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Acupressure (a blend
Blend

In linguistics, a blend is a word formed from parts of two other words. These parts are sometimes, but not always, morphemes.Linguistics...
 of "acupuncture
Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine wikt:filiform needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes....
" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medicine system in much of the western world....
 technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture point
Acupuncture point

Acupuncture points Most of the current research into acupuncture point locations and mechanisms is taking place in China. Traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking....
s by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Reviews of acupressure clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Collaboration

The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 15,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous, systematic process to review the effects of health care interventions tested in biomedical randomized controlled trials....
 and Bandolier
Bandolier (journal)

Bandolier is an independent online electronic journal about evidence-based medicine, written by Oxford University scientists. It was started in 1994 and the National Health Service paid for its distribution to all doctors in the UK until 2002....
 according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine aims to apply evidence gained from the scientific method to certain parts of medical practice. It seeks to assess the quality of evidence relevant to the risks and benefits of therapy ....
; for most conditions they have concluded a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medicine system in much of the western world....
's acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method
Scientific method

Scientific method refers to techniques for investigating phenomenon, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and Measure evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning....
, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking.






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Acupressure (a blend
Blend

In linguistics, a blend is a word formed from parts of two other words. These parts are sometimes, but not always, morphemes.Linguistics...
 of "acupuncture
Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine wikt:filiform needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes....
" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medicine system in much of the western world....
 technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture point
Acupuncture point

Acupuncture points Most of the current research into acupuncture point locations and mechanisms is taking place in China. Traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking....
s by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Reviews of acupressure clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Collaboration

The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 15,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous, systematic process to review the effects of health care interventions tested in biomedical randomized controlled trials....
 and Bandolier
Bandolier (journal)

Bandolier is an independent online electronic journal about evidence-based medicine, written by Oxford University scientists. It was started in 1994 and the National Health Service paid for its distribution to all doctors in the UK until 2002....
 according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine aims to apply evidence gained from the scientific method to certain parts of medical practice. It seeks to assess the quality of evidence relevant to the risks and benefits of therapy ....
; for most conditions they have concluded a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medicine system in much of the western world....
's acupuncture theory predates use of the scientific method
Scientific method

Scientific method refers to techniques for investigating phenomenon, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and Measure evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning....
, and has received various criticisms based on scientific thinking. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians
Meridian (Chinese medicine)

Meridian , also known as channel, in traditional Chinese medicine, is the common name of vessel, and collaterals. It is the path of running qi and blood, connection zang-fu viscera, communication inside and outside, and run through top and bottom....
. Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients. Neuroimaging research suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.

Background

Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system
Meridian (Chinese medicine)

Meridian , also known as channel, in traditional Chinese medicine, is the common name of vessel, and collaterals. It is the path of running qi and blood, connection zang-fu viscera, communication inside and outside, and run through top and bottom....
 to bring about relief by rebalancing yin
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
, yang
Yin and yang

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn....
 and qi
Qi

In traditional Chinese culture, qi is an active principle forming part of any living thing.It is frequently translated as "energy flow," and is often compared to Western notions of energeia or ?lan vital as well as the Yoga Pranayama of prana....
 (also spelled "chi"). This theory is based on the paradigm of TCM, not that of science.

Many East Asian martial arts
Martial arts

Martial arts are systems of codified practices and traditions of training for combat. While they may be studied for various reasons, martial arts share a single objective: to physically defeat other persons and to defend oneself or others from physical threat....
 also make extensive study and use of acupressure for self-defense and health purposes (chin na
Chin Na

Chin Na or Qinna is aChinese language term describing techniques used in the Chinese martial arts that control or lock an opponent's joints or...
, tui na
Tui na

Tui na , is a form of China manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, tai chi and qigong....
). The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby enhance their circulation and flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less vulnerable to an attack.

Research

A preliminary randomized trial of Tapas Acupressure Technique
Tapas Acupressure Technique

Tapas Acupressure Technique is a controversial Complementary and alternative medicine healing modality promoted to clear negative emotions and past traumas....
 (TAT) found a possible weak correlation with weight loss maintenance using TAT versus Qigong
Qigong

Qigong refers to a wide variety of traditional cultivation practices that involve methods of accumulating, circulating, and working with qi, breathing or energy within the body....
 or self-directed support, suggesting that TAT might outperform the other methods studied. The results were not statistically significant
Statistical significance

In statistics, a result is called statistically significant if it is unlikely to have occurred by chance. "A statistically significant difference" simply means there is statistical evidence that there is a difference; it does not mean the difference is necessarily large, important, or significant in the common meaning of the word....
, but a separation test
Separation test

A separation test is a statistics procedure for early-phase research, to decide whether or not to pursue further research. It is designed to avoid the prevalent situation in early-phase research, when a statistically statistical power test gives a negative result....
 indicated that further study is warranted. A full randomized trial of TAT versus standard weightloss management intervention is currently being conducted, funded by the NCCAM.

An acupressure wristband that is claimed to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness
Motion sickness

Motion sickness or kinetosis is a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system's sense of movement....
 and other forms of nausea
Nausea

Nausea is the sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach with an urge to vomit....
 is available. The band is designed to provide pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, a point that has been extensively investigated. The Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Collaboration

The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 15,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous, systematic process to review the effects of health care interventions tested in biomedical randomized controlled trials....
, a group of evidence-based medicine
Evidence-based medicine

Evidence-based medicine aims to apply evidence gained from the scientific method to certain parts of medical practice. It seeks to assess the quality of evidence relevant to the risks and benefits of therapy ....
 (EBM) reviewers, reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting, and found it to be effective for reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting . The Cochrane review included various means of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier
Bandolier (journal)

Bandolier is an independent online electronic journal about evidence-based medicine, written by Oxford University scientists. It was started in 1994 and the National Health Service paid for its distribution to all doctors in the UK until 2002....
 said that P6 acupressure in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6 acupressure. One author of an article published in the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine disagreed .

A Cochrane Collaboration
Cochrane Collaboration

The Cochrane Collaboration is a group of over 15,000 volunteers in more than 90 countries who apply a rigorous, systematic process to review the effects of health care interventions tested in biomedical randomized controlled trials....
 review found that massage provided some long-term benefit for low back pain
Low back pain

Low back pain is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders or of disorders involving the lumbar vertebrae. It can be either Acute , subacute or Chronic in its clinical presentation....
, and said: It seems that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques provide more relief than classic (Swedish) massage, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Acupressure Work Theory

According to the principles of TCM, qi flows through the body via 14 primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi,or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at certain specific points (called acupoints) along the channels. There are four to five hundred named acupoints along the meridians, some of which are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems. If you are suffering from nausea, for example, needles might be inserted into acupoints on your wrist, while a vision problem might be treated with needles in the foot. (Additional ear, scalp, and hand points are also commonly used by some practitioners.) Acupuncture practitioners believe that the therapy stimulates the body’s internal regulatory system and nurtures a natural healing response.

Criticism of TCM theory

Clinical use of acupressure frequently relies on the conceptual framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medicine system in much of the western world....
 (TCM), which some scholars have characterized as pseudoscientific
Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience is any knowledge, methodology, belief, or practice that is claimed to be scientific, or that is made to appear to be scientific, but which does not adhere to the scientific method, lacks supporting evidence or plausibility, or otherwise lacks scientific status....
. There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians
Meridian (Chinese medicine)

Meridian , also known as channel, in traditional Chinese medicine, is the common name of vessel, and collaterals. It is the path of running qi and blood, connection zang-fu viscera, communication inside and outside, and run through top and bottom....
. Proponents reply that TCM is a prescientific system that continues to have practical relevance. Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM concepts in functional rather than structural terms (e.g., as being useful in guiding evaluation and care of patients).

Instruments

There are several different instruments for applying acupressure by rubbing or rolling against the body.

Acu ball

The acu ball (also acuball or magic ball) is a small ball made of rubber, wood or plastic, with protuberances. It is used to apply acupressure and relieve muscle and joint pain.

Energy roller

The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure.

Foot roller

The foot roller (also "krupa chakra") is a round, cylindrical roller with protuberances. It is placed on the floor and the foot is rolled back and forth over it.

Power mat

The power mat (also pyramid mat) is a mat with small pyramid-shaped bumps that you walk on.

Spine roller

The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets that is rolled up and down the spine.

See also

  • Acupoint therapy
    Acupoint therapy

    Acupoint Therapy is an extension of Willy Penzel's modern APM system , and it involves the stimulation of acupuncture acupuncture point or Meridian with a therapy stick....
  • Auriculotherapy
    Auriculotherapy

    Auriculotherapy, or auricular therapy, or ear acupuncture, or auriculoacupuncture is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem with the entire body represented on the Pinna , the outer portion of the ear....
  • Fire cupping
    Fire cupping

    Fire cupping or simply cupping is a form of traditional medicine found in several cultures. It involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin....
  • Jing
  • Luo Points
    Luo Points

    Luo Points is an acupuncture term referring to special points in the body that are believed to have greater significance. According to acupuncture theory, the points, twelve in all, are places where the body can be manipulated to greater effect when applying acupuncture or tui na techniques, and can be used to aid the circulation of qi so as...
  • Manipulative therapy
  • Massage
    Massage

    Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. The word comes from the French language massage "friction of kneading," or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough"....
  • Moxibustion
    Moxibustion

    Moxibustion is an oriental medicine therapy utilizing moxa, or mugwort herb. It plays an important role in the traditional medicine systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia....
  • Pressure Points
  • Pushing hands
    Pushing hands

    Pushing hands, , or sticky hands, is a name for two-person training routines practiced in Nei chia Chinese martial arts such as Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Tai Chi Chuan , Liuhebafa, Quan Fa, and Yiquan....
  • Qigong
    Qigong

    Qigong refers to a wide variety of traditional cultivation practices that involve methods of accumulating, circulating, and working with qi, breathing or energy within the body....
  • Reflexology
    Reflexology

    Reflexology is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the foot, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health....
  • Shiatsu
    Shiatsu

    Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on therapy originating in Japan. There are two main Shiatsu schools; one based on western anatomical and physiological theory and the other based on Traditional Chinese Medicine ....


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