Word parts
acu- needle, point
What it means
A practice from traditional Chinese medicine that uses the same points as acupuncture, but with pressure instead of needles. It is used for comfort, especially for nausea and in labor. Pressure on a point on the inner wrist (P6) is commonly used for nausea, and wristbands that press on it are sold for motion sickness and morning sickness.
For the nurse
Acupressure can be offered alongside, not instead of, ordered treatment. Teach support persons in labor how to apply it if the client wishes.
Related terms
nausea
An uneasy feeling in the stomach with the urge to vomit.
biofeedback
A technique in which a person uses readings from sensors to learn to control body functions such as muscle tension or heart rate.