Dorothee Wellens-Mücher presents acupressure as a complementary method for situations in which symptoms in palliative care remain difficult to regulate despite medical progress. Alongside aromatherapy, homeopathy, wraps and compresses, acupressure can offer an additional way of doing something gentle.
Acupressure uses sensitive finger pressure to influence Qi, the life force described in East Asian medicine. In seriously ill people, very small impulses may be enough to support balance. The concept of “accompanying hands” therefore uses soft and careful pressure rather than strong stimulation.
The method has developed in oncological and palliative nursing, where simple and quickly applicable point combinations are useful for symptoms such as fear, restlessness, pain, breathlessness, constipation, hiccups, oedema and fever.
For anxiety and restlessness, one or two points can often bring relief. Because the method is easy to learn, relatives can be instructed. This can reduce their helplessness and allow them to express love and care through touch. Patients may also use points on themselves, strengthening self-efficacy.
For ongoing symptoms, regular application may be necessary. Sometimes continuous stimulation of a point is used, for example in medication-related nausea, sleep problems, nightmares or irritating cough. The article notes that the concept can be learned by nurses, volunteers, physicians and others who accompany seriously ill people.
