Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is characterized by fatigue, distraction, insomnia, joint pain, and headaches that persist for more than six months without any major underlying health issues18. The global prevalence of CFS shows significant variation, estimated between 0.2 % and 2.6 %, primarily due to insufficient data in the literature27.

Although the exact cause of CFS remains unknown, many patients experience significant social, professional, and personal life stressors before the symptoms appear. This pattern suggests that an increased immune response to these stressors may contribute to the syndrome24. It is also possible that CFS results from a combination of these stressors and underlying health issues, such as chronic infections, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and physical trauma7.

As there are different clinical findings for every patient, it is tough to diagnose this syndrome, and currently, there is no definitive diagnostic test for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Research efforts focus on both objective and subjective measures. Objective diagnostic criteria, often referred to as biomarkers, are under investigation, but subjective methods are more commonly used in clinical settings. Among these, the Fukuda Criteria are the most widely utilized due to their simplicity and ease of use13.

Advancements in diagnostic methods will lead to a deeper understanding of the disease's pathogenesis, ultimately resulting in more comprehensive treatment approaches. Despite the importance of accurate diagnosis, there is still no globally approved medical treatment due to the disease's unknown etiology10.

Treatment methods for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) vary significantly, as there is no established gold standard. Different professionals may recommend various approaches, considering the different symptoms of the disease. These approaches include pharmaceutical interventions, nutritional adjustments, environmental and behavioral changes, and exercise therapies4,6,12.

Although different treatment approaches are effective on different symptoms of the syndrome, there is still a lack of comprehensive treatment. Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific acupoints in the body, has gained attention as a holistic treatment approach due to its non-invasive nature, ease of application, and the ability for patients to self-administer the treatment. Recent research highlights its potential in managing symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and insomnia1. However, studies evaluating the combined effect of acupressure on fatigue, depression, and quality of life in individuals with CFS are still limited. Our study aims to address this gap by evaluating all three dimensions simultaneously, providing a comprehensive understanding of the holistic benefits of acupressure.

We believe acupressure can provide a more holistic approach to CFS by addressing both its physical and emotional aspects. These findings suggest that acupressure can be a valuable component in the treatment of CFS, addressing multiple facets of the condition (17; K. H.20,29).

Our hypothesis is that acupressure effectively alleviates symptoms in individuals with CFS. Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure application, a low-cost treatment method that individuals with CFS can regularly participate in and easily adapt to their daily lives. This is especially important for a syndrome that lacks a complete treatment option.

Study hypotheses

H0 = Acupressure is not effective in alleviating symptoms in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

H1 = Acupressure is effective in alleviating symptoms in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.