Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Based on ancient Chinese medicine, acupressure is a non-invasive form of acupuncture performed by applying light to moderate pressure over specific points on the body essential for regulating and restoring health. Until recently, biomedicine largely ignored the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, due to the rise in prevalence of those living with chronic disease and increasing medical costs placing burdens on healthcare institutions and patients, the integration of low-cost symptom management and prevention methods has become a necessity. Termed “integrative medicine” in 2000, United States (US) hospitals and clinics slowly began to adopt CAM therapies in biomedical practice, especially those therapies supported by research as effective and low-cost. Evidence supports acupressure as a means to ameliorate the side effects of medications, reduce medication dependence, prevent and treat illnesses and their symptoms, and serve as a self-care practice to promote overall health. The limited size of integrative health departments in US clinics and hospitals makes access to acupressure treatment for patients difficult; this led to the exploration of research and other literature related to teaching self-administered acupressure to patients as a means to achieve the cost-effective health benefits of acupressure for self-care.

Identifier

Sc 11.DNP.2019.Knapton.AF

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