Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksThe PointsUsesBenefitsSessionsSide Effects/Safety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
The Points
Uses
Benefits
Sessions
Side Effects/Safety
Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. It is a practice oftraditional Chinese medicine(TCM) practice that is similar toacupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles.
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.
Garo / Phanie / Getty Images
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 ofendorphins. These are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Others think the pressure may influence theautonomic 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.If qi is blocked at any point on a meridian, it’s thought to cause health problems along that pathway.
A practitioner applies pressure to specific acupressure points to restore healthy energy flow. The points they choose depend on your symptoms.
Given how meridians run, pressure points used may be distant from the site of the symptom. For example, an acupressurepoint on the footmay 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.
A few other commonly used pressure points include:
How to Manage Radiation Side Effects
What Is Acupressure Used For?
Most people try acupressure to manage a condition, such as:
Some studies suggest a benefit fromauricular (ear) acupuncturein treating cancer-related fatigue, which is common among people receiving chemotherapy.
Benefits of Acupressure
Few studies have looked at the effectiveness of acupressure, but there is some evidence that suggests it may help.
In a 2017 study, researchers looked at the effects of acupressure on pain and anxiety. Subjects were athletes with a sports injury. On the day of the injury, researchers treated the subjects with one of the following or gave them no acupressure at all:
The study concluded that acupressure reduced pain compared to the sham treatment or no acupressure. There was no change in anxiety.
A 2017 review analyzed the results of three trials in chemotherapy patients. Researchers found that acupressure performed with fingers or an acupressure wristband decreased nausea, vomiting, and retching.
While these are promising results, another 2017 review of 22 clinical trials on acupuncture or acupressure for the induction of labor found no clear benefit.
What Happens During an Acupressure Session?
You can also do acupressure on yourself. It is best to learn proper technique from an acupuncturist.
In general, though, you apply pressure to a specific point using a thumb, finger, or knuckle. You can also use the tip of a pen. The pressure should be gentle but firm.
Increase the pressure for about 30 seconds. Then hold it steady for 30 seconds to two minutes. Next, gradually decrease the pressure for 30 seconds. Repeat three to five times.
Do Acupressure Mats Work?Acupressure mats are designed to improve circulation and reduce muscle pain. They’re made with thousands of small spikes to reach as many pressure points as possible, often with foam padding and other useful features. While they’re available for home use, you may want to talk to a qualified acupuncturist before you try doing acupressure, or using an acupressure device like mats or wristbands, on yourself.
Do Acupressure Mats Work?
Acupressure mats are designed to improve circulation and reduce muscle pain. They’re made with thousands of small spikes to reach as many pressure points as possible, often with foam padding and other useful features. While they’re available for home use, you may want to talk to a qualified acupuncturist before you try doing acupressure, or using an acupressure device like mats or wristbands, on yourself.
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:
Acupressure should never be done over any of these areas:
Contraindications
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupressure.
How Cupping Could Relieve Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Summary
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy in which pressure is applied to a specific point on the body. It is done to free up energy blockages said to cause health concerns from insomnia to menstrual cramps.
There isn’t much research into the effects of acupressure. However, some studies do suggest it might help treat pain and nausea.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K.Classic and modern meridian studies: a review of low hydraulic resistance channels along meridians and their relevance for therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:410979. doi:10.1155/2015/410979Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V.Contemporary acupressure therapy: adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(2):251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004Kim J, Kang DI.Positioning standardized acupuncture points on the whole body based on x-ray computed tomography images.Med Acupunct. 2014;26(1):40-49. doi:10.1089/acu.2013.1002Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for Pain and Headaches.Ho KK, Kwok AW, Chau WW, Xia SM, Wang YL, Cheng JC.A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee.J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Apr 27;16(1):282. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02398-2.Movahedi M, Ghafari S, Nazari F, Valiani M.The effects of acupressure on pain severity in female nurses with chronic low back pain.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017;22(5):339-342. doi:10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_108_16Tan JY, Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Liu J, Wang T, Huang HR.Effects of auricular acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Mar 24;22(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03543-y.Lin L, Zhang Y, Qian HY, Xu JL, Xie CY, Dong B,et al.Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial.BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021 Mar;11(1):32-39. doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001937.Mącznik AK, Schneiders AG, Athens J, Sullivan SJ.Does acupressure hit the mark? A three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial of acupressure for pain and anxiety relief in athletes with acute musculoskeletal sports injuries.Clin J Sport Med. 2017;27(4):338-343. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378Greenlee H, Dupont-reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al.Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(3):194-232. doi:10.3322/caac.21397Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG.Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10:CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K.Classic and modern meridian studies: a review of low hydraulic resistance channels along meridians and their relevance for therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:410979. doi:10.1155/2015/410979Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V.Contemporary acupressure therapy: adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(2):251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004Kim J, Kang DI.Positioning standardized acupuncture points on the whole body based on x-ray computed tomography images.Med Acupunct. 2014;26(1):40-49. doi:10.1089/acu.2013.1002Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for Pain and Headaches.Ho KK, Kwok AW, Chau WW, Xia SM, Wang YL, Cheng JC.A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee.J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Apr 27;16(1):282. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02398-2.Movahedi M, Ghafari S, Nazari F, Valiani M.The effects of acupressure on pain severity in female nurses with chronic low back pain.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017;22(5):339-342. doi:10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_108_16Tan JY, Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Liu J, Wang T, Huang HR.Effects of auricular acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Mar 24;22(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03543-y.Lin L, Zhang Y, Qian HY, Xu JL, Xie CY, Dong B,et al.Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial.BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021 Mar;11(1):32-39. doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001937.Mącznik AK, Schneiders AG, Athens J, Sullivan SJ.Does acupressure hit the mark? A three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial of acupressure for pain and anxiety relief in athletes with acute musculoskeletal sports injuries.Clin J Sport Med. 2017;27(4):338-343. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378Greenlee H, Dupont-reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al.Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(3):194-232. doi:10.3322/caac.21397Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG.Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10:CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K.Classic and modern meridian studies: a review of low hydraulic resistance channels along meridians and their relevance for therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:410979. doi:10.1155/2015/410979Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V.Contemporary acupressure therapy: adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(2):251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004Kim J, Kang DI.Positioning standardized acupuncture points on the whole body based on x-ray computed tomography images.Med Acupunct. 2014;26(1):40-49. doi:10.1089/acu.2013.1002Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for Pain and Headaches.Ho KK, Kwok AW, Chau WW, Xia SM, Wang YL, Cheng JC.A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee.J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Apr 27;16(1):282. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02398-2.Movahedi M, Ghafari S, Nazari F, Valiani M.The effects of acupressure on pain severity in female nurses with chronic low back pain.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017;22(5):339-342. doi:10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_108_16Tan JY, Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Liu J, Wang T, Huang HR.Effects of auricular acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Mar 24;22(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03543-y.Lin L, Zhang Y, Qian HY, Xu JL, Xie CY, Dong B,et al.Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial.BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021 Mar;11(1):32-39. doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001937.Mącznik AK, Schneiders AG, Athens J, Sullivan SJ.Does acupressure hit the mark? A three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial of acupressure for pain and anxiety relief in athletes with acute musculoskeletal sports injuries.Clin J Sport Med. 2017;27(4):338-343. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378Greenlee H, Dupont-reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al.Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(3):194-232. doi:10.3322/caac.21397Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG.Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10:CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4
Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K.Classic and modern meridian studies: a review of low hydraulic resistance channels along meridians and their relevance for therapeutic effects in traditional Chinese medicine.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:410979. doi:10.1155/2015/410979
Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V.Contemporary acupressure therapy: adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(2):251-263. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004
Kim J, Kang DI.Positioning standardized acupuncture points on the whole body based on x-ray computed tomography images.Med Acupunct. 2014;26(1):40-49. doi:10.1089/acu.2013.1002
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for nausea and vomiting.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Acupressure for Pain and Headaches.
Ho KK, Kwok AW, Chau WW, Xia SM, Wang YL, Cheng JC.A randomized controlled trial on the effect of focal thermal therapy at acupressure points treating osteoarthritis of the knee.J Orthop Surg Res. 2021 Apr 27;16(1):282. doi:10.1186/s13018-021-02398-2.
Movahedi M, Ghafari S, Nazari F, Valiani M.The effects of acupressure on pain severity in female nurses with chronic low back pain.Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017;22(5):339-342. doi:10.4103%2Fijnmr.IJNMR_108_16
Tan JY, Molassiotis A, Suen LKP, Liu J, Wang T, Huang HR.Effects of auricular acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2022 Mar 24;22(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03543-y.
Lin L, Zhang Y, Qian HY, Xu JL, Xie CY, Dong B,et al.Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial.BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2021 Mar;11(1):32-39. doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001937.
Mącznik AK, Schneiders AG, Athens J, Sullivan SJ.Does acupressure hit the mark? A three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial of acupressure for pain and anxiety relief in athletes with acute musculoskeletal sports injuries.Clin J Sport Med. 2017;27(4):338-343. doi:10.1097/JSM.0000000000000378
Greenlee H, Dupont-reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, et al.Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67(3):194-232. doi:10.3322/caac.21397
Smith CA, Armour M, Dahlen HG.Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10:CD002962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub4
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
