Richard E. Harris
and other researchers taught 39 students how to self-apply acupressure
regimens on either five stimulatory points or five relaxation points.
The regimens
consisted of light tapping with the fingers, and massaging with thumbs
or forefingers. The class was divided into two groups. One group of
students was asked to self-administer acupressure to the stimulation
points on the first day, followed by relaxation points on days two and
three. The other group self administered relaxation for one day, then
stimulation for days two and three.
Sleepiness was
assessed by the validated Stanford Sleepiness Scale and students rated
their levels of sleepiness in the morning, before class began and in
the late afternoon, at the conclusion of class. Acupressure was administered
mid-day during the lunch period.
The fact that the stimulation
group had significantly less fatigue than the other group has interesting
implications for future studies of acupressure, says Harris, who himself is a
trained acupuncturist.
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