published

1. Is My Anxiety Bracelet
Legit? An Investigation
MOLLY LONGMAN
LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2020, 4:12 PM
I'll try anything to quell my stress.
Nine months into 2020, many of
us feel that way — likely because,
given the state of the world, more
people than ever are dealing with
the effects of chronic tension.
Young adults and Black and Latinx
people of all ages have reported an
uptick in anxiety and depression
during the pandemic, according to
a survey by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. People
without diagnosed mental health
disorders are feeling anxious,
uncomfortable, lonely, and drained too.
So when I heard about anxiety bracelets I thought, why not give it a try?
Certainly, a wristband is no substitute for therapy — but like I said, I'm
trying everything I can get my hands (or wrists) on to cut back on my stress
levels. While I was waiting for the effects to kick in, I decided to ask a few
experts what they thought about the bands. This is what I learned.
What are anxiety bracelets?
Most anxiety bracelets actually have roots in the traditional Chinese
medicine technique of acupressure point therapy, says Anita Kanti, a

2. certified life coach and the author of Behaving Bravely: How to Mindshift
Life's Challenges. The straps contain magnetic materials, crystal beads, or
copper nubs that apply pressure to spots on the underside of your wrist —
acupressure points that supposedly help release tension. Some more
expensive versions even vibrate.
How do anxiety bracelets work?
There are a few specific acupressure points (called meridian points) that
the bracelets tend to target: P6 (or pericardium 6 or Nei Guam), P7
(pericardium 7 or Da Ling), and H7 (heart 7 or Shen Men).
P6 is often used to help with motion sickness, but it works generally for
nausea and upset stomachs, according to UCLA. P7 is associated with
insomnia and stress, according to Smarter Healing. And H7 is thought to
help with emotional struggles. They're all located on the underside of your
wrist, on or near the crease where your hand meets your arm. “Professional
acupressure practitioners say stimulating these points can aid in
immediate calmness,” Kanti says.
Do anxiety bracelets work?
There's a lack of research, so it's hard to say for sure. Kanti says the
bracelets may offer a complementary coping mechanism for stress,
especially when paired with other approaches. “Exploring this natural
solution is a personal choice and [it] may not work for everyone,” she says.
“The human mind is mighty, and what you believe can dictate your
outcome, as far as the state of mind. A wearable tool may remind you to
self-adjust, and that can’t hurt.”
She also says that some of her clients don’t use the bracelets for the
acupuncture benefits, but as a talisman of sorts. “Wearables can carry
messages, serve as reminders to be mindful, as well as be an inspiration,”
she says. Wendell Miracle Pialet, a happiness counselor, motivational

3. speaker, and author, agrees: “It’s a physical reminder to be aware of your
anxiety and stop it in its tracks before it gets worse." (If you're using it for
this purpose, any bracelet or crystal could work.)
Others, however, don’t recommend anxiety bracelets, and say the
expensive vibrating versions are a waste of money. Lissette LaRue, MS, a
trauma release specialist, psychotherapist, energy medicine practitioner,
and the founder of Healing From Within. “I actually have a set and,
honestly, it works just okay,” she says. “For the hefty price tag, though, it’s
not worth it. It’s most benefiting if you wear them all day, on both wrists,
and the battery doesn’t last that long.” She prefers other techniques,
like deep breathing.
One thing these bracelets can't do is heal mental health conditions like
clinical anxiety or depression, Kanti stresses. For conditions like these, see
a therapist or doctor.
What to look for in an anxiety bracelet
If you want to try out an anxiety bracelet, look for one that goes into some
detail about which pressure points it hits — ideally, the P6, P7, and H7,
Kanti advises. Some with good reviews include the Velcro Strap
Acupressure Bracelet, and the SHIWE lava bracelet.
When you put them on they shouldn't hurt or rub your skin raw, but there
should be a bit of pressure. In a world where we could all stand to see a
little less stress, we hope they help you unwind. As for me, I'm picking at
my nail beds slightly less often, so that's something.