Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for aiding in compressing an extracranial blood vessel, the apparatus having a biasing member, or spring, for producing a constant force, and two elongated curved arms connected to the biasing member for transmitting the force. The connected arms define a substantially elliptical curve having the biasing member positioned along a major axis of the elliptical curve, and a pressure applicator connected to each arm for applying the force to the skin in the form of pressure, to thereby aid in compressing the underlying blood vessel. Each arm comprises a proximal arm portion connected to the spring, a distal arm portion pivotably connected to the proximal arm portion, and a pressure applicator connected to the distal arm portion. The device is substantially foldable by pivoting each distal arm portion to a position alongside its proximal arm portion, thereby folding the arm. The pressure may be applied with motion to thereby provide a substantially massaging action.