Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique rooted in similar principles as acupuncture. Derived from the Latin word acus meaning "needle" and pressure, acupressure focuses on applying physical pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow along meridians. This practice is based on the belief in a vital life energy that flows through these meridians, and pressure is used to clear blockages and restore balance. In treatment, pressure can be applied using hands, elbows, or specialized devices. Medical studies have suggested that acupressure might be beneficial for managing nausea, vomiting, and lower back pain. However, some critics, like Quackwatch, view acupressure as a dubious practice due to its reliance on unproven methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) underpins the selection of acupoints, asserting that stimulating these points can rebalance the body’s yin, yang, and qi (or "chi"). In TCM, acupressure points are chosen not necessarily based on the location of the symptoms but on their role in the broader meridian system. Additionally, martial artists often use acupressure techniques to enhance flexibility, circulation, and resilience, believing that it keeps their meridians unblocked and less vulnerable to injury.