Acupressure: A Method of Pressure Application on Specific Body Points for Relief and Healing; Effectiveness Debated
In the realm of alternative therapies, acupressure has emerged as a popular choice for many seeking relief from various symptoms. This ancient practice, originating from traditional Chinese medicine, targets specific points on the body known as acupoints, along the body's 14 meridians or energy-carrying channels.
Acupressure, a type of massage that does not involve needles, can be self-administered and offers a safe and complementary way to try and find relief from symptoms such as stress and anxiety, allergies, nausea, congestion, digestive issues, sleep problems, and tension headaches.
One of the key benefits of acupressure is its ability to make people feel like they are taking control of their own health. It can help ease symptoms and provide a sense of empowerment. However, it's important to remember that acupressure will have the most success when used alongside other treatments.
To get started with acupressure, it's advisable to talk to a licensed acupuncturist first if you're not sure where to start. They can provide support and guidance on how to find the right acupoints for you.
Here are some examples of common acupoints and their uses:
- Ren 17 (Shanzhong): Located in the middle of the chest, at the level of the nipples, right on the breastbone (sternum), Ren 17 is used for calming emotions, relieving stress, and reducing anxiety.
- Stomach 36 (Susanli): About four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone (tibia), Stomach 36 is used to help with digestion, nausea, constipation, and may help relieve congestion.
- PC6 (Neiguan): A pressure point on the inner part of the wrist, about three finger-widths below the base of the palm, PC6 is used to help calm anxiety and can also be great for nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness.
- Kidney 1 (K1): Located on the sole, just under the ball of the foot, Kidney 1 is recommended for grounding oneself when stress affects sleep.
- The LI20 pressure point, located at the sides of the nose, can be used to clear nasal congestion and reduce sinus pressure.
- The UB2 pressure point, located at the inner corners of the eyebrows, can be used to soothe tension headaches, especially those originating near the forehead or behind the eyes.
- The Yin Tang pressure point, located in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows, can help relieve congestion or help with slight headaches.
It's essential to listen to the sensations in your body and not cause any pain during the practice. Never press so hard during acupressure that you would bruise yourself. You may notice a mild ache, which can help you find the point, but you should never hold pressure to the point of discomfort or pain.
Scientific Evidence
There is scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupressure for relieving stress, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms, though the strength of evidence varies by condition.
- Stress and anxiety: Multiple studies and meta-analyses indicate that acupuncture and related techniques like acupressure can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation by modulating the nervous system.
- Nausea: Extensive external literature supports acupressure (especially on the P6 point on the wrist) for reducing nausea and vomiting, for example during chemotherapy or pregnancy.
- Sleep quality: Evidence shows acupressure can improve sleep parameters including sleep quality, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency, likely by calming the nervous system and easing physical tension.
- Allergies: The search results do not provide direct evidence regarding acupressure for allergies. Acupuncture literature suggests potential anti-inflammatory effects, but robust clinical evidence for allergies remains limited or inconclusive.
- Other symptoms: For functional and neurological conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, acupressure has shown superior outcomes to placebo and standard splints in improving functional status and nerve conduction, implying benefits beyond just symptomatic relief.
In summary, the strongest scientific support is for acupressure’s role in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep, with promising effects on neurological symptoms and nausea. Evidence for allergy relief via acupressure is currently lacking from this data.
Combining various acupressure techniques can enhance their effects. For example, combining the Yin Tang (forehead) and Ren 17 (sternum) pressure points can provide a more comprehensive approach to relieving anxiety and stress.
Certified acupuncturists or traditional Chinese medicine providers can provide further guidance on the best acupoints and techniques for your specific needs. Remember, acupressure should not cause any pain. If you feel worse after using acupressure on yourself, discontinue the practice and talk to a licensed professional before trying again.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174923/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174924/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5107594/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174922/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174925/
- Acupressure, a form of massage originating from traditional Chinese medicine, offers a safe and complementary way to manage chronic diseases like stress and anxiety.
- By targeting specific points on the body called acupoints, acupressure can provide relief from respiratory conditions such as allergies, nausea, congestion, and digestive issues.
- liefestyle adjustments that emphasize health and wellness, like fitness and exercise, can enhance the benefits of acupressure.
- Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can find relief with acupressure's calming effects on the nervous system.
- CBD, a popular natural supplement, can be used in conjunction with acupressure for added relaxation and pain management.
- Skin care and eye health can see improvements due to acupressure's ability to promote blood circulation and reduce tension.
- Neurological disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome can experience positive outcomes with acupressure, demonstrating benefits that extend beyond symptomatic relief.
- To achieve optimal results, therapies and treatments such as acupressure should be combined with proper nutrition, which can boost the body's ability to heal.
- Acupressure, when practiced alongside other treatments, can provide a sense of empowerment for people seeking relief from medical conditions like skin issues and eye problems.
- Gadgets and technology, like apps that guide users through acupressure techniques, can make this practice more accessible for people who want to take control of their health.
- Relationships can benefit from the increased emotional calmness that acupressure can foster, improving communication and reducing tension between partners.
- Pets can also experience relief from chronic conditions like stress and arthritis through acupressure, leading to a better quality of life for both pet and owner.
- Traveling can be a stressful experience, but acupressure can provide some relief while on the go, helping to reduce jet lag and insomnia.
- Education and self-development in areas like sports, such as golf or tennis, can be enhanced with the use of acupressure for improved focus and performance.
- Career development can benefit from the increased focus and mental clarity that acupressure offers, leading to better productivity and growth opportunities.
- Acupressure can provide relief for athletes recovering from sports injuries, reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting faster healing.
- Mixed martial arts fighters can use acupressure for pain management and stress reduction, enhancing their overall performance.
- Acupressure can be a valuable addition to a lifestyle that emphasizes health, fashion, beauty, food, and drink, offering benefits for the body, mind, and soul.
