Disclosed is a method for relief of pain in mammals based on the use of a pressure-application device which is applied to any of a number of points selected and located according to the principles and practices of traditional acupressure and/or acupuncture therapy practice, which produces a highly-localized self-induced massage of the acupressured point which results in relief of pain in an area of the body not necessarily at the point acupressured, which relief lasts for an extended period of time past the time at which the device is removed according to the method of the invention.

The discovery that by use of a spreader beam and pressure pad which has an adjustable strap secured to its ends, and then positioning the spreader beam with the pressure pad over the wound or puncture, will inhibit the bleeding and enhance coagulation is disclosed. As a result of the method, substantially less than 180.degree. radially of a limb or a body portion is subject to the pressure of the strap. Only a small portion of the radius of the skin is engaged by the pressure pad itself. The method of the invention derives from utilizing a spreader beam and pressure point with a strap at each end of the spreader beam in surrounding engagement with a limb or other body portion which has been punctured, and then positioning the pressure pad to apply pressure to the puncture point, and keeping the compress in place until the wound has ceased bleeding.

An acupressure device for applying pressure to specific points on a human body comprises a stimulator (14) which is attached to a flexible cinching strap or band (10) of a length sufficient to extend circumferentially around a body part, including a releasable connecting means to facilitate the positioning and securing of the terminus of the stimulator against a specific point on the human body. The stimulator has a convex curved side (26) which is attached to the flexible strap. Opposite the curved side and extending therefrom, an elongated protuberance (20) extends and terminates in a blunt or pointed surface end (22). This end can be made to contact and apply pressure to a selected point on the user's body by extending the strap around a portion of the body and tightening same with the terminus of the stimulator in proper position.

A compression orb for use in combination with known bandage means to simulate manual digital pressure hemostasis following an arterial or venous puncture. The orb is formed from transparent plastic and is shaped as a hollow dome having a central, raised bulb or second, smaller dome which is integrally formed with and extends from the first domed portion. The flat, circular surface of the orb is releasably attached to the bandage means and the raised bulb portion of the orb is pressed upon the puncture site by means of the secured bandage. The bandage means includes a transparent window through which the orb and puncture site may be viewed without having to lift the bandage and orb from the wound to check for bleeding.

A manual compression aid for applying direct pressure to arterial and venous punctures to obtain hemostasis includes an integrally formed pressure applicator having a relatively flat first surface adapted for contact with a human body and having a user manipulable member for holding the pressure applicator and for applying force thereto. In one embodiment, the user manipulable member is a peg extending upwardly from the first surface. The peg not only is manipulatable by a user to manually apply pressure to a puncture site, but also functions to receive a separate cylindrical weight. The weight is pivotally mounted on the peg so that it can swivel. A stretchable bandage is used to secure and stabilize the weight in place. The bandage, being held above the puncture by the pressure applicator and the weight, also acts to supply pressure to the puncture site.