Acupressure: localized pressure on acupoints

Character

Acupressure refers to pressure or localized massage at selected sites called acupoints. This entry focuses on manual pressure, such as that described in Memorial Sloan Kettering’s patient education. The term names an approach; it does not establish that every point, symptom or application has the same evidence. [1] [2]

History & heritage

Memorial Sloan Kettering places acupressure in the context of traditional Chinese acupuncture practice and also presents it in contemporary patient education. That connection describes a traditional framework and a modern care setting; it does not establish one inventor, an exact origin date or an unchanged historical lineage. The sources used here do not resolve those historical questions. [2]

Techniques

The hospital’s patient information describes using the fingers to apply pressure. Research on acupoint stimulation can cover a much broader set of interventions: the 2025 Cochrane PC6 review includes invasive and noninvasive techniques, with needle acupuncture and acupressure wristbands as examples. Readers should identify the intervention actually studied before applying its results to hands-on acupressure. This overview gives no point-location map or treatment sequence. [2] [3]

Memorial Sloan Kettering’s PC6 patient guidance advises against pressure at the site when skin is damaged, irritated or showing signs of infection, and says the pressure should not hurt. It describes acupressure as complementary care alongside cancer treatment. For massage generally, NCCIH advises discussing suitability with a health professional when unsure and not delaying medical assessment. These sources do not establish that every acupressure method is suitable for every person; surgical nausea prevention should be discussed with the treating team rather than used to change prescribed medicines independently. [2] [4]

Evidence and limitations

A 2025 Cochrane review included 77 studies with 9,847 participants undergoing surgery. It suggests that PC6 stimulation combined with antiemetic medicines may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham treatment; confidence in the evidence was generally low. The review covers several stimulation methods, so its overall findings are not an estimate of finger pressure alone. Results in surgical care also do not establish benefits for unrelated symptoms or general wellness. Incomplete reporting of unwanted effects limits safety conclusions. [3]

Sources

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