acupressure

American  

[ak-yoo-presh-er] / ˈæk yʊˌprɛʃ ər /

noun

1. a type of massage in which finger pressure on the specific bodily sites described in acupuncture therapy is used to promote healing, alleviate fatigue, etc.

2. Medicine/Medical. a procedure for stopping blood flow from an injured blood vessel.

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acupressure British  

/ ˈækjʊˌprɛʃə /

noun

1. another name for shiatsu

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Etymology

Origin of acupressure

First recorded in 1855–60; acu(puncture) + pressure

Example Sentences

I would rather do a Thai-style massage where you have your clothes on or Chinese acupressure.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

We did some research on acupressure and discovered that it can be a safe and effective strategy for improving sleep.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

The guidelines do not recommend offering women aromatherapy, yoga or acupressure for pain relief but say that if a woman wants to use any of these techniques her choice should be supported.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2023

Ms. Lamb recommends the Watsu hydrotherapy 60-minute massage — one of the resort’s most frequently booked treatments — which combines massage, acupressure, stretching and rocking in the spa’s thermal pool.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2023

Simpson persisted for years in collecting reports of operations in which acupressure was employed, and published them from time to time in the British 176 Medical Journal and elsewhere.

From Sir James Young Simpson and Chloroform (1811-1870) Masters of Medicine by Gordon, Henry Laing