Reported January 2006

BACKGROUND:Students in a class were taught to do acupressure on themselves at stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and head in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Students more alert and less fatigued than those students who didn't use acupressure.

WHAT IS ACUPRESSURE?According to traditional Chinese medicine, an energy known as chi travels through our bodies along 14 channels, called meridians. Chinese medicine says that the flow of chi is strengthened, calmed or unblocked by pressing specific points along those meridians. These are believed by advocates of the practice to be places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body. Acupuncture uses needles for treatment of chronic pain, for instance. Acupressure is the older massage version of acupuncture, and is used mainly to reduce stress.

HOW IT WORKS:A steady downward pressure is applied with a finger, thumb or palm to a specific point for one to two minutes. Stimulating these points with pressure, needles or heat triggers the release of endorphins -- the neurochemicals that relieve pain. Pain signals are blocked and there is an increased flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area. The muscles relax, and healing can take place more rapidly. While there is some skepticism as to the scientific merit of such treatments, it has been demonstrated that many of the pressure points used in acupressure are located at key crossways of the autonomic nervous system, and that those areas have a higher electrical conductivity on the surface of the skin. Modern scientists have found no evidence that chi exists or flows through the body.

STUDY RESULTS: Thirty-nine students in UM's School of Public Health participated in three days of all-day lecture classes. They were divided into two groups. One group gave themselves acupressure to stimulation points on the first day, and to relaxation points on the second and third days. The other administered acupressure to relaxation points for one day, then stimulation points for the second and third days. Students then rated their levels of sleepiness and fatigue at various points throughout each day. The stimulation group of students experienced less sleepiness and were more alert.

NOT A CURE-ALL: Acupressure is not a substitute for professional medical care; if you are sick, you should see your doctor. Those who are pregnant or have heart conditions should not practice acupressure. Acupressure should not be performed 20 minutes before or after strenuous exercise or a heavy meal.

If you would like more information, please contact:

University of Michigan Health System
Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 936-4000