Acupressure uses pressure points throughout the body to stimulate healing. The process is similar to acupuncture, but without the needles. Based in the philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure helps restore balance and energy flow in the body.
Different types of acupressure includes stretching, palm pressure and massage, which can promote relaxation and increase well-being. This healing technique is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and Northern Europe. Acupressure is not intended to treat or cure any disease or illness.
Nausea Relief
The severity of mild nausea, morning sickness and vomiting may decrease with the use of acupressure. The Kirkhof School of Nursing at Grand Valley State University in Michigan conducted the study, "Effect of Acupressure by Sea-Bands on Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy," which studied the effects of continuous pressure on the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnant women in their first trimester. A wristband applied pressure to the P6 acupressure point, which is associated with nausea.
The research, published in the 2001 journal "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing," found that using the wristbands significantly lowered the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting. The same pressure point, P6, may also help reduce the amount and intensity of chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Reduced Menstrual Pain
Acupressure can be used to reduce menstrual pain and other symptoms associated with menstrual distress or dysmenorrhoea. Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology in Taiwan conducted the study, "Effects of Acupressure on Menstrual Distress in Adolescent Girls: A Comparison Between Hegu-Sanyinjiao Matched Points and Hegu, Zusanli Single Point," which looked at the effects of acupressure on adolescent girls with menstrual pain, distress and anxiety. The research, published in the April 2010 journal of "Journal of Clinical Nursing," found acupressure to be an effective, non-pharmaceutical, and safe approach to reducing menstrual pain and distress.
Cardiovascular Health
Acupressure may help reduce tension, improve circulation, lower anxiety and increase relaxation, which may benefit cardiovascular health. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado at Boulder conducted a study, "Cardiovascular Benefits of Acupressure (Jin Shin) Following Stroke," which studied the effects of one type of acupressure, Jin Shin, on the cardiovascular health of stroke survivors.
The research, published in the February 2010 journal "Complementary Therapies in Medicine," found that acupressure did reduce the heart rate of the patients, which suggests a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Additional research is needed, however.
Additional Benefits
According to Natural Standard and the faculty of Harvard Medical School, as noted on Intelihealth.com, acupressure has been researched in association with a variety of health concerns. Though additional research is needed, preliminary studies have shown acupressure to be beneficial for decreasing symptoms of insomnia, pain, headaches, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.
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