The onset of depression is often triggered by breathlessness in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is hypothesized that these are the psychologic consequences of chronic dyspnea (shortness of breath). Lessening dyspnea might alleviate depressive symptoms. The study, dubbed "the psychologic consequences of chronic dyspnea in chronic pulmonary obstruction disease: the effects of acupressure on depression", was done at the School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan.

Acupressure has been shown in other studies to produce relaxation. The aim of this study was to determine if it would lessen dyspnea and reduce depression in patients with COPD.

Acupressure has been shown in other studies to produce relaxation. In a study reported by the Journal of Advanced Nursing, adults suffering from shortness of breath that results from chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma may benefit from receiving frequent acupressure treatments. The findings suggest acupressure improves breathing, reduces anxiety, and increases the amount of activity people with lung problems can perform before they experience shortness of breath.

In the present study, 44 subjects diagnosed with COPD were chosen from one medical center and three regional hospitals in Taipei, Taiwan.

A randomized, block experimental design was used, with subjects and the data collector blinded. Using age, gender, pulmonary function, smoking, and steroid use as matching factors, 44 subjects were randomly assigned to either the true acupressure or the sham (fake, non-acupoint) acupressure groups.

Previous studies indicate that some persons who are not initially familiar with traditional Chinese medicine can learn and will accept self-administered acupressure as part of their self-care.