What traditional medicine says Practitioners believe that blockages of the body’s vital energy, or qi, can lead to pain and illness. When pressure is applied to certain spots called acupoints along interconnected channels called meridians, the energy is released and healing and/or pain relief ensues. What we know Research suggests that acupressure stimulates blood flow and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. In one study, Iranian researchers treated the menstrual cramps of 216 teenagers with ibuprofen, an acupressure session, or a sham treatment (researchers pressed spots that weren’t acupoints). The girls who received the acupressure said they experienced 72% less pain—the same as the ibuprofen takers—while those on the sham treatment had a 58% decrease. What research says In a Taiwanese study, 69 young women were given 20 minutes of either acupressure or bed rest at the first twinge of menstrual pain. Therapists pressed the point SP6, located three fingers above the ankle bone on the inside of the leg, in the center. Thumb pressure was applied for 6 seconds, released for 2 seconds, and repeated during two 5-minute cycles on each leg. The women who received acupressure reported feeling 40% less pain, compared with a 26% reduction for those on bed rest. To find a therapist Visit American Massage Therapy Association. Cost is about $70 an hour; you can also learn how to do it yourself. More from Prevention: How To Give Yourself An Awesome Massage
