backaches, and gastrointestinal and gynecological problems. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the assertion that acupressure works by opening blocked energy pathways.
Uses and Complications
Acupressure works on the body’s organ, glandular, and muscular systems. Like acupuncture, acupressure targets designated points on the body along lines called meridians. Meridians are not nerve pathways; rather, they correspond to energy pathways through which healthy chi (pronounced “chee”) energy flows. Chi is comparable to the Western idea of vitality or life force. These body points are believed to correspond to various organs and body functions. Practitioners believe that when these points are stimulated, the balance of energy in the body is restored and the patient finds relief from physical illness or disease.
The theory underlying acupressure is that muscle tension causes the large muscle groups to contract and so restricts the flow of chi. The body is then out of balance, and the ability of the patient’s body to heal is inhibited. Acupressure massage seeks to increase blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and unblock energy pathways.
Practitioners of Western medicine who recommend acupressure believe that it stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s own chemicals that act as pain blockers. Other benefits of acupressure have been recognized and accepted by traditional medicine. Acupressure is used in sports medicine to relieve muscle spasms and pain, as the increased blood flow and muscle relaxation help minimize possible or further injury to the body. Acupressure is often used in connection with other traditional Western medical treatments because no known risks are associated with the procedure. In 2015, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported on a study published in the online edition of Cancer Nursing that found that acupressure applied to the ear may ease pain and fatigue in breast cancer patients. The ACS also lists acupressure and acupuncture as complementary techniques that may help cancer patients manage nausea and vomiting, particularly anticipatory nausea, by helping the patient feel relaxed and more in control. In addition, numerous studies have found acupressure to be an effective treatment for anxiety, and at least one study in 2021 suggested self-administered acupressure as an effective alternative treatment for anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, given the need for social distancing.
Bibliography
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Gach, Michael Reed. Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments. Bantam Books, 1990.
Lee, Jeong-Sook, et al. "Acupressure for Treating Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 121, no. 8, 2011, pp. 409–14. Academic Search Complete, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=63168707. Accessed 5 Jan. 2017.
Meeus, Cathy. The Secrets of Shiatsu. Paul Lundberg, consultant, Dorling Kindersley, 2000.
Miller, Kelli. "Acupressure May Ease Breast Cancer–Related Pain, Fatigue." American Cancer Society, 14 Oct. 2015, www.cancer.org/research/acsresearchupdates/breastcancer/acupressure-may-ease-breast-cancer-related-pain-fatigue. Accessed 5 Jan. 2017.
"Managing Nausea and Vomiting at Home." American Cancer Society, 10 Sept. 2023, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/nausea-and-vomiting/managing.html. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.
Saul, Helen. Healing with Acupressure. Keats Publishing, 2002.
Teeguarden, Iona Marsaa, editor. A Complete Guide to Acupressure: Jin Shin Do. Rev. ed., Japan Publications, 2002.
Yang, Juan, et al. "Acupressure: An Effective and Feasible Alternative Treatment for Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic." Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, 12 Dec. 2021, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21649561211058076. Accessed 26 July 2023.