The Rogel Cancer Center’s Complementary Therapy Program does not offer acupressure services, or classes, but recognizes the benefits of it. Therefore, the following information is provided. This service may be offered in the future.
Acupressure is an ancient form of massage that is one of the treatment methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of acupressure (as well as other Chinese Medicine treatments), is to encourage the movement of qi (“life energy”) through the 14 channels (meridians) inside the body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. Chinese Medicine theory states that the constant flow of qi through these channels is essential for a person to keep their health. If this energy flow is blocked, the body can no longer maintain the balance that is needed to maintain high energy and deal with health issues.
Acupressure consists of pressing the acupuncture points in an attempt to help the free flow of energy in the channel(s). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but the person uses their fingers instead of needles to work the point. During treatment or self-treatment, a person will experience slight pain when the proper acupuncture point is pressed.
Tuina is the most popular form of acupressure performed in China and is part of the training of most acupuncturists trained in the United States. Other forms are then tao, which uses very light pressure applied only with the fingertips, and a Japanese form, anma, which has developed into a popular form now recognized as shiatsu.
Benefits of Acupressure
Acupressure can be very effective in helping with nausea and vomiting after surgery or invasive medical procedures. Acupressure can also help in reducing pain.
There has not been a lot of research done to document the benefits of acupressure, although there have been some. According to the National Cancer Institute, several small studies have shown that acupressure has helped cancer patients by reducing cancer-related fatigue and nausea. Many patients report acupressure has also helped with pain, stress, and anxiety but there has not been researching done specifically with cancer patients documenting these results.
Acupressure should not be used as the only treatment for serious illness or chronic condition but in addition to treatment by a licensed physician.
How to choose a practitioner
Acupressure can be used by a massage therapist or an acupuncturist, or a person can treat themselves. The G-Jo Institute offers several books on acupressure that can be found online or in book stores.
The American Massage Therapy Association offers a directory of massage therapists nationwide, many of whom have been trained in acupressure.]
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 pain3
- 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.4
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.5 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.6
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.7 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.