Acupuncture

Has the FDA approved ear magnets as a smoking cessation product? No, that's not true: A social media post claimed such a device was a "Natural, FDA approved" method for people to quit smoking. A spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration told Lead Stories on April 30, 2024, that they were "not aware of any acupressure magnets authorized for…

Does stretching the back and arms improve liver and spleen function by stimulating certain "meridians," as a post on Facebook suggested? No, that's not true: A gastroenterologist told Lead Stories that "there is no conclusive scientific evidence that meridians exist" and "no evidence that [stretching] can be used to improve liver and spleen function." The page that posted the claim…

Does massaging the cheeks provide relief for shortness of breath? No, that's not true: Physiology and massage experts told Lead Stories that there's no connection between the two things. Shortness of breath is typically related to respiratory or cardiovascular issues, and massaging would not address the underlying causes of the symptom. The claim appeared in a video (archived here) posted…

Is rubbing your arms a proven technique to boost your immune system? No, that's not true: There is no evidence of proof from medical literature that this method can prevent illness. An expert told us they are not familiar with any studies that have substantiated the claim. The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok on July 13,…

Does clapping your hands three times instantly relieve pain in the heel of your foot? No, that's not true: A podiatrist who is a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) told Lead Stories "without hesitation" that this is not an evidence-based method to "relieve pain in one's heel." A state and national board-certified reflexologist also confirmed to Lead…

Do acupressure massages on a person's hands and fingers aid digestion or relieve digestion issues? No, that's not true: The director of gastroenterology at the University of Alberta told Lead Stories that this post reflects "inaccurate information." A UCLA medical center dietician confirmed to Lead Stories that the reflexology technique seen in this post "has not conclusively shown to help…

Is there a "button for the heart" above your wrist and does it help alleviate conditions such as heart pain and epilepsy? No, that's not true: While stimulation of Pericardium 6 -- an acupuncture and acupressure point located on the wrist -- may be useful for helping patients deal with postoperative nausea and vomiting, there is no scientific evidence at…

Does pressing the "lung 1" point on one's chest help to cure, treat or alleviate such conditions as cough, wheezing, asthma and dyspnea? No, that's not true: Lead Stories found no evidence supporting this theory. The claim appeared in a post on Facebook on April 22, 2023. It contained a video showing a man pressing a spot on his chest…

Does pressure application on a particular point in the wrist area help relieve a sore throat? No, that's not true: No credible sources suggest there is any connection between this type of self-massage and expedited recovery from a sore throat. The claim appeared in a video posted on Facebook on April 3, 2023. Its title said: Six Acupressure Points Of…

Will rubbing your hands and fingers together every morning cause you to lose weight? No, that's not true: There is no evidence that such a practice will contribute to weight loss. The claim appeared in a video (archived here) posted to TikTok on July 27, 2022, by the user @medical_acupuncture, who is professionally known as Hiroko Shimoda. In the video,…