Development of a Passive Wearable SP6 Acupressure Band for Non-Drug Pain Management

Abstract

Pain is one of the most common health problems worldwide, and its long-term management often relies on pharmacological treatments that may cause adverse effects, increase healthcare costs, and reduce patient compliance. Consequently, there is a growing demand for safe, affordable, and non-drug alternatives for pain management. Acupressure is a traditional therapeutic approach that involves applying pressure to specific acupoints to promote pain relief and improve overall well-being. Among these, the SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoint has been widely recognized for its potential role in relieving different types of pain. This study presents the design and development of a passive wearable acupressure band intended to provide continuous, gentle mechanical stimulation to the SP6 acupoint during normal walking and ankle movement. The prototype consists of an adjustable elastic band integrated with a soft silicone pressure dome positioned accurately over the SP6 point and secured using a Velcro fastening system to ensure proper alignment and user comfort. The device operates without batteries, electronics, or external power sources, making it lightweight, reusable, portable, cost-effective, and suitable for everyday use. The prototype development involved anatomical localization of the SP6 acupoint, fabrication of the elastic support band, integration of the silicone pressure module, and evaluation of its alignment, stability, and comfort during movement, durability, and overall usability. The proposed design demonstrates the feasibility of developing a simple passive acupressure device as a non-drug approach for pain management. However, this study is limited to prototype development, and further preclinical and clinical investigations with appropriate ethical approval are necessary to evaluate its safety, pressure consistency, therapeutic effectiveness, and long-term clinical benefits.