📖 Definition

Acupressure is a form of touch therapy that utilizes the principles of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In acupressure, the same points on the body are used as in acupuncture, but are stimulated with finger pressure instead of with the insertion of needles. Acupressure is used to relieve a variety of symptoms and pain.

🎯 Purpose

Acupressure massage performed by a therapist can be very effective both as prevention and as a treatment for many health conditions, including headaches, general aches and pains, colds and flu, arthritis, allergies, asthma, nervous tension, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, sprains, tennis elbow, and toothaches, among others. Unlike acupuncture which requires a visit to a professional, acupressure can be performed by a layperson. Acupressure techniques are fairly easy to learn, and have been used to provide quick, cost-free, and effective relief from many symptoms. Acupressure points can also be stimulated to increase energy and feelings of well-being, reduce stress, stimulate the immune system, and alleviate sexual dysfunction.

📜 Description

Origins

One of the oldest texts of Chinese medicine is the Huang Di (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), which may be at least 2,000 years old. Chinese medicine has developed acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other remedies as part of its healing methods. Nearly all forms of Oriental medicine used in the West today, including acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, and Chinese herbal medicine, have their roots in Chinese medicine. Acupressure is the non-invasive form of acupuncture, as Chinese physicians determined that stimulating points on the body with massage and pressure could be effective for treating certain problems.

Outside of Asian-American communities, Chinese medicine remained virtually unknown in the United States until the 1970s, when Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to visit China. Today, there are millions of patients who attest to its effectiveness, and nearly 9,000 practitioners in all 50 states.

Acupressure is practiced as a treatment by Chinese medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. Shiatsu massage is very closely related to acupressure, working with the same points and general principles, though developed in Japan. Reflexology and Jin Shin Do are also based on acupressure concepts.

☯️ Acupressure and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the universe, subject to laws of harmony and balance. It does not make as sharp a distinction between mind and body as Western medicine. Chinese medicine uses ideas like yin and yang, chi (pronounced chee, also spelled qi or ki), and the organ system to describe health.

Chi is the fundamental life energy found in food, air, water, and sunlight, traveling through channels called meridians. There are 12 major meridians corresponding to the 12 main organs. Disease is viewed as an imbalance of chi. Acupressure stimulates and unblocks chi by activating specific pressure points (acupoints).

Example: Press on point governing vessel 24.5 (top of bridge of nose) lightly for two minutes to relieve hay fever. Press on lung 10 (center of thumb pad) for one minute to alleviate a sore throat. To ease heartburn, apply pressure to stomach 36 (four finger-widths below kneecap outside shinbone) on both legs.

🔑 Key Terms

Acupoint — A pressure point stimulated in acupressure.

Chi — Basic life energy.

Meridian — A channel through which chi travels in the body.

Moxibustion — An acupuncture technique that burns the herb moxa or mugwort.

Shiatsu — Japanese form of acupressure massage.

Yin/Yang — Universal characteristics (cold/hot, female/male, passive/active).

A session of acupressure generally costs $30-70 per hour. Insurance reimbursement varies.

🤲 Self-Treatment

Acupressure is easy to learn, with many good books illustrating acupoints and meridians. While giving self-treatment, a calm mental attitude is important.

Three general techniques:

• Notifying — press thumb/finger into acupoint with firm, steady pressure for up to two minutes (strengthens weak chi).
• Dispersing — move finger in circular motion or slightly in/out for two minutes (moves stagnant chi).
• Calming — cover point with palm and gently stroke for two minutes.

Common points:

• LI4 (between thumb and index finger) — for headaches, toothaches, sinus problems, upper body pain. Pregnant women should never press this point.
• CV12 (four thumb widths above navel) — calms nerves, stimulates digestion.
• TH5 (back of forearm, two thumb widths above wrist) — stimulates immune system.
• GB20 (base of skull, behind ears) — for headaches, sinus congestion, tension.
• Yintang (between eyebrows) — clears mind, relieves headaches.

⚠️ Precautions

Acupressure is safe but not meant to replace professional health care. Consult a physician for chronic conditions. Do not apply to open wounds, swelling, inflammation, scar tissue, blisters, boils, rashes, or varicose veins. Certain points should not be stimulated on people with high/low blood pressure or on pregnant women.

🔬 Research and General Acceptance

Western scientists have theorized that chi is part of the neuroendocrine system. Celebrated surgeon Robert O. Becker showed that the body has a complex web of electromagnetic energy, and traditional acupressure meridians contain amounts of energy that non-acupressure points do not.

Stimulation of active points is thought to increase release of endorphins (natural painkillers). Endorphin and morphine have very similar 3-dimensional shape, allowing morphine to bind the endorphin receptor and reduce pain.

The Cochrane Collaboration reviewed P6 for nausea and vomiting and found it effective for reducing post-operative nausea. A Cochrane review found that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief for low back pain than classic (Swedish) massage.

📌 General Directions

• Use deep firm pressure to massage every point.
• Acupressure points are usually more sensitive than surrounding area.
• Massage each point until a numbing feeling is produced.
• You do not need to massage all points; some produce stronger effects.
• Repeat active points massage as often as you want; no limit per day.
• When applying deep pressure, the point may hurt initially. Reduce pressure to a "comfortably" painful level and persist; increase pressure as pain subsides.
• Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
• You can ask someone else to massage your active points.

Example (LI4): Located between thumb and index finger. Apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction.

📊 Scientific Research of Acupressure Points Stimulation

A randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) for weight-loss maintenance found attendance at weight maintenance was 72% for TAT — higher than any other method studied (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, March 2007).

The Cochrane Collaboration reviewed P6 for nausea and vomiting and found it effective for reducing post-operative nausea. Bandolier reported that P6 acupressure showed 52% success in control vs. 75% with P6 acupressure.

Cochrane Collaboration review found that "acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief than classic (Swedish) massage" for low back pain.

❤️ Angina Treatment

Acupressure offers only symptomatic relief for angina and palpitations. Patients should seek qualified medical advice. Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.

Points: CV17, P6 (less painful side first, then other side), H7, Yin Tang.

💓 Palpitations Treatment

Points: P6 (both sides), H7 (both sides), Yin Tang, TW15 (both sides).

❤️ High Blood Pressure Treatment

Acupressure is often effective to control high blood pressure. Points: P6 (both sides), St36 (both sides), K3 (both sides), TW15 (both sides).

🚽 Constipation Treatment

Acupressure is often successful in improving bowel movement. Also increase fiber in diet. Points: SP15 (both sides), CV6, Li4 (both sides), St36 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

SP15 location: On intersection of nipple line and belly button line. Apply firm deep pressure into abdomen, 1 min per side.

CV6 location: Two finger-widths below belly button. Firm deep pressure, 1 min.

💧 Diarrhea Treatment

Keep hydrated, eat smaller portions. Points: SP15 (both sides), CV6, Li4 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP4 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

SP4 location: On arch of foot, two finger-widths away from ball of foot, above tendon of big toe. Apply upward pressure, 1 min.

🔥 Heartburn

Pay attention to diet; avoid sweets and sweet drinks, eat raw vegetables and fruits. Points: CV12, CV6, P6 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP4 (both sides).

🍽️ Stomachache

Points: CV12, CV6, P6 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP4 (both sides).

🩸 PMS and Painful Periods

Points: CV6, SP12/SP13 (both sides), Sacral Points, B48 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

SP13 (top): In middle of groin crease, one finger-width up from pubic bone, four finger-widths out from midline.
SP12 (bottom): Same crease, on top of pubic bone, three finger-widths out from midline. Apply firm deep pressure, 2 min each point.

🔥 Hot Flashes

Regular acupressure treatments are most helpful. Points: CV17, Li4 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), K1 (both sides), GB20 (both sides), Yin Tang, K27 (both sides).

🤰 Acupressure during Pregnancy

Morning sickness is often very effectively relieved by acupressure. Ginger is an effective remedy (capsules, tea, or sugar-coated chunks).

General advice: Get lots of sleep; eat several small meals; eat something while in bed to avoid morning vomiting; avoid iron supplements in first trimester; reduce fatty food intake.

Points for morning sickness: P6 (both sides). Massage as long as you can.

🤢 To relieve morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea

Points: P6 (left then right). Massage as long as you can.

😟 To relieve insomnia, nervousness and anxiety

Points: B10 (both sides), Yin Tang, CV17.

🤰 To relieve abdominal discomfort

Points: SP12 and SP13 (both sides).

💢 To relieve lower back pain

Points: Sacral Points (both sides), B48 (both sides).

🛏️ Bed-wetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)

Points: CV4, K3 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), Yin Tang.

CV4 location: Four finger-widths below belly button. Apply firm deep pressure into abdomen, 1 min.

💧 Incontinence

Kegel exercises (clenching and unclenching pubococcygeus muscles) can reduce or cure incontinence. Acupressure points: CV2, SP6 (both sides), TW15 (both sides), Yin Tang.

CV2 location: Palm-width below belly button. Firm deep pressure, 1 min.

🚻 Urinary Retention

Points: SP9 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), TW15 (both sides), Yin Tang.

⚖️ Weight Loss (Tapas Acupressure Technique variation)

Research shows TAT effective for weight loss maintenance (72% attendance). Points: GB21 (both sides), B1 (both sides), Yin Tang, GV26, CV17.

🩸 Nose Bleeding (Epistaxis)

Points: GV26, GB20 (both sides), P6 (both sides), Li4 (both sides).

🦟 Itching

Points: Li11 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), St36 (both sides), Li4 (both sides).

🫁 Asthma

Can be used during and between episodes, in conjunction with bronchodilators. Points: St36 (both sides), K27 (both sides), Lu1 (both sides), B13 (both sides), CV17.

B13 location: Between spine and shoulder blade, one finger-width below top of shoulder blade. Apply downward pressure (or use tennis ball against hard surface), 2 min.

💑 Decreased Libido / Impotency

Points: CV6, CV4, SP12/SP13 (both sides), St36 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), K1 (both sides), Sacral points B27-34 (both sides).

🍷 Hangover Treatment

Drink plenty of water or sports drink, eat mineral-rich foods. Points: Li4 (both sides), GB20 (both sides), GV20, Tai Yang (both sides), St3 (both sides), TW5 (both sides), St36 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

🗣️ Sore Throat (Tonsillitis)

Points: K27 (both sides), CV22, Li4 (both sides), St36 (both sides). Li4 and St36 forbidden for pregnant women.

K27 location: Hollow under clavicle next to breastbone. Apply firm deep pressure into chest, 1 min.
CV22 location: Hollow directly below Adam's apple. Downward pressure, 1 min.

🤧 Sinusitis (both acute and chronic)

Also use warm salt water nasal washes (½ tsp salt in glass of warm water). Points: Li20 (both sides), St3 (both sides), B2 (both sides), Yin Tang, GB20 (both sides), Li4 (both sides).

🔇 Loss of Voice (Laryngitis)

Points: CV22, K27 (both sides), Lu7 (both sides), Li4 (both sides).

Lu7 location: On side of arm, one thumb-width away from wrist crest. Upward pressure, 1 min.

👂 Ear Pain (Otalgia)

Points: Ear points (Si19, GB2, TW21) both sides, TW17 (both sides), GB20 (both sides), K3 (both sides). K3 forbidden for pregnant women.

🌿 Allergy

Treat as soon as first symptoms appear. Points: St36 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides), Li11 (both sides), K27 (both sides), TW5 (both sides).

🤕 Frontal Headache

Points: B2 (both sides), Yin Tang, GB14 (both sides), Li4 (both sides), St36 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

🧠 Headache in the Back of the Head

Points: Li4 (both sides), St3 (both sides), GB20 (both sides), GV16, St36 (both sides).

😖 Headache on the Side of the Head

Points: GB20 (both sides), Tai Yang (both sides), St3 (both sides), TW5 (both sides), St36 (both sides), GB34 (both sides).

⚡ Headache on the Top of the Head

Points: GV20, St3 (both sides), St36 (both sides), Liv3 (both sides).

👁️ Headache Behind the Eye

Points: Liv3 (both sides) – most effective, then B1 (both sides), Tai Yang (both sides), Li4 (both sides).

🦷 Pain in the Jaw (TMJ)

Points: Li4 (both sides), Ear points (Si19, GB2, TW21) both sides, St6 (both sides).

🦷 Toothache

Points: Li4 (both sides), St6 (both sides), St3 (both sides).

🧣 Neck Pain and Tension

Points: GB20 (both sides), B10 (both sides), GB21 (both sides), Li4 (both sides), GV16.

🦾 Shoulder Pain and Tension

Points: GB21 (both sides), TW15 (both sides), TW14 (both sides), Li15 (both sides), Li14 (both sides), Li11 (both sides), B57 (both sides).

✋ Wrist Pain / Carpal Tunnel

Often single 30-minute treatment sufficient. Points: P6, P7, TW5, TW4, Li5, Si5. Massage until numbing feeling, as often as possible.

🖐️ Hand Pain

Points: Li4, P6, P7, TW4, TW5.

💢 Lower Back Pain

Points: B23 & B25 (both sides), Sacral points B27-34 (both sides), B48 (both sides), B54 (both sides).

B23 (top): Lower back at waist level, two finger-widths from spine.
B25 (bottom): Four finger-widths below waist level, two finger-widths from spine. Apply downward pressure (or use tennis ball).

🦴 Hip Pain

Points: GB29, GB30 (both sides), B48, GB34.

🦵 Knee Pain

Points: Kneecap points (both sides of kneecap), SP9, B54.

🦶 Ankle Pain

Points: Local points around ankle (K3, B60, etc.). Massage tender points until numbing.

👣 Foot Pain

Points: Foot points (in webbing between toes). Apply upward pressure, 1 min per point.

😰 Anxiety Attacks and Nervousness

Exercise for 30 consecutive minutes daily, exclude caffeine, avoid chocolate. Points: P6 (both sides), H7 (both sides), TW15 (both sides), CV17, Yin Tang.

😔 Relieving Depression

Exercise daily (endorphin release), avoid caffeine, change attitude, keep a diary. Points: GV20, GB20 (both sides), TW15 (both sides), Yin Tang, CV17, K27 (both sides), Lu1 (both sides), St36 (both sides).

😴 Relieving Insomnia

Exercise, avoid caffeine before bed, get up at same time, avoid naps, use bed only for sleep, don't worry about occasional lack of sleep, write down thoughts before bed. Points: GB20 (both sides), GV16, B10 (both sides), B38 (both sides), H7 (both sides), SP6 (both sides), K6 (both sides), K3 (both sides), CV17, Yin Tang.

😵 Fainting

Avoid triggers, treat at first warning signs (dizziness, nausea, sweaty palms). Points: GV26 (most effective), P6 (both sides), H7 (both sides), K1 (both sides).

🔄 Hiccoughs

Points: TW17 (both sides), CV22, CV17, CV12, St36 (both sides). Also close nose and drink a glass of water without interruption.

📚 Memory and Concentration Improvement

Points: TW15 (both sides), GB20 (both sides), Yin Tang, GV26, CV17.