Does Acupressure Really Work? Discover the Pros & Cons

Acupressure (or accupressure) is a type of complementary therapy from ancient China. It involves applying physical pressure on certain points on the body called acupoints. Acupressure therapy can help to relieve pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle tension, insomnia, and more.

Acupressure is an ancient healing technique that originated in the Shang Dynasty in China between 1600 and 1045 B.C. This form of traditional Chinese medicine is closely related to acupuncture. Both therapies involve activation of acupuncture points along the same energy meridians. 

The Theory Behind Acupressure  

The underlying principle behind acupressure is that a life energy called Qi flows along certain pathways in the body called meridians. Qi is usually translated as “vital energy.” An imbalance in this vital energy Qi can cause negative effects on a person’s health. Applying manual pressure on different points called accupressure points can stimulate and improve the flow of Qi.

Modern medical practitioners and scientists believe acupressure works by:

• Stimulating nerves to reduce pain sensations.

• Improving blood flow.

• Relaxing muscles.

• Causing the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Acupressure Points and Techniques  

What Are 5 Common Acupressure Points?  

There are 361 acupressure points in different parts of the body located along 14 meridians. Some common acupressure points are:

Techniques Used in Acupressure

A few different techniques are used to perform acupressure therapy, such as:

• Shiatsu (Japanese acupressure): Pressure is applied using the thumb, elbow, or knee placed perpendicular to the skin at acupressure points. In addition, the joints are stretched and rotated. Finger pressure and pressure using the palms and heels is also used to stimulate acupoints in this Japanese form of acupressure. In some forms of shiatsu, warm water is used for relieving pain. 

• Jin Shin Do body-mind acupressure: This is a combination of Japanese acupressure techniques and Western psychology for pain reduction. It involves acupressure combined with mental health counseling.

• Auricular acupressure (AA): This acupressure technique was developed by a French neurosurgeon, Dr. Paul Nogier. It is based on the principle that specific parts of the outer ear correspond to specific organs in the body. Auricular acupressure can provide pressure on these auricular acupoints to treat a range of conditions throughout the body.

• Tapas acupressure technique (TAT): This is a type of power therapy involving tapping specific acupoints along with specific mental imagery to treat physical and mental health problems.

What Is The Difference Between Massage and Acupressure?

The main differences between acupressure and massage therapy are listed below:

Benefits of Acupressure: Do Acupressure Points Really Work?  

Pain Management  

Some of the studies done to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in relieving pain have found the following:

• In patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the application of heat at acupressure points led to greater pain relief and increased muscle strength compared to the application of heat at local sites of pain. 

• A placebo-controlled trial in athletes with acute injuries showed that treatment with 3 minutes of acupressure reduced pain to a greater degree compared to sham acupressure (false pressure points) or the control group (no acupressure). However, it did not affect anxiety levels.

Relief from Nausea and Vomiting

• Many studies have shown that acupressure therapy can help to relieve chemotherapy-related and postoperative nausea and vomiting. 

• One study found that in patients with myocardial infarction (heart attack) who had severe nausea despite taking anti-nausea drugs, the use of special wristbands for acupressure reduced the severity of nausea and the frequency of vomiting and improved overall patient comfort.

Health Benefits in People with Cancer

Meta-analysis and systematic review of multiple studies in cancer patients show that acupressure and acupuncture may benefit cancer-related pain and chemotherapy side effects. Some of the recommendations for use of this complementary therapy in people with cancer are as follows:

• Acupuncture, massage, and relaxation therapies for reducing anxiety in cancer patients.

• Acupressure, along with antiemetics drugs, for symptom management of nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.

• Electro-acupuncture (done using needles and small electrical currents), in addition to antiemetics drugs, to control chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Learn more about how acupuncture can help chemotherapy patients.

• Acupuncture, healing touch, and stress management for mood changes and depression.

• Acupuncture for improving cancer-related fatigue.

Acupressure vs. Acupuncture: A Comparative Overview  

Acupressure and acupuncture are both a type of complementary treatment that originated in traditional Chinese medicine. They are used to stimulate the same acupoints (acupressure and acupuncture points) located along the same energy meridians. 

The main difference between the two is that acupressure uses fingers or hand-held acupressure devices to apply physical pressure and is a non-invasive therapy. On the other hand, acupuncture uses very fine needles and is an invasive therapy.

Both acupressure and acupuncture are generally considered safe and effective, and neither is typically painful. 

Applications of Acupressure  

Health Problems That Can Potentially Benefit from Acupressure

Some of the applications of acupressure include:

• Managing pain, such as chronic headache, chronic low back pain, neck pain, and postoperative pain.

• Treating insomnia.

• Reducing preoperative anxiety.

• Treating and preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

• Reducing menstrual distress.

• Relieving morning sickness.

• Reducing motion sickness.

• Reducing cancer-related fatigue.

• Relieving chemotherapy side effects.

How Acupressure Is Used in Therapy  

A trained therapist or acupuncturist can apply pressure on acupressure and acupuncture points. As mentioned, each pressure point is linked to different body parts and can relieve different symptoms. 

A number of special devices have also been patented to provide acupressure therapy, including:

• Acupressure foot board

• Acupressure finger device

• Acupressure electrical pulse system

• Hand-held acupressure devices

• Spinal acupressure device

• Acupressure device for the ear

• Acupressure rings, clips, and gloves

• Acupressure mat

Safety and Precautions  

Safety Measures and Side Effects  

Some people may experience side effects such as lightheadedness, soreness, fatigue, or slight bruising after acupuncture or acupressure treatments. However, these complementary therapies should not be painful. Tell your therapist immediately if you experience pain during the treatment. 

Contraindications and When to Avoid Acupressure

Talk to your healthcare provider before undergoing acupuncture. They can tell you whether acupuncture might be successful in treating your symptoms and may even recommend an acupuncturist. 

Avoid acupressure and acupuncture on areas of skin that are red, swollen, or irritated. Also, avoid areas with skin rashes, blistering, peeling, open wounds, bruises, or varicose veins.

Check with your healthcare provider before undergoing acupressure if you are pregnant. Pressure on some acupuncture points can make you go into labor.

Avoid electro-acupuncture if you have a pacemaker in place.

How to Choose a Qualified Practitioner  

The following steps can help you choose a good acupressure practitioner: 

• Check the practitioner's credentials and training. Acupuncturists in most states need to be certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

• Ask the practitioner what technique they use, how effective it is for your condition, and how many sessions they are recommending.

• Check treatment costs and insurance coverage.

• Ask friends and family members for recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What Happens During an Acupressure Session?  

Acupressure is done by a trained acupressure practitioner or acupuncturist. During the session, you may need to be seated, supine, or prone on a massage table, depending on the acupuncture points that need to be accessed. A typical session lasts 45-60 minutes. You may need several sessions before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Can Acupressure Replace Traditional Medical Care?

No, acupressure is a complementary therapy, and it cannot replace traditional medical care. Many patients find acupressure is an effective method of relieving certain symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting. But it works alongside Western medicine medical care. Do not stop your prescribed treatments for a chronic condition while undergoing a complementary treatment such as acupressure. 

Is Acupressure As Good As Acupuncture?

Acupressure is less invasive and more versatile than acupuncture and can be equally effective. For instance, you can use acupressure for self-care with a low risk of side effects. In contrast, other forms of complementary therapies (for example, acupuncture) need to be performed in a practitioner’s clinic. More research is needed to directly compare acupressure vs. acupuncture.