Self-Acupressure May Ease Fatigue in Ovarian Cancer Survivors

Study finds self-administered acupressure can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, with most reaching normal levels.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent analysis reveals that ovarian cancer survivors who perform acupressure on themselves can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, with nearly 60% achieving normal fatigue levels at 6 weeks compared to 17.6% receiving usual care and 51% receiving sham self-acupressure. The study, led by researchers at the University of Michigan, was a three-arm randomized clinical trial comparing 6 weeks of once-daily self-acupressure with sham self-acupressure and usual care.

Why it matters

This study provides evidence that self-administered acupressure, which is a low-cost and safe intervention, can be an effective tool for managing cancer-related fatigue in ovarian cancer survivors. Reducing fatigue can significantly improve quality of life for these patients.

The details

The study involved 171 ovarian cancer survivors with a mean age of 56 years. Participants in the self-acupressure group performed daily acupressure on five specific acupoints for 3 minutes per point, totaling 27 minutes daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the 6-week treatment period, 58.5% of the self-acupressure group achieved clinically normal fatigue levels compared to 51.1% in the sham acupressure group and 17.6% in the usual care group. The self-acupressure group also showed significantly better reductions in fatigue compared to usual care, with benefits persisting at 24 weeks.

  • The study was published online on February 5, 2026.
  • The 6-week treatment period took place from January to February 2026.

The players

Suzanna M. Zick

The lead author of the study, from the Department of Family Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Michigan.

Richard Harris

Disclosed receiving nonfinancial support from creating acupressure apps for smartphones.

Grant Kruger

Reported receiving funding from Arbor Medical Innovations and serving as founder and chief executive officer with equity in the company, along with holding a patent for the massage tool.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Self-acupressure, taught via a mobile app, offered a safe and low-cost option for managing cancer fatigue.”

— Suzanna M. Zick, Lead author of the study (JAMA Network Open)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate the long-term benefits of self-acupressure and explore its effectiveness in more diverse patient populations.

The takeaway

This study demonstrates that self-administered acupressure can be an effective, low-cost, and safe intervention for managing cancer-related fatigue in ovarian cancer survivors, potentially improving their quality of life.