Acupressure Uses and Benefits

Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. It is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles.

Acupressure is said to help with a range of conditions, from motion sickness to headache to muscle pain. TCM practitioners say acupressure benefits are achieved by using pressure points along the energy pathways in the body, to encourage the free flow of energy, or qi.

This article explains the procedure of acupressure massage and how pressure points are used. It discusses the safety and side effects of acupressure, as well as research on acupressure benefits.
How Does Acupressure Work?

Acupressure is thought to treat blocked energy, although it remains uncertain exactly what acupressure does. Some think the pressure may cause the release of endorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Others think the pressure may influence the autonomic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary things like your heart, digestion, and breathing.

According to the principles of TCM, invisible pathways of energy called meridians flow within the body. At least 14 meridians are thought to connect the organs with other parts of the body.1 If qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it’s thought to cause health problems along that pathway.2

A practitioner applies pressure to specific acupressure points to restore healthy energy flow. The points they choose depends on your symptoms.
Given how meridians run, pressure points used may be distant from the site of the symptom. For example, an acupressure point on the foot may be used to relieve a headache.
What Are the Acupressure Points?

There are 361 pressure points on 14 meridians. The points are the same as those used in acupuncture.3
For example, the pressure point Neiguan (P-6) is primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting. To find it, turn your hand palm up.4 Place your thumb at the center of where the hand meets the wrist. Move your thumb two finger-widths toward the elbow. The point is between two large tendons, which you should be able to feel as you apply pressure.
A few other commonly used pressure points include:

• Lie Que (LU-7) on the thumb side of your wrist may help stimulate your immune system.

• Qu Chi (LI-11) on the elbow is used for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Zu San Li (ST-36) below the knee is used for loss of appetite, acid reflux, and constipation.
• He Gu (LI-4) in the hand may reduce chemotherapy side effects, menstrual pain, and headaches.5
• Shen Shu (UB-23) on the lower back is used for lower back pain.
• Liang Qiu (ST-34) above the knee may prove useful for osteoarthritis knee pain.6

What Is Acupressure Used For?

Most people try acupressure to manage a condition, such as:
• Insomnia
• Stress management
• Headache
• Menstrual cramps
• Motion sickness
• Muscle tension and pain7
• Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
• Cancer-related and other forms of fatigue
Benefits of Acupressure
Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of acupressure, but there is some evidence that suggests it may help.
Safety and Side Effects of Acupressure
Acupressure should never be painful. If you feel any pain, tell your therapist at once.
Some people may feel sore or have bruises at acupressure points after a session. You may also feel lightheaded for a while.
Pressure should be gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face.
If you’re pregnant, talk to your care provider before trying acupressure. During pregnancy, acupressure isn’t usually done on:
• The abdomen
• Certain points on the leg
• The lower back
Acupressure should never be done over any of these areas:
• Open wounds
• Bruises
• Varicose veins
• Swollen areas
Contraindications
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupressure.
• Osteoporosis
• Recent fracture or injury
• Cancer
• Easy bruising
• A bleeding disorder
• Heart disease
• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Use of prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as Coumadin (warfarin)