Acupressure

Acupressure is a common treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is similar to acupuncture, but uses pressure in place of needles.

Acupressure is used for many types of pain, especially back pain and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Acupressure is a common treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but acupressure does not use needles. Acupressure involves applying pressure using hands, thumbs, fingers, or devices to specific parts or points on the body along pathways called "meridians." The purpose is to stimulate points that correspond to specific organs, emotions, or sensory feelings. For example, acupressure around the ear, feet, and hands targets the pain of labor.

Acupressure can be applied by a practitioner or self-administered. Passive acupressure devices have been developed, such as wrist bands that allow people to apply pressure at a specific location for a particular outcome.

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is thought that disease is caused by an imbalance or blocked flow of energy or "qi." Therefore, acupressure is thought to stimulate energy flow, unblock energy, and rebalance energy, which results in healing.

Most acupressure points are located near nerves. Researchers suggest that applying pressure at these points may block transmission of pain signals.

Some experts also suggest that acupressure might result in the release of natural pain relievers called endorphins and opioids, and also brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals can naturally reduce pain and affect mood.

Acupressure is LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately. There are no known safety concerns when acupressure has been used in research.

Acupressure is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately in children.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

The appropriate or safe use of acupressure depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.

Active Acupressure, Acupoint Massage, Acupresión, Acupression, Acupression Active, Acupression Auriculaire, Acupression Chinoise, Acupression Occidentale, Acupression Passive, Acupression du Pied, Aroma Acupressure, Aromatherapy Acupressure, Auricular Acupressure, Chinese Acupressure, Ear Acupressure, Foot Acupressure, Nei Guan, Neiguan Point Acupressure, P6 Acupressure, Passive Acupressure, San Yin Jiao Acupressure, Self-Acupressure, SP6 Acupressure, Tapas Acupressure Technique, Traditional Chinese Acupressure, Western Acupressure.

Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. Except for any possible exceptions written into your License Agreement, no reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. Unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.

For the latest comprehensive data on this and every other natural medicine, health professionals should consult the Professional Version of the Natural Medicines. It is fully referenced and updated daily.

© Copyright 1995-2021. Therapeutic Research Faculty, publishers of Natural Medicines, Prescriber's Letter, and Pharmacist's Letter. All rights reserved.