Acupressure https://greenmedinfo.com/category/keywords/Acupressure en A review of nonpharmacological treatments for post-stroke depression. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/review-nonpharmacological-treatments-post-stroke-depression n/a PMID:  Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017 May 30:1-14. Epub 2017 May 30. PMID: 28556875 Abstract Title:  Nonpharmacological Treatments for Post-Stroke Depression: An Integrative Review of the Literature. Abstract:  Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of long-term disability. Seventy-five percent of annual stroke victims are older than 65. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common consequence of stroke, with the estimated prevalence ranging from 25% to 79%. Although several studies have investigated the impact of pharmacological interventions on PSD, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the efficacy of nonpharmacological measures for treatment of PSD. The purpose of the current integrative literature review was to synthesize the state of knowledge on selected nonpharmacological treatments for PSD and present findings regarding the efficacy of investigated treatments. Twenty-one studies published from 1992-2016 were identified and synthesized. Results indicated that studies demonstrating improvement in depressive symptoms included ecosystem-focused therapy, life review therapy, problem solving therapy, meridian acupressure, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, music therapy, exercise, light therapy, motivational interviewing, and robotic-assisted neurorehabilitation. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; x(x):xx-xx.]. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/review-nonpharmacological-treatments-post-stroke-depression#comments Depression Stroke: Attenuation/Recovery Acupressure Light Therapy Magnet Therapy Music Acupressure Depression light therapy Magnet Therapy music Stroke: Attenuation/Recovery Review Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:33:46 +0000 greenmedinfo 148943 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acupressure could be an adjuvant treatment for the inpatient management of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-could-be-adjuvant-treatment-inpatient-management-nausea-and-vomiti n/a PMID:  J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2017 Apr ;43(4):662-668. PMID: 28418209 Abstract Title:  Acupressure as adjuvant treatment for the inpatient management of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Abstract:  AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of acupressure at the Neiguan point (Pericardium [P]6) as adjuvant treatment during inpatient management of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. METHODS: Low risk, spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies were randomly assigned to a treatment group, who received an acupressure band placed at the Neiguan point (P6) or a placebo group who received an otherwise identical non-stimulating wristband. Participants wore the band for 12 h daily for the first three days of admission. The primary outcome measure was the severity of symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching, recorded according to Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea score. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea scores from day 1 until day 3 of admission in the treatment group compared with the placebo. Patients who received Neiguan point acupressure also showed a significant improvement in their ketonuria scores. The treatment group required a shorter hospital stay compared with the placebo. The only reported side effect of the acupressure band was redness on the wrist. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the acupressure band at the Neiguan point (P6) for 12 h daily for three days for inpatients with hyperemesis gravidarum significantly reduced the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching and ketonuria and led to a reduction in hospital stay. We recommend the use of the acupressure band at the Neiguan point (P6) as an adjunct/supplementary therapy to co-exist with the standard care of management for hyperemesis gravidarum, particularly in low-risk pregnant women. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-could-be-adjuvant-treatment-inpatient-management-nausea-and-vomiti#comments Nausea: Pregnancy-Associated Acupressure Acupressure Nausea: Pregnancy-Associated Human Study Fri, 09 Jun 2017 22:15:55 +0000 greenmedinfo 148970 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acupressure is a safe and well-tolerated therapy in adult hemodialysis patients. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-safe-and-well-tolerated-therapy-adult-hemodialysis-patients n/a PMID:  Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 ;2017:7570352. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28316636 Abstract Title:  The SIESTA Trial: A Randomized Study Investigating the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Acupressure versus Sham Therapy for Improving Sleep Quality in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis. Abstract:  Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of real acupressure versus sham acupressure therapy in improving sleep quality in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) or hemodiafiltration (HDF). Methods. A multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in two Australian dialysis units located in Princess Alexandra Hospital and Logan Hospital, respectively. Forty-two subjects with self-reported poor sleep quality were randomly assigned to real (n = 21) or sham (n = 21) acupressure therapy delivered thrice weekly for four consecutive weeks during routine dialysis sessions. The primary outcome was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score measured at week four adjusted for baseline PSQI measurements. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QOL) (SF-8), adverse events, and patient acceptability (treatment acceptability questionnaire, TAQ). Results. The two groups were comparable on global PSQI scores (difference 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.32 to 1.70) and on the subscale scores. Similar results were observed for QOL both in the mental (difference -3.88, 95% CI -8.63 to 0.87) and the physical scores (difference 2.45, 95% CI -1.69 to 6.58). There were no treatment-related adverse events and acupressure was perceived favorably by participants. Conclusion. Acupressure is a safe, well-tolerated, and highly acceptable therapy in adult hemodialysis patients in a Western healthcare setting with uncertain implications for therapeutic efficacy. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-safe-and-well-tolerated-therapy-adult-hemodialysis-patients#comments Hemodialysis Kidney Diseases Acupressure Acupressure Hemodialysis Kidney Diseases Human Study Fri, 09 Jun 2017 22:35:05 +0000 greenmedinfo 148974 at https://greenmedinfo.com Acupressure on specific points was proven to reduce lower back pain in female nurses. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-specific-points-was-proven-reduce-lower-back-pain-female-nurses n/a PMID:  Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017 Sep-Oct;22(5):339-342. PMID: 29033985 Abstract Title:  The Effects of Acupressure on Pain Severity in Female Nurses with Chronic Low Back Pain. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Low back pain causes physical and psychological impacts among nurses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acupressure on the severity of pain in chronic low back pain in female nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a single-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted among 50 nurses suffering from chronic low back pain. After simple sampling, participants were randomly assigned into acupressure and sham groups using lottery method (25 patients in each group). In the experimental group, the intervention was performed by the researcher three times a week throughout a 3-week period. The sham group received placebo interventions. Data was collected through VAS questionnaire before, immediately after, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after performing intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean pain severity scores in the pre-interventions phase between the groups (P = 0.63), however, a significant difference was observed Immediately, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after performing intervention. Further, the mean pain severity scores in intervention group significantly decreased compared to the sham group (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure on specific points was proved to reduce pain. Thus, acupressure can be used as nonmedicament, inexpensive, and without side effects treatment in reducing pain. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/acupressure-specific-points-was-proven-reduce-lower-back-pain-female-nurses#comments Low Back Pain Acupressure Acupressure low back pain Human Study Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:41:04 +0000 greenmedinfo 157682 at https://greenmedinfo.com Auricular acupressure had beneficial effects on reducing sleep disturbance, and improving students' anxiety, and depressed moods. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/auricular-acupressure-had-beneficial-effects-reducing-sleep-disturbance-and-im n/a PMID:  J Nurs Res. 2017 Jun 6. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28591024 Abstract Title:  Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Sleep Quality, Anxiety, and Depressed Mood in RN-BSN Students With Sleep Disturbance. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Students in 2-year registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing (RN-BSN) programs usually work full-time and study part-time. Sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression are known to be common health problems among these students. Prior research has described the effectiveness of auricular acupressure (AA) in reducing sleep disturbance and improving mood. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using a 4-week AA program that adheres to a magnetic pellet on the shenmen acupoint on sleep quality, anxiousness, and depressed moods in nursing students with sleep disturbance. METHODS: This study used a one-group, quasi-experimental design with repeated measures. Eligible students were recruited from an RN-BSN program offered by a university in northern Taiwan, and all were currently experiencing sleep disturbance. A 4-week AA intervention that applied a magnetic pellet on the shenmen acupoint was used. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used to measure sleep quality and mood outcomes each week during the 4-week intervention. Improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and depressed moods were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants with a mean age of 32 years were enrolled as participants. After adjusting for confounding factors, continuous and significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and depressed mood (p<.05) were observed throughout the intervention, with 4-week improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and depressed mood averaging 26.7%, 43.5%, and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study showed the efficacy of using a 4-week AA that applies a magnetic pellet on the shenmen acupoint in terms of improving sleep quality, anxiousness, and depressed mood in RN-BSN students experiencing sleep disturbances. Especially, the emotional mood of participants improved significantly as early as the first week. The 4-week AA for reducing sleep disturbance, and improving students' anxiety, and depressed moods may be applied on primary healthcare. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/auricular-acupressure-had-beneficial-effects-reducing-sleep-disturbance-and-im#comments Anxiety Sleep Disorders Acupressure Acupressure Anxiety Sleep Disorders Human Study Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:56:48 +0000 greenmedinfo 148937 at https://greenmedinfo.com Pilates-based exercises and acupressure can effectively improve women's sleep quality. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/pilates-based-exercises-and-acupressure-can-effectively-improve-womens-sleep-q n/a PMID:  Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2017 Mar-Apr;22(2):140-146. PMID: 28584553 Abstract Title:  Comparison of the Effect of Acupressure and Pilates-Based Exercises on Sleep Quality of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Abstract:  BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women experience a variety of symptoms, among which sleep disorder is one of the most common problems. Acupressure and Pilates exercise programs are effective nonpharmaceutical treatments which can improve sleep quality. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of acupressure and Pilates-based exercises on the sleep quality of postmenopausal women referred to medical clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, we recruited 108 women aged 40-60 years who were randomly assigned into one control and two intervention groups using balanced block randomization method (three groups of 36 each). The patients in the Pilates exercise group participated in an exercise training program of three 1-hour sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks. The participants of acupressure group received acupressure intervention three times a week for 6 weeks. The sleep quality of all participants was assessed and recorded using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) once before and once after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant difference among the three groups on the total scores of sleep quality after the intervention. The intragroup comparison revealed that the changes in the mean total scores were significant in both the intervention groups (P<0.001) but not in the control group (P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Pilates-based exercises and acupressure can effectively improve women's sleep quality. Both techniques can be applied as effective alternative and complementary methods for improving sleep quality during the postmenopausal period. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/pilates-based-exercises-and-acupressure-can-effectively-improve-womens-sleep-q#comments Depression: Postmenopausal Acupressure Pilates Acupressure Depression: Postmenopausal Pilates Human Study Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:05:27 +0000 greenmedinfo 148938 at https://greenmedinfo.com Self-administered acupressure taught in a short training course may be a feasible approach to improve insomnia. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/self-administered-acupressure-taught-short-training-course-may-be-feasible-app n/a PMID:  J Sleep Res. 2017 Sep 8. Epub 2017 Sep 8. PMID: 28884877 Abstract Title:  Self-administered acupressure for insomnia disorder: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Abstract:  Self-administered acupressure has potential as a low-cost alternative treatment for insomnia. To evaluate the short-term effects of self-administered acupressure for alleviating insomnia, a pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-one subjects (mean age: 53.2 years; 77.4% female) with insomnia disorder were recruited from a community. The participants were randomized to receive two lessons on either self-administered acupressure or sleep hygiene education. The subjects in the self-administered acupressure group (n = 15) were taught to practise self-administered acupressure daily for 4 weeks. The subjects in the comparison group (n = 16) were advised to follow sleep hygiene education. The primary outcome was the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Other measures included a sleep diary, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Short-form Six-Dimension. The subjects in the self-administered acupressure group had a significantly lower ISI score than the subjects in the sleep hygiene education group at week 8 (effect size = 0.56, P = 0.03). However, this observed group difference did not reach a statistically significant level after Bonferroni correction. With regard to the secondary outcomes, moderate between-group effect sizes were observed in sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset based on the sleep diary, although the differences were not significant. The adherence to self-administered acupressure practice was satisfactory, with 92.3% of the subjects who completed the lessons still practising acupressure at week 8. In conclusion, self-administered acupressure taught in a short training course may be a feasible approach to improve insomnia. Further fully powered confirmatory trials are warranted. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/self-administered-acupressure-taught-short-training-course-may-be-feasible-app#comments Insomnia Acupressure Acupressure insomnia Human Study Fri, 22 Dec 2017 02:20:36 +0000 greenmedinfo 157684 at https://greenmedinfo.com The results of this observational pilot study suggest that acupressure/acupuncture is a feasible intervention for children with ASD. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/results-observational-pilot-study-suggest-acupressureacupuncture-feasible-inte n/a PMID:  J Altern Complement Med. 2017 May 22. Epub 2017 May 22. PMID: 28530441 Abstract Title:  A Pilot Observational Study of an Acupressure/Acupuncture Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Abstract:  OBJECTIVES: To determine whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would tolerate an acupressure/acupuncture intervention and whether parents would adhere to a twice-weekly, 8-week intervention protocol. Second, to further understand best measures to use to capture impact of intervention on behavioral and regulatory functions. DESIGN: This is an observational pilot study with pre-, mid-, and postintervention measures. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The intervention was carried out in a private practice office in a large metropolitan area. SUBJECTS: A total of 10 children of ages 3-10 years with ASD and one of their parents participated. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 16 biweekly treatment sessions of acupressure and/or acupuncture were carried out by a licensed acupuncturist, and a daily home-based acupressure intervention was carried out by a parent. OUTCOME MEASURES: Attendance, tolerance of intervention, parent compliance with home program, and parent compliance in completing daily diary and five standardized measures of behavioral and regulatory functions pre-, mid-, and postintervention were recorded. RESULTS: The 10 children in this observational study, collectively, tolerated the intervention and parents adhered to the 16 sessions, biweekly protocol, and home protocol, as well as completing daily diary and five standardized measures at three different time intervals. The five measurements appeared to be sensitive to behavioral and regulatory functions that may improve with this type of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this observational pilot study suggest that acupressure/acupuncture is a feasible intervention for children with ASD that merits rigorous evaluation through a randomized controlled trial. https://greenmedinfo.com/article/results-observational-pilot-study-suggest-acupressureacupuncture-feasible-inte#comments Autism Spectrum Disorders Acupressure Acupuncture Acupressure Acupuncture autism spectrum disorders Human Study Fri, 09 Jun 2017 19:21:38 +0000 greenmedinfo 148941 at https://greenmedinfo.com