Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique based on principles similar to acupuncture. It involves applying physical pressure using the hand, elbow, or various devices on different acupuncture points on the body’s surface. While traditional Chinese Medicine often does not operate within a scientific framework, some practitioners aim to align these practices with evidence-based medicine.

There is no scientific consensus on the efficacy of acupressure beyond a placebo effect. Reviews of existing clinical trials conducted by organizations like the Cochrane Collaboration and Bandolier have generally concluded a lack of effectiveness or insufficiently well-conducted trials for most conditions.

The points used in acupressure may or may not align with the area of the body where symptoms are felt. TCM theory suggests that these points stimulate the meridian system to relieve symptoms by rebalancing yin, yang, and qi. This theory is based on TCM paradigms rather than scientific principles.

A notable application of acupressure is in wristbands designed to alleviate motion sickness and other forms of nausea. These bands apply pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, which has been extensively studied.

The Cochrane Collaboration reviewed the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting and found it effective in reducing post-operative nausea, though not vomiting. Various methods of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acu-stimulation devices, and acupressure, were reviewed, but no specific method was identified as superior.

EBM reviewer Bandolier reported that P6 acupressure showed a success rate of 75% compared to 52% in control groups in two studies. However, there is some disagreement among researchers, with some articles suggesting different outcomes.

A Cochrane review also indicated that massage might provide long-term benefits for low back pain, suggesting that acupressure or pressure point massage techniques might offer more relief than classic (Swedish) massage, though further research is needed.

Many East Asian martial arts extensively study and use acupressure for self-defense and health purposes, such as chin na and tui na. Acupressure points or combinations are used to manipulate or incapacitate opponents. Martial artists also regularly massage their own acupressure points to remove blockages from their meridians, enhance circulation, and improve flexibility. This practice is believed to keep the points “soft” and less vulnerable to attacks. Attacking acupressure points is a common theme in the wuxia genre of movies and novels.

Luo Points in acupuncture refer to specific points in the body considered to have significant impact. According to acupuncture theory, these twelve points can be manipulated to enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture or tui na techniques and aid in the circulation of qi, promoting overall health.

Fire Cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum next to the patient’s skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, this technique involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin to create suction. It is used to relieve “stagnation” and treat respiratory conditions such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also employed to address back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. This technique, in various forms, is also found in the folk medicine of Vietnam, the Balkans, modern Greece, and other regions.