Key Finding
Acupressure at the LI4 point significantly reduced anxiety scores in military soldiers from 53.37 to 45.47 (p<0.001), outperforming both PC6 acupressure and sham control.
Feeling anxious is something almost everyone experiences, but for military personnel living and working in high-stress environments, anxiety can be a constant challenge. Researchers wanted to find out whether acupressure — a technique that applies gentle pressure to specific points on the body — could help reduce anxiety levels in soldiers. Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn't use needles, making it a simple, non-invasive option that almost anyone can try.
In this study, 120 Iranian army soldiers were divided into three groups. One group received acupressure at the P6 point (located on the inner wrist), another group received acupressure at the LI4 point (located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger), and a control group had pressure applied to a non-acupressure point on the thumb. Each session involved three rounds of 10-minute pressure applications with 30-minute breaks in between. Anxiety levels were measured before and after the sessions using a well-established anxiety questionnaire.
The results were encouraging. Soldiers in the LI4 group saw their anxiety scores drop significantly — from an average of 53.37 down to 45.47. The P6 group also experienced a meaningful reduction, from 53.35 to 49.02. The control group showed no significant change. Importantly, the LI4 point appeared to produce the stronger effect of the two.
What does this mean for you? If you struggle with anxiety, acupressure may offer a quick, affordable, and drug-free way to find some relief — either on its own or alongside other treatments like acupuncture. The LI4 and P6 points are easy to locate and can even be self-applied in stressful moments.
If you're interested in exploring acupressure or acupuncture for anxiety, consider consulting a qualified, licensed acupuncture practitioner who can guide you safely and effectively.
This randomised double-blind trial (n=120) investigated the anxiolytic effects of acupressure at PC6 and LI4 in Iranian military personnel, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) as the primary outcome measure. Participants were allocated to three groups: PC6 acupressure, LI4 acupressure, or sham pressure at the thumb pad. Protocol consisted of three 10-minute applications at 30-minute intervals. At baseline, no significant intergroup differences in anxiety scores were observed. Post-intervention, both active groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions: PC6 decreased from 53.35±9.7 to 49.02±9.3 (p=0.005); LI4 decreased from 53.37±8.39 to 45.47±8.16 (p<0.001). The control group showed no significant change (p=0.16). ANOVA confirmed significant intergroup differences post-intervention (p=0.04), with LI4 producing the larger effect size. Clinically, LI4 acupressure may be a particularly effective, low-cost adjunct intervention for acute anxiety management, including in occupational or high-stress clinical settings.
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