Acupressure is the application of pressure on certain 'nodes' or parts of the body to provide relief to the body from a number of physical ailments. Originating in China, acupressure works on the principles of acupuncture. Pressure is specifically applied to the patient's acupuncture points. Acupressure is a technique whose principles were practiced by martial artists to defend or defeat an opponent. Martial artists have also been known to regularly massage their acupressure points to improve circulation and increase flexibility of their muscles.

Various remedies were developed by the Chinese in popularizing acupressure. It is considered a natural therapy with no claimed side effects. Acupressure is based on the principle of 'meridians' or a set of points in the body joined by lines. The organs, heart constrictor and bowels are connected by a total of 12 meridians. The liver, kidneys and heart are joined by these meridians or 'channels'. Acupressure works on the principle of applying pressure to specific points to open the gate of these channels to facilitate blood circulation.

Acupressure has been considered to be beneficial to pregnant women. It is considered an excellent drug-free natural therapy that effectively reduces labor pain and provides comfort from body pain. Acupressure sessions during pregnancy periods are advised to be advocated with extreme caution to avoid premature labor.