The Seva Stress Release protocol was developed by Aminah Raheem, founder, and faculty of Soul Lightening Acupressure, which is now named Insight Acupressure. This protocol was initially called Stress & Shock Release. (Insight Acupressure, Origin of the Seva Stress Release, Leah Matalon, 2024 May 26)
The word “seva” comes from Sanskrit, meaning 'selfless service,' underscoring the intention behind this protocol: to offer compassionate, accessible healing touch that can be shared freely and taught widely.
Students of Insight Acupressure learn that the protocol arose to serve first responders and others on site where the Twin Towers once stood in Manhattan, after the attack of 2001 September 11. Insight Acupressure faculty were on site on the pier in one of the tents, working as relief workers, administering a protocol of acupressure points specifically designed to bring calm and vitality to these front-line rescue and recovery volunteers and workers.
Today Insight Acupressure teaches this protocol to healthcare providers, bodyworkers, caregivers, and even individuals without a clinical background. The intention is to share a safe and effective means to provide relief from stress. This is one of the first protocols I learned as an acupressure student with Insight Acupressure.
There are case studies documenting the effectiveness of the Seva Stress Release. The Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, Use of Seva Stress Release Acupressure to Reduce Pain, Stress, and Fatigue in Patients Hospitalized for Cancer Treatment (v20 n6 p521-8, 2018 December) followed 30 patients. One to four hours after their acupressure treatment 60% experienced a reduction in pain and fatigue, as well as heart and respiration rate.
The Seva Stress Release is also recommended for family caregivers and healthcare professionals. (Seva Acupressure for Caregiver Stress Release, Abilities Expo, 2010 January 01, Regina Rosenthal, PT, MA)
Another study addressed acupressure use to treat anxiety. This study was coordinated across 6 states for over 500 participants. What sets this study apart is that a number of participants self-administered the Seva protocol. (New Study- Beyond Pills: Acupressure Impact on Self-Rated Pain and Anxiety Scores, Holistic OT, Deanna Waggy OTR, 2019 May 16)
Although not specifically pertaining to the acupressure protocol, Seva Stress Release, acupressure has been shown to be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a meta-analysis. (The efficacy of acupressure for symptom management: a systemic review, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, v42 n4, 2011 October)
Another study addressed acupressure use to treat anxiety. (New Study- Beyond Pills: Acupressure Impact on Self-Rated Pain and Anxiety Scores, Holistic OT, Deanna Waggy OTR, 2019 May 16)
The book, Soul Lightening Acupressure: Empowering Whole-Being Health by Cathy Miller, LMT, ABT and Deanne Waggy, OTR is a book of empirical case reports and scientific case studies of Insight Acupressure in the field. The Forward by the founder, Aminah Raheem, PhD, captures the purpose and uniqueness of Soul Lightening Acupressure, known today as Insight Acupressure.
Soul Lightening Acupressure was created as a method to address the current needs and growth processes of a whole human being simultaneously, body, mind, emotions, and soul….As an experienced psychologist and…body worker…I have always been very interested in how all of these issues impact one another and whether it is possible to work with all at once.
The full potential of Soul Lightening Acupressure is based on the concept that every human being already carries the truth and guidance of the Divine spirit within them….With repeated discoveries and insights, people build a solid foundation of self-confidence in their own inner wisdom….
Decades after the inception of Soul Lightening Acupressure the work has progressed far beyond my original discoveries.
© 2025 Lisa Patrell
Life Coaching + Somatics & energetics.