PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION
Acupressure for Stress and
Anxiety
This information explains how to use acupressure (AK-
yoo-PREH-sher) to lower stress and anxiety. Anxiety is a
strong feeling of worry or fear.
Acupressure is a kind of massage. It is based on the
traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture
(AK-yoo-PUNK-cher). With acupressure, you put
pressure on certain places on your body. These places
are called acupoints (AK-yoo-poynts).
Pressing these acupoints can help your muscles relax
and improve your blood flow. It can also help with many
common side effects of chemotherapy.
You can do acupressure at home by using your fingers to
put pressure on different acupoints. Follow the steps
below to learn how to do acupressure on yourself to
lower stress and anxiety.
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Pressure Point Extra-1 (Yin Tang)
Pressure point Extra-1 is also called Yin Tang. It is at the
midpoint (the center) between your eyebrows (see
Figure 1). Doing acupressure on this point can help with
stress and anxiety.
Figure 1. The
midpoint (the
center) between
eyebrows
Do not do acupressure on this point if:
The skin at or near the point is peeling or blistering.
There is an open wound at or near the point.
There is a rash at or near the point.
There is redness, swelling, warmth, or pus at or near
the point.
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How to find pressure point Extra-1
To find pressure point Extra-1:
1. Place yourself in a comfortable
position. You can sit, stand, or
lie down.
2. Using any hand, place your
thumb at the midpoint (the
center) between your eyebrows
(see Figure 2). This is pressure
Figure 2. Placing thumb
point Extra-1. If you have between eyebrows
trouble finding it, make sure
your thumb is on your forehead. Do not put your
thumb on the bridge of your nose.
3. Press down on this point with your thumb. Move your
thumb in a circle while applying pressure. You can
move it in clockwise (to the right) or counterclockwise
(to the left) circles. Do this for 2 to 3 minutes.
Some people may find it hard to use their thumb.
You can use your index finger instead.
Be firm when applying pressure, but do not press
so hard that it hurts. You may feel some aching or
tenderness, but it should not be painful. If you feel
any pain, you’re pressing down too hard.
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You can do acupressure on this point a few times a day
until your symptoms improve.
Acupressure is a complementary therapy.
Complementary therapies are treatments you can use
along with your cancer treatments. They can help ease
your symptoms.
To learn about other complementary therapies, call
MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service at 646-449-1010 or
visit www.mskcc.org/integrativemedicine.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your
healthcare provider. A member of your care team will
answer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk
with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor
or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your
healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.
For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search
our virtual library.
Acupressure for Stress and Anxiety - Last updated on December
12, 2022
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Cancer Center
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