Effects of Acupressure on Chronic Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors

Introduction

Researchers have explored the impact of acupressure on chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors. Many patients continue to face persistent symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, and emotional distress long after their treatment has ended. These ongoing symptoms significantly affect their quality of life and hinder their ability to engage in everyday activities.

Previous Findings on Acupressure

The University of Michigan researchers previously demonstrated that self-acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, can alleviate fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Their latest analysis expands on this by examining the effects of self-acupressure on other long-term symptoms, as reported in the JNCI Cancer Spectrum.

Study Design and Methodology

Participant Group

In the initial study, 424 breast cancer survivors who had completed their treatments at least a year prior and reported ongoing fatigue were randomized into three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, or a usual care control group. Alongside fatigue, participants were assessed for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

Acupressure Techniques

Participants in the acupressure groups were trained in specific techniques according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. Relaxing acupressure targets insomnia, while stimulating acupressure is aimed at boosting energy levels. Those in the usual care group received guidance on sleep management.

Study Duration and Data Collection

Self-acupressure was practiced daily for six weeks, followed by a four-week break. Researchers utilized standardized questionnaires to gather information on depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and pain at the start, and at weeks six and ten. Fatigue symptoms were recorded weekly.

Findings and Outcomes

Impact of Acupressure Techniques

After six weeks, relaxing acupressure demonstrated a significant advantage over both stimulating acupressure and usual care in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing sleep quality. Both acupressure modalities proved more effective than the control treatment in alleviating anxiety, pain severity, and pain interference with daily life.

Interconnected Symptoms

The researchers also investigated the relationship between various symptoms. They found that alleviating depression contributed to better sleep quality and accounted for approximately a 20% improvement in fatigue.

Conclusions and Future Directions

Broader Implications of Self-Acupressure

This subgroup analysis indicates that self-acupressure not only addresses fatigue but also enhances anxiety, depression, and chronic pain symptoms in breast cancer survivors. While the exact physiological mechanisms remain unclear, they may involve several neural pathways. Future studies will include brain imaging to further explore these pathways.

Practical Tools for Patients

Researchers are developing practical tools, including a “wand” to aid patients in self-acupressure and an app designed to support their practices. Dr. Suzanna Zick, a lead author of the study, emphasizes the necessity of tailoring self-acupressure treatments to individual symptoms. She asserts that acupressure is an attractive option for managing long-term symptoms in cancer survivors due to its ease of learning and minimal side effects.

References

Zick SM, Sen A, Hassett AL, et al. Impact of self-acupressure on co-occurring symptoms in cancer survivors. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, 2018, 2(4):pky064.
Press release, Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan, 16 Jan 2019. Acupressure relieves long-term symptoms of breast cancer treatment, study finds. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-01/mm-u-arl011619.php