Abstract:

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms experienced by palliative care patients, and its prevalence is estimated to be approximately 30-90%. If constipation is not treated, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, psychological disorders, or life-threatening complications such as bowel obstruction and perforation. Although the use of common pharmacological interventions for constipation is effective in alleviating short-term symptoms, their long-term use can cause serious side effects and high costs in the health care system. Therefore, other support methods are needed to alleviate the constipation seen in palliative care patients. Recently, complementary and alternative medicine practices have been widely used in symptom management. Research results that acupressure, one of the nonpharmacological methods, is effective in constipation management. Acupressure is the application of pressure applied to certain acupuncture points on the body by hand, and this practice is believed to restore balance in the human body. This therapy is a non-invasive intervention for constipation and is an effective method that does not result in any pain and side effects. However, the number of studies on the effects of acupressure in the treatment of constipation in palliative care patients is very limited. In this regard, more studies are needed to determine the effect of acupressure on constipation developing in palliative care patients.

Keywords: