Chemotherapy-induced nausea
P6 acupressure significantly reduces chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. A randomised controlled trial found it effective as a non-pharmacological adjunct to antiemetics in breast cancer patients. Study
Labour pain & duration
Multiple RCTs show acupressure during labour reduces pain intensity and may reduce labour duration. SP6 and BL32 are the primary points. Used in midwifery protocols in Iran, Taiwan, and the UK. Study
Post-operative nausea
PC6 acupressure wristbands studied in surgical settings. Several RCTs show reduction in post-op nausea comparable to low-dose antiemetics, with no side effects. Cochrane review
Chronic lower back pain
A notable trial published in BMJ found acupressure more effective than physical therapy for chronic lower back pain at 6-month follow-up. Effect size modest. Most effective when combined with exercise. Study
Pre-operative anxiety
Acupressure can reduce preoperative anxiety in adults with elective surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Study
Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
SP6 and SP8 acupressure during menstruation. Several RCTs show reduced pain scores. Effect comparable to ibuprofen in some trials. Study
Sleep quality
The Effectiveness of Acupressure on Sleep Quality in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Study
Neck pain & headache
Research suggests acupressure may help reduce neck pain and headache pain, with clinical studies reporting improvements in pain intensity and related symptoms. Study
Anxiety
Research suggests acupressure may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting significant reductions in anxiety symptoms. Study
Research into the Potential Benefits of Reiki
Reiki has been explored in clinical research for its potential effects on areas including anxiety, pain, fatigue, emotional wellbeing and quality of life. The evidence is developing, and results vary between studies.
Stress & Anxiety
A 2024 meta-analysis involving 824 adults found a significant reduction in anxiety following Reiki interventions, although the authors noted variation between groups and circumstances. Study
Pain & Comfort
A 2023 systematic review of seven studies involving 572 people with cancer found that five studies reported reduced pain following Reiki, while two did not find an effect. The authors called for further high-quality trials. Study
Quality of Life
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials involving 661 participants found a statistically significant improvement in quality-of-life measures following Reiki, while recognising the need for further research. Study
What hospitals do.
The clearest signal that these therapies have real-world value is their adoption in clinical settings — not as primary treatment, but as supportive care alongside conventional medicine.
United States
Major cancer centres including Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson offer reiki and acupressure as standard integrative oncology services. Not fringe — mainstream hospital policy.
United Kingdom
NHS trusts offer acupressure for labour pain as part of midwifery care. Some NHS hospitals have integrative therapy programs including reiki for cancer patients.
Taiwan & East Asia
Acupressure is integrated into mainstream nursing care in Taiwanese hospitals. Research from this region has produced some of the largest and best-controlled trials.
Iran
Iranian midwifery has produced multiple high-quality RCTs on acupressure in labour. The results have been significant enough to influence midwifery guidelines internationally.
Australia
Some Australian hospitals offer acupressure pre-surgery for anxiety and nausea. Integrative oncology services are expanding.
Honest limitations.
Steve thinks you should know what the research can't tell you as well as what it can.
Acupressure or reiki as a substitute for medical treatment. They work alongside conventional medicine, not instead of it. If you have a medical condition, keep seeing your doctor.
Healing illness, These claims are not supported by evidence. They are commonly made by some practitioners. Steve does not make them.
Guaranteed results. The evidence shows population-level effects. Whether you personally respond — and how much — is individual. Most people find these therapies useful. Some don't.
A fully understood mechanism. For acupressure, we have theories — neural pathways, connective tissue, the autonomic nervous system. For reiki, the mechanism is genuinely unknown. Not knowing why something works doesn't mean it doesn't work. But it's worth being honest about it.
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