rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryacupressurePressure therapy
noun

acupressure

AK-yoo-presh-er/ˈækjupreʃər/

Therapy using finger pressure on specific points of the body.

The practitioner applies acupressure with her fingertips during the session.

A licensed-looking adult East Asian therapist uses a fingertip to apply gentle focused pressure to a consenting adult client's clothed forearm near the wrist, calm neutral room, no text or medical outcome claims.
Etymology
acuLatinneedle
+pressureEnglishact of pressing

“Needle” plus “pressure” first named a surgical method of pinning or wiring an artery shut. The name was later applied to therapy using finger pressure on body points.

In context

EastWest Physiotherapy0:32
If you are to do acupressure, simply apply pressure on these points for 1 minute, or as long as you can feel comfortable, and do this for 3 sets for both sides of the hands.
Acupressure Points for Hand, Wrist, and Finger Arthritis: Simple Solutions for Pain Relief

More examples

  • He books an acupressure appointment at the wellness center.
  • The course introduces the history of acupressure.
  • She asks how acupressure differs from treatment with needles.

Similar words

massage
Usually involves broader rubbing or kneading of body tissues.
acupuncture
Uses inserted needles rather than pressure from the fingers.