Easy acupressure relieves nausea

Easy acupressure relieves nausea

P6 marks the spot.

That’s the acupressure point – also known as “Inner Gate” – that relieves nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy.

I recently came across a 2000 study published in Oncology Nursing Forum in which 17 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were divided into two groups. One group received standard care, while the other group received standard care plus instruction on how to address nausea by finding and pressing P6.

Another acupressure point known as ST36, or “Three Miles,” was included in the instruction. ST36 is located below the knee, and P6 is located on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, right between the tendons.

Study results showed that acupressure subjects significantly curbed nausea and lessened its intensity compared to subjects who didn’t use acupressure. Similar results were reported in a University of California study released this summer. In that study, the placebo group was taught to apply pressure to a sham acupressure point. Subjects in the control group said acupressure didn’t do much good right after chemo was administered, but was effective in relieving bouts of nausea over the following days.

Some drugstores carry wristbands designed with a hard nub that puts pressure on P6.

Sources:
“Acupressure Relieves Nausea in Chemotherapy Patients” Acupuncture Today, Vol. 1, No. 6, June 2000, acupuncturetoday.com
“Acupressure Bands for that Sickening Feeling” Chris Woolston, The Los Angeles Times, 8/13/07, latimes.com