Common Symptoms

Delirium may cause the following problems:

1. Mood changes: The patient may suddenly become fearful, anxious, suspicious, angry, depressed, or overly happy.
2. Thinking and memory problems: The patient may forget the time or place, have poor memory, or speak unclearly.
3. Sleep problems: They may sleep a lot during the day but stay awake at night, or their sleep may be broken or reversed (day and night switched).
4. Perception problems: Some may see or hear things that aren’t there (illusions or hallucinations). For example, they might say they hear or see a deceased relative, which can be frightening for family or caregivers.

How Can Acupressure Help?

• Acupressure can help stimulate nerves and improve blood flow, helping the body relax and restore balance between organs and tissues.

Important Tips Before and During Acupressure

• How to acupressure: Use your fingertips to gently press on each acupoint until you feel a mild soreness or pressure.
• When to acupressure: You can do it at most times of the day, but avoid pressing within one hour before or after meals.
• How long and how often: Choose 2–3 acupoints each time and press both sides at the same time if possible.
• Acupressure each point for 3–5 minutes, then move to the next one.
• Avoid acupressure if the patient has: Bone fractures, tumors, pregnancy, or skin wounds.
• Before you begin: Trim your fingernails to avoid scratching the skin.
• Measuring finger width: When the instruction mentions “one finger width,” use your own finger for reference.

Recommended Acupoints

1. For Mood Problems

• Baihui (GV20):
  Located at the top of the head, where the line between both ears meets the midline of the head.
  → Helps calm anxiety and agitation by balancing brain activity.

• Daling (PC7):
  Found in the middle of the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis.
  → Calms the mind and relieves restlessness.

• Shenmen (HT7):
  On the wrist crease, at the little-finger side of the wrist.
  → Helps “nourish the heart and calm the spirit,” reducing anxiety and irritability.

2. For Thinking and Memory Problems

• Sishencong (EX-HN1):
  Four points located one thumb-width in front of, behind, and to each side of Baihui.
  → Traditionally used to strengthen memory, improve concentration, and increase blood flow to the brain.

• Neiguan (PC6):
  About two finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the same tendons as Daling.
  → Used to help with forgetfulness, dementia, and heart regulation.

3. For Sleep Problems

• Shenmai (BL62):
  Found just below the outer ankle bone in a small hollow.
  → Helps improve sleep and relieve insomnia.

• Anmian (EX-HN22):
  Behind the ear, halfway between the Yifeng (SJ17) and Fengchi (GB20) points.
  → Promotes calmness and better sleep.

4. For Hallucinations or Perception Problems

• Yintang (EX-HN3):
  Located between the eyebrows.
  → Calms the mind, reduces hallucinations, and eases agitation.