Acupressure refers to a TCM nursing operation technique that uses techniques such as pressing, rubbing, pushing, holding, kneading, pinching, trembling, and beating to act on specific acupuncture points of the human body under the guidance of the basic theory of meridians and acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine, and through local stimulation, dredge the meridians and channels, so as to prevent and cure diseases and strengthen health care [1].

Acupressure is a kind of common TCM nursing appropriate technology based on meridians and acupoints, with massage as the main implementation method, with the characteristics of simple operation, economy, safety and other characteristics [2], as a simple and easy to learn, simple operation, no space, not limited by time and space of nursing technology, in clinical work acupressure is often combined with other TCM external treatment methods such as five-tone therapy, moxibustion, pot method, auricular acupoint therapy, etc., which not only improves the overall efficacy, but also provides patients with a convenient way of self-operation, not only to treat diseasesIt is the preferred method of non-drug intervention in TCM nursing technology, which can achieve twice the result with half the effort.

The effects and benefits of acupressure

With the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine, the theory of acupressure has been further improved, acupressure acts on acupuncture points through specific techniques, so as to stimulate the body’s qi and blood, dredge the meridians, and play a role in adjusting the function of the viscera and improving the therapeutic effect [3]. Characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine that are easy to grasp and highly compliant [4].

Basic operation method of acupressure

1. According to the law

Use your fingertips or palms to rhythmically press on the appropriate part of the patient’s body. According to the method, it is divided into one-handed press and two-handed press, which is suitable for the abdomen, two subcostal areas and other areas. For areas with more muscles, such as the back, one-handed compression can be used.

Press the law

2. Morfa

Rubbing fingers or palms over the patient’s body, usually in the chest area, upper extremities, or shoulders. Rubbing is often used in conjunction with pushing and kneading to relieve muscle tension.

3. Push

The operator pushes forward with one or both hands, usually on thicker muscle areas such as arms and legs. There are many different techniques of pushing, but one of the most common ways is to bring your hands together so that your thumb is opposite your thumb and your index finger is opposite your finger, and then push your hands forward, which is also known as two-handed pushing. It is a commonly used method in the technique of pushing rubbing.

4. Hold

Lift the skin and muscles with your hands and lift. It is often used on the legs or areas with thick muscles. Especially for symptoms such as emotional tension or stuffiness, when the patient has stuffiness, chest discomfort, or even fainting due to emotional tension or anger, you can hold it with one hand at the shoulder and back junction above the collarbone, grab the muscles and put them down, do it twice a second, repeat it 20 times, and do it again 20 times after a short rest, which can effectively help the patient dredge the breath, regulate the body’s qi and blood circulation, and relieve the patient’s discomfort symptoms.

5. Kneading

The palm or fingers are used to rotate the patient’s skin, with one-handed kneading and two-hand kneading. Kneading can be used for smaller or larger parts, and has the effects of reducing swelling, relaxing tendons, and regulating qi and blood.

6. Pinching

Use your fingers to pinch the skin and muscles from the bone surface. The pinching method is similar to the holding method, but the pressure is lighter and the focus is on the fingers.

Pinching

7. Percussion

Percussion is mainly used to gently and severely percussion the patient’s body after massage to help them relax. The common ones are the side palm cutting method, the flat palm slapping method and the horizontal and vertical punch percussion method.

8. Trembling

Massage with quick, short and even shaking movements. It is usually carried out by fingers such as thumb and index finger, which drives the local area to vibrate, and the tremor method is inseparable from the movement, so it is also called the flutter method.

The main points of acupressure

1. Adopt a comfortable position during operation, massage each acupoint for 2 min, 1 time a day, each press for 2 s, and the strength is appropriate for the feeling of soreness.

2. Accurately find the acupuncture points is the key, each acupuncture point has a specific position and function, according to the patient’s syndrome differentiation acupoints, the selection of acupoints is not correct or the positioning is not accurate, will affect the efficacy and cause discomfort.

3. When the operator exerts force, it should concentrate on the legs, and the force is transmitted from the waist, driving the shoulders and arms, and finally exerting force through the fingertips. The strength should be moderate, and the patient should tolerate the comfort to help the patient feel obvious gas sensation such as soreness, numbness, and swelling.

Precautions for acupressure

1. Adjust the strength according to the individual’s tolerance, pay attention to control the strength, avoid excessive force, and instruct the patient to stop the massage in time if there is any discomfort during the acupressure massage, and seek medical attention if necessary.

2. Cut your nails short before operation, and rub your hands together when it’s cold.

3. Patients with serious diseases, acute attacks of diseases or bleeding tendencies, and risk of thrombosis should be prohibited from acupressure.

Acupressure is a characteristic TCM therapy that has the effects of regulating qi and blood, improving the function of internal organs, and stimulating meridian qi [5]. By stimulating specific acupuncture points in the body, qi and blood are harmonized to achieve the purpose of treating diseases [6]. Because of its simple operation, no cost, no site restrictions and remarkable efficacy, acupressure massage is suitable for vigorous promotion in clinical practice. Acupressure is also an important non-pharmacological intervention for patients in their daily self-care.