Acupuncture and Acupressure

Introduction

Acupuncture and acupressure are components of Chinese Medicine. Acupressure is the use of applied pressure through touch whereas acupuncture is the use of the insertion of small, sterile, fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. These specific points are referred to as acupoints.

Chinese Medicine’s approach to diagnosis and treatment involves the practitioner discerning a disease in relation to a traditionally described pattern of disharmony based on an assessment of the patient’s presenting signs and symptoms. In the Chinese Medicine model, the body is composed of pathways or meridians in which a vital substance, qi, flows and integrates all the body’s separate parts and functions into a unified organism. When circulation of qi in the channels is blocked, disease and pain result, and when the energy can flow freely again, the ailment will heal. Acupoints, the specific locations on the channels, are stimulated either though applied pressure (acupressure) or with needles (acupuncture) to restore the free flowing of qi through the meridians.

Acupressure has been around as long as man has used his hands and fingers to touch pain on his body. More than 5,000 years ago the Chinese discovered a way to relieve pain and bodily discomfort through natural instinctive touching. For instance, when one has a headache, one usually puts their hand up to the forehead. Or if one has sinus problems, one usually puts two thumbs pressing up against the inside of the eyebrows to bring relief. What was once man’s instinctive nature to relieve his own pain eventually developed into local acupressure “ashi” points. The word “ashi” literally means “ouchey.” Ashi points are the points of pain or tenderness on the body. These acupoints are places on the skin that are sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body. Stimulating these points stimulates the release of endorphins or neurochemicals and inhibits pain signals sent to the brain. Acupuncture and acupressure also reduce tension, enabling the body to relax deeply, and strengthen the body’s resistance to disease and promotes wellness. It helps circulation by enabling the muscle fibers to elongate and relax which helps the blood flow freely and the toxins to be released and eliminated. This brings more oxygen and other nutrients to the affected areas.

The safety of acupuncture in adults and children has been established. In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) acupuncture consensus conference released a statement supporting the safety and use of acupuncture among individuals with cancer.

Potential Application for Children with Cancer

Acupressure and acupuncture may aid in coping with fatigue, insomnia, pain, nausea/vomiting, and other side-effects associated with cancer therapy. Acupressure and acupuncture sessions are with a licensed acupuncturist from the Integrative Therapies team. Generally, pain is not associated with acupuncture treatments.

Specific concerns associated with acupuncture use among younger children and adolescents may include fear of needles and specific concerns associated with acupressure may include apprehensions around touch and body image. In order to gain a child’s trust, it is often helpful to demonstrate first what acupuncture or acupressure is on the parent, allowing the child to visualize the technique. Parents can then encourage the child that acupuncture and acupressure is safe and does not hurt. It is important to allow the child to voice what symptoms and side-effects they are experiencing, so that the child may feel more in control and more willing to proceed with a session. Patients and parents can also be educated on acupressure techniques by our licensed acupuncturist to provide acupressure to themselves or their child at home.

How is acupuncture and acupressure used in the hospital and outpatient clinic?

Acupuncture is an optional service provided to the children and adolescents treated in the Division of Pediatric Oncology. During a routine introduction to ITPCC’s clinical services by ITPCC staff, acupuncture is offered as a service to the patient upon consent from their primary oncologist. Acupuncturists are available by appointment. An acupuncture or acupressure session generally lasts between 20 minutes to 1 hour depending on the needs of the child and family members. Physician approval is required for acupuncture.

Complimentary acupressure bands, often used for nausea, are also available to all patients. These bands, often used for seasickness, stimulate a pressure point on the inside of the wrist. According to Chinese medicine, this pressure point helps relieve nausea