Conditions in this group
Best-supported options
Ranked by the strength of human research, strongest first. A grade describes the evidence, not how well something will work for you.
- Cognitive Behavioral TherapyAStrong evidenceMost widely used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain management.
- CBT-based Mindfulness (MBSR/MBCT)AStrong evidenceReducing chronic stress and anxiety, preventing depression relapse, managing chronic pain, and improving overall emotional resilience.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
- ExerciseAStrong evidenceUsed to improve heart health, mental health, weight management, blood sugar control, strength, and longevity.
- Music TherapyAStrong evidenceWidely used to ease anxiety, lift mood, reduce pain perception, support dementia care, and help people recover from stroke and brain injury.
- Omega-3 fatty acidsAStrong evidenceBest known for protecting the heart, calming inflammation, supporting brain health, and improving mood.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
- AshwagandhaAStrong evidenceBest known for lowering stress and anxiety, supporting testosterone and energy levels, improving sleep quality, and building physical endurance.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
- NAC (N-Acetyl cysteine)AStrong evidenceBest known for supporting liver health, lung function, mental wellness, and detoxification.Safety: caution — read the full safety section before use
- Tai ChiAStrong evidenceImproves balance and fall prevention, reduces stress and anxiety, eases joint pain, and supports heart and brain health in people of all ages.
Traditional use in this group
Used in a healing tradition for this group of conditions. These carry no evidence grade — they have not been shown to work in human trials, and are listed because people look for them, not as a recommendation.
Pressure points used for these conditions
Acupressure points traditionally used for the conditions in this group. Each point page sets out what the evidence for it does and does not show.
- GB20 (Fengchi) - Gallbladder 20GB20, also known as "Fengchi" or “Wind Pool,” is an important acupressure and acupuncture point located at the base of the skull, in the hollows on either side of the neck.
- DU20 (Baihui) - Governing Vessel 20DU20, also known as "Baihui" or the "Hundred Meetings," is a prominent acupuncture point located on the crown of the head.
- PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6Located on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons, PC6 is widely known for its ability to alleviate nausea, calm the mind, and reduce stress.
- KD3 (Taixi) - Kidney 3It is located just above the inner ankle bone, in the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
- SP4 (Gongsun) - Spleen 4It is located on the inner side of the foot, below the base of the big toe, near the first metatarsal bone.
- HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7It is located on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm.
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Reviewed by the HealisticMD editorial team How we grade evidence →