穴位按壓於老人護理之應用

Acupressure in the Care of the Elderly

穴位按壓是中國傳統醫學中獨特的治療方法之一，它是在身體的一定部位或穴位施以不同按摩手法，發揮保健或治療的目的，和針刺穴道的取穴原則相同，以身體產生酸、麻、重、脹的得氣感覺為標準。面對日益龐大的老人族群，老人遭受到身心方面之症狀，像是疼痛、失眠及躁動行為，逐漸被社會重視，期望能有更多的專家學者運用穴位按壓之類非侵入性方法來處理老人問題，因為藥物治療的安全性，似乎值得大家疑慮，尤其穴位按壓可以由護理人員或照顧者自行操作，不需要任何道具或醫師的監督，更可發揮獨特的護理功能。文章主要針對穴位按壓的原理及操作手法、老人常見問題（疼痛、睡眠障礙、問題行為）與穴位按壓在老人問題相關應用，作一介紹，提供護理人員面對老人問題除了藥物及約束帶之外，有另一種不同的選擇。

Acupressure is a longstanding treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, and involves the stimulation of certain acupoints by pressing with the fingers or moving limbs or joints slowly to promote health or offer comfort. Acupressure treatment, which conforms to the same principles as acupuncture, is characterized by the pressing of acupuncture points and sense of chi. Chi is regarded as the universal life energy and the vital potential that is inborn in each person and which maintains that person until death. Sleep disturbance, pain and agitation are common health problems in gerontological nursing. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological forms of treatment have been applied to deal with the problems. Studies have revealed, however, that the benefits that the elderly derive from drug use might not outweigh the adverse effects of such treatment. Non-pharmacological forms of treatment, like acupressure, though, not only caused no side effects, but also relieved the symptoms. Also, nurses, nurse's aides, or elderly people who have received training in acupressure can administer this non-pharmacological treatment independently. Therefore, this paper addresses common health problems in the elderly, such as sleep disturbance, pain, and agitation, the principles and maneuvers of acupressure, and application of acupressure in the elderly.