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.
- ExerciseAStrong evidenceUsed to improve heart health, mental health, weight management, blood sugar control, strength, and longevity.
- MelatoninAStrong evidenceBest known for resetting your sleep-wake cycle, easing jet lag, and helping shift workers or people with insomnia fall asleep more naturally.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
- BiofeedbackAStrong evidenceMost widely used for stress, anxiety, chronic pain, migraines, and high blood pressure.
- MeditationAStrong evidenceBest known for reducing stress and anxiety, but also widely used for better sleep, pain management, depression, high blood pressure, and emotional resilience.
- 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.
- 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
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.
- HT7 (Shenmen) - Heart 7It is located on the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the inner forearm.
- BL23 (Shenshu) - Bladder 23 BL23, also known as "Shenshu" or the “Kidney Shu,” is a critical acupuncture and acupressure point located on the Bladder meridian.
- CV4 (Guanyuan) - Conception Vessel 4CV4, also known as "Guanyuan" or the “Gate of Origin,” is a vital acupressure and acupuncture point located on the Conception Vessel meridian.
- 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.
- GB34 (Yanglingquan) - Gallbladder 34It is located on the outer side of the lower leg, just below the knee.
- KD1 (Yongquan) - Kidney 1It is located on the sole of the foot, in a depression just below the ball of the foot, about one-third of the way from the toes to the heel.
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Reviewed by the HealisticMD editorial team How we grade evidence →