TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Facebook account [archive] is spreading claims of a drug-free cure through finger massage. The post includes a guide to massaging specific points on the fingers, which it claims can cure various ailments.
Massaging the middle of the little finger, for example, is said to be beneficial for kidney health, while the ring finger is for the liver. Other points are claimed to be able to treat lung, heart, and colon disorders, flu, headaches, toothaches, and even neck problems. Each point is recommended to be massaged for one minute.
However, is it true that finger massage can cure diseases without medicine?
FACT CHECK
Tempo's Fact Check Team verified the claim by interviewing a professor at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Medicine and examining various credible sources. The results showed that there is no scientific study proving that finger massage can cure diseases without medicine.
Zubairi Djoerban, Professor of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Indonesia, stated that there are currently more than 700 scientific publications on acupressure. The majority of research comes from China (around 252 publications), Hong Kong, and the United States.
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body's surface. Clinically, this technique has been proven to help relieve pain. However, medically, the scientific evidence is insufficient, so it is classified as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
"Complementary medicine means adding acupressure to standard treatments," Zubairi told Tempo on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Existing research so far only shows the benefits of finger massage for pain relief and mental calming, not for curing disease. Therefore, patients undergoing medical treatment are advised to continue their standard treatment.
The Cleveland Clinic website reports an explanation from licensed acupuncturist Megan Scott, who describes this safe practice as beneficial for health. She says acupressure can relieve physical symptoms and calm the mind, although research into its effectiveness is still ongoing.
"Stimulating points on the forehead can help reduce nasal congestion, reduce pain, and support eye and nasal health," Scott said.
A 2021 randomized trial found that breast cancer patients experienced improved sleep quality after receiving a combination of acupuncture and acupressure in addition to their regular care. Scott emphasized that acupressure provides the best results when used in conjunction with other medical treatments.
CONCLUSION
Tempo's verification concluded that the claim that finger massage alone can improve health without medication is misleading.
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