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This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental trial with the aim of determining the effect of acupressure on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women, as well as the correlation between the two. This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between May and November 2021 with women coming to a Menopause School in Turkey. A Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Menopause Rating Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form were used to collect data. The study was performed with 61 patients in an acupressure group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 31). Acupressure was performed on the acupressure group in 30-minute sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks, a total of 12 sessions. No intervention was performed on the control group. When the groups were compared, it was seen that the menopause symptom scores of the acupressure group were lower than those of the control group, and that their quality of life scores in the bodily and psychological areas were higher (P < .05). When within group comparisons were considered, it was seen that menopause symptoms declined over time in the acupressure group, and the scores of all dimensions of quality of life increased (P < .05). It was found that acupressure applied to women during menopause may reduce menopause symptoms and may improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients usually feel pain when a needle is inserted into the fistula. This acute pain can be relieved by acupressure, which is a nonpharmacological application method. Objective: This study was designed to explore the effect of acupressure application to the Hegu point on the severity of acute pain caused by fistula needle insertion in patients with antecubital arteriovenous fistula. Design: It is a randomised control study. Participants: The study was conducted with 32 intervention and 32 control patients, recruited from a dialysis centre of a foundation university in Turkey between October 2021 and January 2022. Measurements: Acupressure was applied 3 min before needle placement in the fistula area of the patients in the experimental group. Result: While there was no decrease in the severity of acute pain during fistula needle insertion in the patients in the control group, there was a significant decrease in the mean acute pain severity scores experienced by the patients in the experimental group, whose Hegu point acupressure was applied. Conclusion: The results of this study support the effectiveness of Hegu point acupressure as an effective and low‐cost way to reduce the acute pain of needle insertion put on dialysis patients with a fistula. In addition, the results provide a practical reference for acute pain management for dialysis nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure and foot reflexology on procedural pain during heel-lancing in newborns. This study was conducted with 105 neonates (35 foot reflexology group, 35 acupressure group, and 35 control group) who met the inclusion criteria and who were delivered by cesarean section between October 2017 and March 2018 at a state hospital in Turkey. A "Newborn Information Form" and a "Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale" (N-PASS) were used to collect data. The study found a significant intergroup difference between pain scores of neonates during the procedures (p <.05). Advanced analyses found that the pain scores in the acupressure and foot reflexology groups were similar, whereas the pain scores in the control group were higher than in the other two groups. Acupressure and foot reflexology administered during heel lancing in newborns are effective methods for reducing pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure on anxiety and pain of patients undergoing coronary angiography procedures. This study was conducted in a cardiology clinic of the training and research hospital in of a province of southeast Turkey. A randomized control group design was used. Eighty patients who were undergoing coronary angiography were randomly enrolled in intervention and control groups. The intervention protocol included 11 minutes of acupressure that applied to Hegu, Shenmen, and Yintang acupoints. No intervention was applied to the control group. Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory and the visual analog scale were used as data-collecting tools. Data were analyzed using t test in independent groups and χ2 test. The mean score of state anxiety of the intervention group was 41.50 ± 3.88, and was statistically significantly lower than the score of the control group after acupressure (P =.000). VASP2 and VASP3 pain intensity of the intervention group was statistically significantly lower than that of the control group after the coronary angiography procedure (P =.000). Acupressure is an effective technique for reducing the pain severity and anxiety among patients undergoing coronary angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was a randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of acupressure and abdominal massage on constipation development for patients with TKA. The patients were randomly assigned to each group: control group (n = 31), acupressure group (n = 30), and abdominal massage group (n = 30). The finding showed that the severity of constipation and straining stool consistency of the groups in which acupressure and abdominal massage was applied are significantly better than the control group (p < .05). When the first defecation times of the groups are analyzed, it is seen that the patients to whom acupressure and abdominal massage are applied defecate significantly earlier than the control group (p < .05). It has been concluded that safe non-invasive acupressure and abdominal massage that can be easily applied by health professions, healthy individuals, and patients is effective on patients with total knee arthroplasty for the prevention of constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 91 people including 47 in the intervention group and 44 in the placebo group were included to a randomized controlled study. It can be asserted that acupressure, applied to the Neiguan (PC 6) acupuncture point in individuals with essential hypertension, provides blood pressure regulation and is effective for management of numerous hypertension-related symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the effect of acupressure on intramuscular injection pain, satisfaction and vital signs. Background: Pain at the injection site may lead to discomfort and may affect patients' compliance to treatment. Design: This was a prospective, single‐blind, crossover study. The study complied with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Checklist. Methods: Seventy‐two healthy volunteer university students received an intramuscular injection of 2 ml sterile saline (%0.9 NaCl) to the ventrogluteal site with and without acupressure on separate days in a random order following a standard procedure by the same investigator. Pain and satisfaction were assessed immediately after the injection with the visual analog scale (VAS) by a researcher blinded to the study. Results: A total of 134 injections were analysed. The result of the study reveals that acupressure alleviates the severity of pain and increases the patient satisfaction. Conclusions: The findings of this research support that use of acupressure, which is easy and cost‐effective, could reduce injection pain when performed on a specific point. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Safe and accurate administration of medications is one of the crucial responsibilities of nurses. Acupressure is a nonpharmacologic approach, which can be effective in decreasing the injection pain and increasing patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling labor pain is one of the basic goals for caregivers during the birthing process. There are many pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods that are used for controlling pain and helping the mother to cope with pain and have a favorable labor. The study was planned as a randomized, controlled experimental study to detect the effect of acupressure applied to Point LI4 on perceived labor pains. The study sample comprised 88 pregnant women (44 acupressure group, 44 control group), who complied with the study guidelines, agreed with the conditions of the study, and signed the informed consent. Acupressure was applied to the study group when cervical dilatation reached 4 to 5 cm and again when cervical dilation was 7 to 8 cm. Acupressure was applied to Point LI4 on both the hands at the same time from the beginning to the end of the contraction (16 times). Evaluation with the visual analog scale was made 6 times: when the pregnant woman was first admitted to the hospital, before and after acupressure, and within 2 hours after delivery The control group received routine care. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in subjective labor pain scores (P < .0001). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of total duration of labor. As shown from our study, applying acupressure to Point LI4 was found to be effective in decreasing the perception of labor pains and shortening the labor (P < .05). Mothers were pleased with this treatment, but they found it insufficient to control their pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupressure, applied at P6 (Neiguan) acupuncture point, on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia. This was a randomized controlled trial conducted on patients with myeloblastic leukemia. A total of 90 patients, who received the same chemotherapy regimen and antiemetic therapy, were included in the study as 30 patients in the control group, 30 patients in the band group, and 30 patients in the pressure group. Although acupressure was applied by placing wristbands at P6 acupuncture point of both wrists in patients of the band group for totally 4 days, acupressure was applied with the use of finger pressure in patients of the pressure group for totally 4 days. No intervention was made in patients of the control group other than the routine antiemetic therapy. The data of the study were collected by using a questionnaire and nausea-vomiting chart. Severity of nausea-vomiting was assessed by using the visual analog scale on this chart. It was determined that the acupressure band applied to the patients included in the study reduced number and severity of nausea-vomiting (P < .05); however, the acupressure applied with pressure did not affect number and severity of nausea-vomiting (P > .05). It was found that the acupressure band was effective for reducing the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure (SP6) on first stage of labor pain and duration. Methods: A single blind, randomized controlled experimental trial was conducted with 60 pregnant women: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. At the active and transition stages of labor, acupressure was applied to the SP6 point of the experimental group, and the SP6 point of the control group was touched each contraction. The data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form. The Partograph Form was used to determine the duration of active stage and transition stage. The labor pain severity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) immediately after each acupressure/touch SP6 in active and transition stages. A participant questionnaire on satisfaction was administered in the immediate postnatal period. The group difference was tested for statistical significance using the Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: As the primary outcome, labor pain was less and duration of labor was shorter for the experimental group. As the secondary outcome, satisfaction was increased that could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor. The perceived pain level in the active stage in the experimental group (n = 30) was less than the control group (n = 30) (labor pain: 7.17 + 0.89 vs. 7.66 + 0.71, p =.002). The mean duration of the first stage of labor in the experimental group was shorter than the control group (4.88 + 0.85 hr vs. 5.56 ± 0.66, p =.001). It was also found that pregnant women in the experimental group would recommend this method to other pregnant women (Chi‐square = 5.711, p =.017). Conclusions: Application of acupressure on SP6 was found to have a positive effect on pregnant women's labor experience and reducing the labor pain and shortening the duration of first stage of labor compared to touch on SP6. The women receiving acupressure had higher levels of satisfaction in acupressure application than women receiving only touch on SP6, which could be as a result of reduced pain in labor and/or shorter duration of labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of Acupressure and Reiki application on patient's pain and comfort level after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Materials and Methods: In this prospective, single blinded randomized controlled trial, subjects were 132 adult patients, hospitalized in the General Surgery clinics and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy of a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Subjects were then assigned including a Reiki group of 44 persons, an Acupressure group of 44 persons, and a control group of 44 persons. The pain and comfort levels of all the patients, before and after the Acupressure and Reiki treatments in the experimental group, and without any intervention in the control groups were determined at the 3rd postoperative hour, using Pain on Visual Analogue Scale (Pain on VAS), Perianesthesia Comfort Scale (PCS) and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The data analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, Shapiro Wilk test, paired samples t-test, Mann Whitney U test, ANOVA and LSD multiple comparison tests, Kruskal Wallis test and Wilcoxon test., Results: In the patients who received reiki and acupressure treatment, the pain level decreased, comfort level increased and the difference between the groups was found to be significant (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Reiki and Acupressure applied to the patients after Laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreased the pain and increased the comfort level., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Infectious disease outbreaks pose psychological challenges to the general population, and especially to healthcare workers. Nurses who work with COVID-19 patients are particularly vulnerable to emotions such as fear and anxiety, due to fatigue, discomfort, and helplessness related to their high intensity work. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a brief online form of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in the prevention of stress, anxiety, and burnout in nurses involved in the treatment of COVID patients., Methods: The study is a randomized controlled trial. It complies with the guidelines prescribed by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. It was conducted in a COVID-19 department at a university hospital in Turkey. We recruited nurses who care for patients infected with COVID-19 and randomly allocated them into an intervention group (n = 35) and a no-treatment control group (n = 37). The intervention group received one guided online group EFT session., Results: Reductions in stress (p < .001), anxiety (p < .001), and burnout (p < .001) reached high levels of statistical significance for the intervention group. The control group showed no statistically significant changes on these measures (p > .05)., Conclusions: A single online group EFT session reduced stress, anxiety, and burnout levels in nurses treating COVID-19., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interests The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Context: Manual and movement therapies (MMTs) play a central role in the integrative oncology setting, significantly improving patients' quality of life (QOL). Despite research supporting the effectiveness and safety of these modalities, most oncology health care providers (HCPs) lack any MMT training., Objectives: In this study, we examine the impact of an MMT-based integrative oncology training program with the participation of an international and multidisciplinary group of oncology HCPs. The feasibility of implementing these skills in palliative cancer care is examined., Methods: A three-day evidence-based hands-on teaching program was designed to train oncology HCPs working in supportive cancer care MMT modalities from traditional Chinese and anthroposophic medicine. Prequalitative and postqualitative assessments of the trainees' narratives were analyzed using ATLAS.Ti software (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany) for systematic coding., Results: The training program was attended by 30 participants from Israel (15), Germany (7), Italy (6), Turkey (1), and Cyprus (1). The group included 13 nurses, 10 physicians, 6 complementary/integrative HCPs, and 1 psycho-oncologist. The pretraining expectations that were met at post-training included gaining knowledge and practical QOL-oriented skills, which could be implemented in the palliative and supportive care setting. A significant change in the attitude of trainees to touch therapy was also identified, with respondents seeing MMTs promoting patient-centered palliative care, including nonverbal communication., Conclusion: An MMT training program for oncology HCPs for QOL-related indications is both feasible and likely to be implemented in palliative and supportive cancer care. Nonspecific effects of MMTs were also recognized for their ability to facilitate patient-centered care., (Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the effects of foot massage and acupressure on pain during heel lancing in neonates., Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed in a university hospital in Turkey between February and December 2018. The neonates were randomized into three groups as acupressure, massage, and control groups. Acupressure was applied to the neonates in the acupressure group, and massage was given to the neonates in the massage group for 2 min before the heel lancing procedure. Pain responses of the neonates in the groups was evaluated with the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale during and 1 min after the heel lancing procedure., Results: The study was completed with 139 neonates including 46 neonates in the acupressure group, 47 neonates in the foot massage group, and 46 neonates in the control group. There were statistically significant differences between the acupressure, massage and control groups in terms of their mean NIPS scores during (4.30 ± 2.25, 3.95 ± 2.63, 6.04 ± 1.26; respectively) and 1 min after the heel lancing procedure (1.46 ± 1.46, 1.66 ± 1.66, 3.85 ± 1.37; respectively). There was a significant difference in NIPS scores between the intervention groups and the control groups (p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Acupressure and massage were effective in reducing pain in neonates during the heel lancing procedure. However, there was no statistically significant difference between acupressure and massage. Acupressure and massage techniques can be applied for procedural pain management in the newborn., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: This experimental study was planned to assess the efficiency of the acupressure in prevention of the chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)., Methods: This single-blinded randomized trial was performed at Istanbul University Institute of Oncology between October 2010 and January 2011. The patients, diagnosed with breast, gynecological, or lung cancer treated by doxorubicin-based- or cisplatin-based treatment were included in the study. Taking the consent of the patients, they were divided into experimental (n = 67) and control groups (n = 53) in line with the randomization list prepared before. The patient description form, Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General were used in data collection. Non-parametric tests were applied., Results: The patients in the experimental and control groups were identical in terms of sociodemographic features and their conditions. Most of the patients were married (84 %), and some were primary school graduates (41.7 %) and had mid-level income (54.2 %). In nausea-vomiting-retching, experiences of the patients before using a placebo and a real acupressure were identical and similar changes had been observed during 5 days after the treatment. It has been determined that there was no difference between the groups statistically. A similar result has been observed when the impact of acupressure on the subgroups of sociodemographic features and condition were examined, and it has been concluded that real acupressure application cannot increase the quality of life., Conclusion: It has been determined that CINV is directly related to the treatment, and acupressure wristband was not an effective approach in preventing CINV.

Unlabelled: This paper sought to determine the efficacy of acupressure application in pregnant women suffering from nausea, with or without associated vomiting, who were unable to receive conventional medication for these symptoms. Sampling consisted of pregnant women complaining of nausea with or without vomiting. The study was controlled by the Maternity and Child Hospital in Istanbul between March 2004 and March 2005. The treatment group comprised 26 women; 25 in the control arm and 24 women were assigned to the placebo arm. The study occurred over a 9-day period. During this time, the treatment group applied acupressure bands to P(6) acupressure point on days 4-6 of the study with the placebo group receiving acupressure bands to a sham acupressure point, on the upper side of their wrists., Results and Conclusion: Acupressure would appear to be effective in symptom control, and alleviation and placebo effects in reducing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.