Table 1.

Standard protocol- self-administered acupressure for symptom management

Sequence/acupoint	Location		Function	How-to-do	Frequency (Times/duration)
1.Baihui (GV20, 百會)	On the vertex of the head at the sigittal midline of the scalp at the midpoint of the line connecting the apexes of both ears		Treatment of various mental disorders, in particular insomnia, depression, anxiety, headache and decreased memory	Using 4 finger pads gently tap the area of this acupoint on the scalp	60/1 min
2.Fenchi (GB20, 風池)	On the nape, in a depression between the upper portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius		A commonly used point for acupressure to treat headache, neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. Also beneficial in relieving convulsion, agitation, insomnia and stress-related symptoms	Using two thumbs press on the points bilaterally while the other four fingers should hold the back of the head naturally	60/1 min
6.Hegu (LI4, 合谷)	On the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side		Expels Wind and releases the exterior, tonifies qi and strengthens immunity; used to manage every type of pain and psychogenic tense	Using thumb pad firmly massage the surrounding area of this acupoint on the dorsum of the hand unilaterally	30/1 min for each side
4.Shenshu (UB 23, 腎俞)	On the low back at 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebral spine		Well known For all kidney related issues which affect the brain, bone, hair, teeth and/or hearing. Useful for deficiency conditions: exhaustion, weakness, chronic fatique, good point for the elderly as Kidney Jing is naturally depleted	Using the fists gently tap the lumbar area of this acupoint at the low back bilaterally	60/1.5mins
5.Zhongwan (CV12, 中脘)	On the upper abdomen and on the anterior midline, 4 cun above the centre of the umbilicus.		Innervated by the spinal nerves originating from the same segments of the spinal cord that sends visceral nerve fiber innervating the stomach. Can improve digestive function and relieve abdominal distention/pain, constipation and insomnia	Using finger pads in clockwise circle gently massage the upper abdomen area, 4 cun above the umbilicus	200/2mins
6.Qihai (CV6, 氣海) GuanyYuan (CV4, 關元)	On the lower abdomen on the anterior midline at 1.5 cun and 3 cun below the centre of the umbilicus, respectively.		Often applied together in acupressure to tonify Qi because Essential Qi (元氣) is housed and circulated in these two points. Beneficial for constipation, retention of urination, frequent nocturia and indigestion. Modulate the limbic-medial prefrontal network related to cognitive function	Using finger pads in clockwise circle gently massage the lower abdomen area, 3 cun below the umbilicus	200/2mins
7.Zusanli (ST36, 足三里)	On the anterior lateral side of the leg at 3 cun below the knee joint, one middle finger breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.		Broad therapeutic effects, from gastro, intestinal and endocrinal diseases to neuropsychiatric disorders. Stimulation at Zu-San-Li evokes the robust response in limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network involved in autonomic, pain, mood and cognitive function	Using thumb pad firmly massage the area bilaterally on the anterior lateral side of the leg, 3 cun below the knee joint	60/1.5mins for each side
8.Yongquan (KD1,涌泉)	On sole, in a depression with foot in plantar flexion, at the junction of the anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of line connecting base of the 2nd and 3rd toes with the heel		Useful for headaches, hypertension, low back pain, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, poor memory, mania, hot flashes, night sweats, and loss of consciousness or yang collapse	Using 4 finger pads firmly massage the area bilaterally on each sole, in depression with foot in plantar flexion	100/2.5mins for each side

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