partly blinded cross-over trial. RESULTS: Bispectral index and spectral edge frequency values both decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during acupressure on Yintang to values of 62.9 (minimum 35) +/- 13.9 bispectral index and to 13.3 (minimum 2.9) +/- 8.1 Hz (spectral edge frequency right) and 13.8 (minimum 2.7) +/- 7.3 Hz (spectral edge frequency left), respectively. Bispectral index was also significantly (P < 0.05) affected by Laserneedle acupuncture and acupressure on the control point but the changes were not clinically relevant, 95.4 +/- 4 and 94.2 +/- 4.8, respectively. All interventions significantly (Yintang: P < 0.001; control point: P < 0.012) reduced verbal sedation score. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the electroencephalographic similarities of acupressure induced sedation and general anaesthesia as assessed by bispectral index and spectral edge frequency 2. Litscher,G., L.Wang, I.Rotzer, and G.Schwarz. (2007) Multiparametric quantification of effects of acupressure in a patient with narcolepsy. Schmerz Akupunkt. 33:(2): 69-74. No abstract available Reason for exclusion: in German 3. Moncayo,R.M. (2006) Relaxation therapy with acupressure and eye movements. Result control based on applied kinesiology. Deutsche Zeitschrift fur Akupunktur. 49:(1): 2006. Abstract Within the field of psychoneuroimmunology the role of stress in inducing disease processes is well accepted. In our clinical practice as endocrinologists we are confronted with stress situations especially in cases of autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease) or in patients undergoing treatment for in-vitrofertilisation. In order to meet the clinical demand of these patients for a therapeutic approach for stress reduction, we have designed a combined relaxation treatment that is based on acupressure and Applied Kinesiology (AK). This non-pharmacological treatment includes the use of acupuncture points belonging to midline extraordinary vessels Ren mai and Du mai (Du mai 20, 24, 26; Ren mai 24, 21, 17, 15 und 14). AK is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy. The patient defines for himself both the actual stressing situation and a desirable positive expectation related to it. The intensity of both situations is rated using a numerical scale, i. e. 0 to 7 for the daily burden, and 0 to 10 for the positive expectation. The validity of the grading is evaluated through AK testing. During each therapy cycle, all the points mentioned above are either massaged or tapped lightly. After each cycle the AK test is repeated in order to evaluate the therapeutic result. As soon as the numeric scale for the daily burden has been reduced to 0-1 the treatment goes on with the positive expectation. When the rating of the positive expectation has reached a value of 9–10, the treatment is finished by tapping the cardinal points SI 3 and LU 7. This 20–30 minute approach is well suited for dealing with stress situations arising from daily burdens. Additional therapeutical options are the use of controlled eye movements as well as anti-oxidants in the form of selenomethionine. Reason for exclusion: in German 4. Schlager,A. (1998). [Acupuncture in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting]. Wien.Med Wochenschr. 148:454-456. Abstract: In this review the effectiveness of the acupuncture point Pericard 6 (P 6) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is described. Use of the acupuncture, acupressure as well as the laser stimulation of P6 proved as efficient prophylaxis of PONV in numerous studies. These methods are free of side effects and represent therefore a good alternative to the pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of PONV. J. Publications from second MeSH term seach (see Appendix 4 for search details) 1. Matsumura,W.M. (1993). Use of acupressure techniques and concepts for nonsurgical management of TMJ disorders. J Gen Orthod. 4:5-16. There was no abstract available for this publication and it was not possible to obtain a full text copy, it was therefore excluded. 2. Vickers,A.J. (1996). Can acupuncture have specific effects on health? A systematic review of acupuncture antiemesis trials. J R Soc Med 89:303-311. 202 This was referred to in an excluded letter : Hoo,J.J. (1997). Acupressure for hyperemesis gravidarum. Am J Obstet.Gynecol. 176:1395-1397. It was found to be indexed under ‘acupuncture therapy ‘ and did not appear in any searches, original or those carried out on 24th August as the key words included ‘acupuncture’. 34 studies were reviewed, seven of which referred to manual acupressure, three were before 1990, three were excluded from this evidence review and one was subsequently included from the MEDLINE ‘acupressure’ search of 24th August. (Belluomini,J., Litt,R.C., Lee,K.A., and Katz,M. (1994). Acupressure for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized, blinded study. Obstet Gynecol 84:245-248.) K. Mention acupressure/shiatsu but do not focus on it 1. Lee,J. Exploring chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: the symptoms, interventions, and relationship to functional status. 143. 2008. University of California, San Francisco, M1 - Ph.D thesis. This study focussed on the relationship of each component of CINV on the functional status of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and only mentioned acupressure. 2. Nield,M. (2007) Comparison of two