Acupressure is a medical technique based on ancient Chinese principles. It has the same roots as acupuncture but does not involve the use of needles in its treatments. Acupressure simply means applying pressure to the ‘Luo’ or energy points of the body to bring about healing. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease is caused by an imbalance of the yin and yang (male and female) properties of the body, or because of a blockage in the qi (energy) of the body. Acupressure seeks to restore the energy balance.

During the therapy thumbs, elbows or specialized blunt instruments are used to press the pressure points. In another technique called ‘Fire cupping’ glass, plastic, or bamboo cups are placed on the skin with a vacuum. This supposedly removes stagnation from the body. It is said to be especially useful for respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia, and for chronic back and neck pain.

Acupressure has none of the side effects of acupuncture; it is easier for the patient because no needles or pain is involved. There are however no well controlled trials which prove or disprove its supposed healing powers. The Cochrane Collaboration, a medical review group, conducted studies on P6 wristbands used to relieve nausea and vomiting through acupressure. The results showed that the group using the P6 wristband had a 76% success rate compared with 52% of the control group. Another study reported that acupressure was more successful in relieving lower back pain than ordinary massage. Further research is needed into these and other supposed benefits of acupressure.