Side Effects of acupressure: A Synthesis of Findings from 9 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Acupressure has shown potential benefits in various conditions, including reducing nausea and vomiting, managing pain, improving sleep, and alleviating anxiety. For instance, research 8 indicates that acupressure might help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children. Another study 7 suggests that acupressure could be a helpful approach to lessen fatigue in older adults with cancer.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of acupressure are often linked to the stimulation of nerves and muscles that occur during the application of pressure. Acupressure can activate nerve and muscle activity, promoting blood circulation. However, excessive stimulation can lead to side effects.

Common Side Effects

Pain

Stimulation of nerves and muscles during acupressure can sometimes result in pain. This is particularly common for those receiving acupressure for the first time or those who experience strong pressure. If you experience pain, inform the acupuncturist to adjust the intensity.

Swelling

Acupressure promotes blood circulation, potentially leading to fluid retention in tissues, which can cause swelling. Swelling is more likely to occur in areas susceptible to gravity, such as feet and hands. If you experience swelling, elevating your feet after acupressure may help alleviate it.

Redness

Acupressure promotes blood circulation, leading to blood concentration in the skin, resulting in redness. Redness usually fades within a few hours, but if it persists, consult the acupuncturist.

Bleeding

In some cases, acupressure can damage blood vessels, leading to bleeding. If bleeding occurs, inform the acupuncturist to stop the bleeding. Individuals prone to bleeding should consult a doctor before receiving acupressure.

Measures to Counter Side Effects

Pain Relief

If you experience pain, communicate with the acupuncturist to adjust the intensity. Additionally, consider receiving relaxing treatments such as aromatherapy massage before acupressure.

Swelling Relief

Elevate your feet after receiving acupressure to help reduce swelling. Moreover, staying adequately hydrated before acupressure can contribute to preventing swelling.

Redness Relief

Redness typically subsides within a few hours, but if it persists, seek advice from the acupuncturist. If you are prone to redness, consult a doctor before receiving acupressure.

Bleeding Prevention

Individuals prone to bleeding should seek medical advice from a doctor before receiving acupressure. If bleeding occurs during acupressure, inform the acupuncturist to stop the bleeding.

Comparison Among Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Many studies have shown that acupressure can be effective in alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, and anxiety.

Differences Among Studies

Each study has different target diseases and symptoms, acupressure sites and methods, leading to variations in effectiveness and side effects. Therefore, when considering acupressure, it is crucial to receive treatment suitable for your symptoms and body constitution.

Precautions for Application in Daily Life

Acupressure can be a helpful approach to alleviate symptoms, but it's not a universal cure-all. Effectiveness varies among individuals, and it is not guaranteed to work for everyone. Furthermore, acupressure is an alternative therapy, not a medical procedure. Therefore, if seeking treatment for a medical condition, consult a doctor.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on acupressure remains limited, with insufficient evidence. Particularly, research on side effects is scarce. More research is needed to understand the safety and effectiveness of acupressure.

Future Research Directions

Further research is required to investigate the side effects of acupressure, especially long-term side effects and those specific to certain body constitutions.

Conclusion

Acupressure can be an effective method for alleviating symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, and anxiety. However, there are risks of side effects. It is crucial to receive treatment suitable for your symptoms and body constitution when considering acupressure. Additionally, acupressure is an alternative therapy, not a medical procedure. Therefore, if seeking treatment for a medical condition, consult a doctor.

Literature analysis of 9 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
5
1
2
1
9
1.

Investigating the Effect of Acupressure on the Patients' Anxiety Before Open-Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: KhoramBagher, YoosefinejadAmin K, RivazMozhgan, NajafiSeyed S

Anxiety reduction

This randomized clinical trial study determined the effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. The study found that the application of acupressure can reduce state anxiety in patients who are candidates for open-heart surgery.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Efficacy of Non-Invasive Auricular Acupressure for Treating Constipation in Leukemia Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review.

Author: ChenChun-Ye, LinXiao-Xu, WangXing

Constipation prevention

Auricular acupressure (AA) may be recommended in addition to routine care to prevent constipation in leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy. More rigorous RCTs are needed to confirm the effect and safety.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

3.

Physically oriented therapies for the self-management of chronic pain symptoms.

Author: CrawfordCindy, LeeCourtney, MayTodd,

Chronic pain management
Patient-centered care

Chronic pain management often involves medications and procedures with limited effectiveness, high costs, and potential side effects. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies may offer a more holistic and patient-centered approach to chronic pain management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

6.

The Effects of Acupressure on Improving Health and Reducing Cost for Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Author: HsuHsing-Chi, TsengKai-Yu, FangHsin-Yuan, HuangTzu-Min, KuoChi-Chung, ChenLi-Li, MaWei-Fen

Improved recovery
Reduced anxiety

This study assessed the effectiveness of acupressure on the Shenmen and Neiguan acupoints for reducing anxiety and improving recovery in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Acupressure significantly reduced anxiety levels and improved comfort and physical health in patients compared to the control group. Acupressure is a simple and effective treatment for managing anxiety and promoting recovery after thoracoscopic surgery.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Acupressure for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Author: ÖzdemirÜlkü, TaşcıSultan

Fatigue reduction

Acupressure can be recommended as an integrative treatment for cancer-related fatigue because it is effective, easy to use, tolerable and does not cause serious side effects.

Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Reduction in nausea and vomiting in children undergoing cancer chemotherapy by either appropriate or sham auricular acupuncture points with standard care.

Author: YehChao Hsing, ChienLung-Chang, ChiangYi Chien, LinSu Wen, HuangChen Kuan, RenDianxu

CINV treatment
Small sample size

Auricular acupressure is acceptable to children and their parents to prevent/treat CINV, but there were no statistically significant differences between the AAP and SAP groups in the prevention/treatment of CINV.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

9.

Integrative acupoint stimulation to alleviate postoperative pain and morphine-related side effects: a sham-controlled study.

Author: ChungYu-Chu, TsouMei-Yung, ChenHsing-Hsia, LinJaung-Geng, YehMei-Ling

Reduced morphine use
Reduced postoperative pain
Reduced side effects

Integrative acupoint stimulation (IAS) using auricular acupressure combined with transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) significantly reduced postoperative pain and the need for morphine analgesia in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Pain scores were lower in the IAS group compared to sham and control groups at 2h, 4h, and 24h after surgery. Morphine-related side effects were also significantly lower in the IAS group.

Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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