Acupressure: Benefits for Your Mind and Skin

Acupressure is defined as the application of pressure on acupuncture points using the hands, fingers, or thumbs.^[1] It is a non-invasive and painless technique based on the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)^[1] that is effective at managing a variety of symptoms from pain to itching.

The Role of Balancing Qi

TCM theory holds that meridians, which are channels in a network of energy pathways throughout the body, regulate the flow of Qi, (vital energy) and that the unbalanced flow of Qi results in disease.^[1]

By applying pressure to specific points on the surface of the skin, acupressure stimulates the meridians. This results in the opening of the channels and the balancing of energy which restores health.^[1]

Benefits of Acupressure

Mechanical pressure, such as acupressure, has been known to decrease tissue adhesion, promote relaxation, increase regional blood circulation, increase parasympathetic nervous activity, increase intramuscular temperature, and decrease neuromuscular excitability.^[2]

Numerous studies on the benefits of self-administered acupressure in adults for symptom management have been reported. These studies are diverse in number and conditions addressed. Positive effects of acupressure using local, distal, and auricular acupuncture points have been shown for the management of musculoskeletal pain,^[3-5] dysmenorrhea,^[6,7] nausea,^[8,9] and constipation,^[10] just to name a few. 

Acupressure for Skin Health

Research on the effects of acupressure for certain dermatological conditions has also been appearing in recent publications. In the 2015 edition of the journal, Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, auricular acupressure was shown to reduce uremic pruritus (itching) associated with hemodialysis. This study included a total of 62 adult patients receiving acupressure on six auricular acupuncture points 3 times a week for 6 weeks.^[11] A pilot study of 12 adults published in the 2012 edition of the Acupuncture in Medicine journal by the British Medical Acupuncture Society, reported decreases in lichenification and pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis using self-administered acupressure at one acupuncture point (LI-11) 3 minutes 3 times a week for 4 weeks.^[12]

Acupressure has a number of advantages, including flexibility, low cost, and empowerment. ^[1] While many trained professionals can administer acupressure, acupressure is ideal for self-care and at-home care. Whether you would like to reduce a headache or are caring for an elderly parent who can’t sleep, acupressure is an effective tool for a variety of internal, musculoskeletal, or dermatological conditions with the appropriate training.