We are excited to launch EnergyPoints, our first mobile health app for cancer patients and survivors, on IndieGoGo on April 5th. EnergyPoints guides users to use acupressure on their own. Our platform teaches step-by-step acupressure techniques through guided videos, images, and text. Users learn through effective rituals that help them cultivate a daily acupressure habit for lasting results.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health supported producing the EnergyPoints cancer app through the competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The program provides funding to small businesses for research and development of innovative cancer-related technologies.
EnergyPoints cancer care app shows you how to use acupressure to manage fatigue better and improve sleep. It guides users to complete daily acupressure to manage their symptoms. We’ll track progress as a type of cancer diary app in two ways: one, with easy-to-complete self-reports about how they’re feeling, and two, by sharing their activity and sleep data from your fitness tracker with EnergyPoints.
This article aims to describe the EnergyPoints cancer support app and is for:
For Cancer Survivors
Daily tasks can be highly challenging for patients suffering from fatigue. Self-care techniques can help relieve your symptoms at home, during a chemo session, or even in the hospital waiting room. EnergyPoints integrates the PROMIS measures—developed by the National Institutes of Health—to evaluate, monitor, and promote patient well-being. With automatic acupressure and symptom tracking, step-by-step tutorials, and daily reminders, the EnergyPoints cancer app supports you through your symptoms.
As a cancer diary app, it allows users to track and monitor their symptoms and other health-related information over time. By collecting and storing this information, the app can serve as a kind of diary or journal for cancer patients to record and review their health data. This information can be helpful for both the patient and their healthcare team to understand the patient’s condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
For Caregivers
EnergyPoints isn’t just an app for cancer patients; it supports cancer patients and caregivers. The benefits of acupressure help promote overall well-being and ease fatigue symptoms for caregivers.
For Researchers
The EnergyPoints cancer aid app facilitates ongoing research with built-in data collection capabilities, providing continuous learning and improvement opportunities.
For Healthcare Providers
The EnergyPoints cancer support app helps cancer patients learn safe and effective self-care techniques without needing professional training. We strive to empower patients with healthcare tools that promote self-reliance, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.
For Everyone
We comply with all federal privacy laws and use a secure, password-protected interface to ensure your health information stays safe. You always have authorization over the data you share. If you choose to share your data with us, you will contribute to further developing our research and innovation. You will be contributing to the improvement of cancer symptoms science.
Easy to use. Supported by research.
Stimulating and Relaxing acupressure rituals can reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve quality of life. Use essential oils like lavender and peppermint with acupressure to further enhance the process. The EnergyPoints cancer care app teaches self-care techniques with easy-to-follow videos and provides handy reminders so you’ll always know when it’s time for a boost.
Discover it for yourself. Try your hand at acupressure with the EnergyPoints cancer app today.
Symptoms Our App for Cancer Patients Helps With
We developed EnergyPoints, our mobile health software, to help cancer patients self-manage fatigue and sleep deficiency.
- Sleep deficiency can occur in 3 out of 4 people with cancer.
- Up to 90% of the 1.9 million Americans diagnosed with cancer in 2022 will experience cancer-related fatigue during treatment, and 30% will experience long-term symptoms.
- Research indicates that acupressure could reduce cancer-related fatigue by an average of 30%.
- Acupressure administered by an acupuncturist is not reimbursed by insurance, and we need more qualified acupuncturists to train patients in accurate acupressure stimulation.
- EnergyPoints cancer diary app will measure and report other symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain.
EnergyPoints, a patient activation and educational app for cancer patients, is here to mainstream acupressure, shown in clinical research to reduce fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety, and depression.
Acupressure is a safe and non-invasive therapy to help alleviate cancer-related fatigue. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This pressure stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and helps relieve symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and stress.
Several studies suggest that acupressure effectively reduces fatigue, improves sleep, and improves the quality of life in cancer patients. For example, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effect of Acupressure on Relieving Cancer-Related Fatigue, published in Cancer Nursing, found that acupressure significantly reduced fatigue levels. Acupressure has also been shown in clinical research to reduce sleep disturbances.
Additionally, acupressure is a low-risk therapy with few side effects. It is gentle and can be performed by the patient, making it a convenient and accessible option for cancer-related fatigue.
EnergyPoints cancer aid app is funded through Small Business Innovation Research, a competitive grant process through the National Cancer Institute (NIH). Check us out on your App Store.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. It is based on the belief that there are pathways of energy, known as meridians, that run throughout the body and that applying pressure to specific points along these meridians can help to restore balance and promote healing.
These points, known as acupressure points, are thought to be connected to the body’s meridian lines, channels through which energy flows. By applying pressure to these points, one can improve the flow of energy throughout the body, leading to various benefits, including relief from pain and other symptoms. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but practitioners use their fingers or other objects to apply pressure to the acupressure points instead of needles.
How does it work?
Acupressure is a treatment method involving applying finger pressure or a device to acupoints to regulate body systems by stimulating the flow of qi or life energy. Acupressure is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which believes that the body has vital energy, or qi, that flows through channels known as meridians.
Cancer and its treatment are taxing. When this energy flow is disrupted, it can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety, and depression. Acupressure works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupressure points, which are located along the body’s meridian lines. By applying pressure to these points, one can improve the flow of energy and restore balance to the body, leading to various health benefits, including symptom reduction or complete amelioration.
Acupressure promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat various medical problems.
What is an acupressure point?
A place on the body’s surface where the meridians’ qi and blood gather or pass. Acupoints are connected through the meridians to other body parts, notably the organ energetic systems, whose state of health they can reflect. An acupressure point, or acupoint, is a specific point on the body connected to the body’s meridian lines, which are thought to be channels through which energy flows.
Acupoints are used in acupuncture and acupressure as locations where energy flow can be accessed and manipulated. By applying pressure to these points, one can improve the flow of energy and restore balance to the body, leading to various health benefits. Acupoints are often located at points where the body’s meridians intersect, and hundreds of different acupoints are used in these practices. The EnergyPoints cancer app will guide you in daily at-home acupressure.
Traditional East Asian Medicine knowledge provides our framework for the two acupressure rituals you will use that can help with fatigue and sleep: Stimulating Acupressure (SA) strengthens the body’s energy production system; Relaxing Acupressure (RA) bolsters energy by activating your body’s restorative and relaxation systems. The efficacy of these two simple acupressure rituals in reducing fatigue or improving sleep is supported by clinical research. In one clinical trial, acupressure users experienced a 30% reduction in cancer-related fatigue. Our cancer aid app’s follow-along format demonstrates how to apply pressure to acupoints in real-time—so you can help your body find the energy or relaxation it needs. Try it for yourself!
If you have been in front of your computer for long hours, you may have tired eyes or a headache. Try acupoint Taiyang.
Here is a brief, step-by-step guide to performing acupressure for the extra point Taiyang:
- Identify the correct acupressure point: The extra point Taiyang is located in the region of the temples, in the depression, about one finger-breadth posterior to the midpoint between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus (eye).
- Prep your hands: Before beginning, wash your hands and make sure your fingernails are trimmed and smooth to avoid scratching or injuring the skin.
- Apply pressure to the point: Using your thumb or index finger, apply firm, steady pressure to the acupressure point for 1-2 minutes. You should feel a dull ache or a slight tingling sensation.
- Release the pressure: Slowly release the pressure and allow the blood to flow back into the area. You can massage the area gently to help restore circulation.
- Repeat as necessary: You can perform acupressure on the extra point Taiyang as often as needed to help alleviate symptoms or promote healing.
Are you feeling anxious or nauseous? Try acupoint PC 6, Nei Guan.
The PC6 acupressure point, also known as the Nei Guan point, is located on the inside of the wrist, about two thumb widths away from the crease of the wrist, in between two tendons. Here is a step-by-step guide on performing self-acupressure on this point:
- To begin, sit comfortably with your arms and hands relaxed.
- Locate the PC6 acupressure point on the inside of your wrist, as described above.
- Using your opposite hand’s thumb or index finger, apply gentle but firm pressure to the point for 1-2 minutes.
- You can also try massaging the point in a circular motion.
- Take deep breaths and relax your mind and body while applying the pressure.
- Repeat on the other wrist.
It is important to remember that acupressure should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing chronic pain or other health issues.
Features of the EnergyPoints Cancer Support App
Target your symptoms
Minimize the fatigue and sleep disturbances that impact people with cancer’s physical, emotional, and social health. The EnergyPoints cancer care app will measure and report other symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain as well.
Practice acupressure
EnergyPoints motivates you to practice safe and affordable daily acupressure.
Track progress Our app syncs your sleep and activity data from your fitness tracker with your symptom reports to create a customized progress report.
Shared Data
You can share your data with clinicians and your healthcare team to develop a more personalized care plan. We comply with all federal privacy laws and use a secure, password-protected interface to ensure your health information stays safe. You always have authorization over the data you share.
Community Feature
Community Social connection and community support features will allow you to connect with other cancer patients and share experiences.
Upcoming Features
More Symptom Monitoring
EnergyPoints cancer diary app will measure and report other symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain.
Personalization
EnergyPoints cancer app will offer more options to personalize your experience through music, guided imagery, and breathing exercises.
Group Discussion
The new social feature will let users create smaller group chats to share their experiences and resources for managing symptoms.
Compatibility
The app will sync with more types of fitness trackers.
Do I need a fitness tracker to use the EnergyPoints App?
No. We will track your progress through easy-to-complete self-reports on how you feel, so you will still be able to measure your progress if you choose. Skip the tracker setup if you do not have one. If you want to monitor your sleep or activity, you can add a fitness tracker at any time.
How is EnergyPoints different from other cancer apps?
Other cancer apps focusing on fatigue may offer an array of therapeutic modalities for patients suffering from CRF, such as methods for energy conservation, activity management, optimization of restful sleep, psychosocial support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical activity exercises. Still, they do not include evidence-based acupressure shown to reduce CRF.
How is EnergyPoints different from other acupressure apps?
Most acupressure apps on the market offer basic acupoint recommendations for various symptoms the patient is experiencing instead of entire acupressure treatment protocols. They guide the patient on the different pressure points and how they are related to providing relief for various symptoms the patient is experiencing. These apps educate the user about acupressure and how to apply it to oneself. Although some acupressure apps have a video tutorial for new users describing how the apps work, this is a single orientation before engaging with the app. EnergyPoints provides instruction on almost every page to walk users through its robust features. EnergyPoints also considers different types of learners and incorporates instructional information via video, detailed text descriptions, and images of people to identify acupoints.
By way of further contrast, EnergyPoints caters explicitly to cancer patients. Patients can send real-world data directly to their physicians from our cancer aid app regarding progress with acupressure. It also links to smart watches to collect data related to activity and sleep. Our research has confirmed that there is virtually no effective competition in the market for this product.
Summary
The EnergyPoints cancer care app, developed by 5 Point App, has been funded by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. The app offers step-by-step guides on how to use acupressure to manage cancer symptoms. The app’s development was supported by the Small Business Innovation Research program at the National Cancer Institute, which provides funding for small businesses to develop cancer-related technologies. The app aims to help cancer patients self-manage fatigue and sleep deficiency and can track other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and pain.
Our mission is to improve the health and overall quality of life for cancer patients, and those affected by other illnesses, through evidence-based, self-care techniques that pair ancient wisdom with modern technology.
Our vision combines technology with acupressure methods to provide cancer patients and caregivers with scientifically validated acupressure tools that help ease symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, pain, and depression worldwide.
Be a part of our movement to improve cancer symptom science. Large data sets, like the one being created by using EnergyPoints, can improve cancer symptom science in several ways:
- They can provide researchers with a more complete and accurate picture of cancer symptoms and their patterns and trends. This can help researchers identify common symptoms and their underlying causes, as well as potential risk factors and treatments.
- Large data sets can also help researchers develop and test predictive models that can help predict which patients are likely to experience certain symptoms and how they may respond to different treatments. This can help doctors make more personalized and effective patient treatment decisions.
- Large data sets can also help researchers identify potential gaps in knowledge and areas where further research is needed, enabling them to prioritize their research efforts and ultimately advance the field of cancer symptom science.
Join our community and download your EnergyPoints app today!
Our goal is to empower cancer patients and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Using our app, EnergyPoints, you can access evidence-based, self-care techniques that combine ancient wisdom with modern technology.
EnergyPoints combines technology with acupressure methods to provide cancer patients and caregivers with scientifically validated acupressure tools that help ease symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, pain, and depression.
By using EnergyPoints, you can not only benefit from these self-care techniques, but also contribute to the advancement of cancer symptom science. Using the app and sharing your data can help researchers create large data sets that can provide a more complete and accurate picture of cancer symptoms and their patterns and trends. This can help researchers identify common symptoms, their underlying causes, and potential risk factors and treatments.
Join our community and download EnergyPoints today to be a part of our movement to improve cancer symptom science and empower cancer patients and caregivers. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer and other illnesses.
Research to develop and test EnergyPoints™ was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health under Award Number R43CA261446 (Beck, SL, PI). The app content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
