Acupressure For Nausea | Healthy Habits For Happier and Healthy Life

Acupressure is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate various physical and emotional symptoms, including nausea. Nausea is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as motion sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy, and migraines. Acupressure for nausea involves stimulating certain acupressure points in the body to promote the flow of energy and relieve nausea. By applying pressure to these specific points, the body can release endorphins, reduce muscle tension, and improve blood circulation, resulting in a reduction of nausea and related symptoms.

How it works

Acupressure for nausea involves stimulating certain acupressure points on the body to alleviate symptoms of nausea. The following steps provide an overview of the acupressure process:

Understanding acupressure: Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to release blocked energy and promote healing.

Identifying the acupressure points: The Pericardium 6(Heart) (P6) point, the Stomach 36 (ST36) point, and the Large Intestine 4 (LI4) point are some of the best acupressure points for nausea.

Locating the acupressure points: The P6 point is located on the inner forearm, about two inches from the wrist. The ST36 point is located on the leg, about four finger widths below the knee. The LI4 point is located on the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger.

Applying pressure to the acupressure points: Use your thumb, fingers, or a pressure device to apply firm but gentle pressure to the chosen acupressure point for several seconds. Apply enough pressure to feel mild discomfort, but not so much that it causes pain.

Repeating the process: You can repeat the process several times a day, as needed. For best results, perform acupressure for at least five minutes at a time.

Seeking guidance: While acupressure is generally safe, it’s important to seek guidance from a qualified practitioner or healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. They can help you identify the best acupressure points for your specific needs and provide guidance on how to perform acupressure safely and effectively.

Benefits of Acupressure for Nausea

Non-invasive and drug-free treatment
Safe and easy to perform
Can be used in combination with other treatments

Acupressure is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that can be highly beneficial for individuals experiencing nausea. Some of the benefits of using acupressure for nausea include:

Non-invasive and drug-free treatment: Acupressure does not involve the use of invasive procedures or medications, making it a safe and natural alternative for those who prefer to avoid traditional medical interventions.

Safe and easy to perform: Acupressure is generally safe and easy to perform, and can be done by anyone with proper training or guidance. It can be performed in the comfort of one’s home or by a qualified practitioner.

Can be used in combination with other treatments:

There are several acupressure points that can be used in combination with other treatments for nausea. Here are a few examples:

P6 (Neiguan): This point is located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths from the wrist crease. Applying pressure to this point can help relieve nausea and vomiting.

CV12 (Zhongwan): This point is located on the midline of the abdomen, about four finger widths above the belly button. Stimulating this point can help relieve digestive issues, including nausea.

PC6 (Pericardium 6): This point is located on the palm side of the forearm, about three finger widths from the wrist crease. Applying pressure to this point can help relieve nausea and motion sickness.

Acupressure can be used in combination with other treatments for nausea, such as medications, to enhance their effectiveness.

Research has demonstrated that acupressure can be a useful adjunct therapy for nausea in a variety of settings. For example:

Cancer-related nausea: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that acupressure was effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients.

Postoperative nausea: A review of randomized controlled trials showed that acupressure was an effective non-pharmacological treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Pregnancy-related nausea: A randomized controlled trial found that acupressure was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. To read more, click here.

In summary, acupressure is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment that can be used in combination with other treatments to alleviate nausea. Research has shown that it can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in a variety of settings, including cancer treatment, postoperative care, and pregnancy.

Acupressure Points For Nausea

Location and description of the Pericardium 6 (P6) point:

The Pericardium 6 (P6) point is one of the most well-known acupressure points for relieving nausea. It is located on the inner forearm, about two inches from the wrist crease, between the two tendons. To locate the P6 point, follow these steps:

Extend your arm with your palm facing up.
Place your thumb on the inside of your wrist, just below your palm.
Find the two tendons that run down your arm and locate the point that is in between them, approximately two inches from your wrist crease.
The P6 point is also sometimes referred to as the “Neiguan” point, which translates to “inner gate” in English. It is believed that stimulation of this point can help to regulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body, which can in turn help to relieve nausea.

In addition to relieving nausea, the P6 point has also been used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety, motion sickness, and headaches. It can be stimulated using finger pressure, acupuncture, or acupressure devices. To use acupressure to stimulate the P6 point for nausea relief, apply firm pressure to the point using your index and middle fingers for 2-3 minutes, or until the nausea subsides.

How to perform acupressure on the P6 point for nausea:

Find the P6 point: The P6 point is located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths from the wrist crease. To locate it, place your index and middle fingers on the inside of your wrist, just below the base of your palm. The P6 point is located between the tendons of these two fingers.

Apply pressure: Once you have located the P6 point, use your thumb or index finger to apply firm but gentle pressure to the point. You can apply pressure for about 2-3 minutes or until you feel some relief from nausea.

Massage or rotate the point: You can also try massaging the P6 point in a circular or up-and-down motion, or gently rotating your finger on the point.

Repeat: You can repeat the process several times a day as needed.

It is important to note that while acupressure can be a safe and effective method for treating nausea, it is not a substitute for medical treatment in cases of severe or persistent nausea.

Location and description of the Stomach 36 (ST36) point:

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Acupressure can be used to relieve a variety of symptoms, including nausea.
One of the most commonly used acupressure points for nausea is the P6 point (also known as the Neiguan point), which is located on the inner forearm, about two finger widths from the wrist crease.
Another commonly used point for nausea is the Stomach 36 (ST36) point, which is located on the lower leg. Specifically, the ST36 point is located about four finger widths below the kneecap, on the outside of the leg, in the depression between the shinbone and the leg muscle.
The ST36 point is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, fatigue, and immune system imbalances. Stimulating the ST36 point is believed to help improve digestion and relieve nausea.
To apply pressure to the ST36 point, you can use your fingers or a small massage tool. Apply gentle pressure to the point for several seconds or until you feel a sensation of warmth or tingling. You can repeat this several times a day as needed to help relieve nausea.

Location and description of the Large Intestine 4 (LI4) point:

The LI4 point is another acupressure point that can be used to relieve nausea. This point is located on the hand, in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Specifically, the LI4 point is located at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together.

To apply pressure to the LI4 point, you can use your opposite thumb or index finger to apply firm pressure to the point. You can also try massaging or rotating the point. Applying pressure to the LI4 point is believed to help relieve nausea and other digestive issues.

How to perform

Preparation and positioning of acupressure for nausea,

Find the right acupressure point: The acupressure point for nausea is called Pericardium 6 or PC6, which is located on the inner wrist, about two finger widths from the crease between your wrist and hand.

Prepare for acupressure: Before you begin, make sure you’re in a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
Position your hand: Place your dominant hand with the palm up, then locate the PC6 point on your inner wrist with the fingers of your other hand.

Apply pressure: Use your thumb or fingers to apply firm pressure to the PC6 point, gradually increasing pressure until you feel a moderate ache or sensation. Hold the pressure for a few seconds, then release it.

Repeat: Repeat the pressure application several times, up to several minutes, and as often as needed. You can do this on both wrists.
Monitor your response: Pay attention to your body’s response to the acupressure. If it’s helpful, you may feel relief from nausea, but if it’s uncomfortable, reduce the pressure or stop the acupressure.

Certainly, here is a step-by-step guide to applying pressure to acupressure points for nausea, with new content:

Identify the acupressure point: The P6 or Neiguan point is the most commonly used acupressure point for nausea relief. This point is located on the inner wrist, approximately two finger-widths below the wrist crease.

Get comfortable: Sit in a comfortable position and take a few deep breaths to relax your body.

Apply pressure: Use your thumb, index, or middle finger to apply firm but gentle pressure on the P6 point. Hold the pressure for 2-3 minutes or until you begin to feel relief.

Use a circular motion: You can enhance the effects of the pressure by using a circular motion or up-and-down movement while maintaining pressure on the point.

Explore other points: Other acupressure points that can be helpful for nausea include the PC6, CV12, and ST36 points(PC6, CV12, and ST36 are additional acupressure points that can be helpful in relieving nausea and other health concerns.

PC6 or Pericardium 6: This acupressure point is located on the inner forearm, two and a half finger widths from the wrist crease. PC6 is believed to relieve nausea, motion sickness, anxiety, and heart palpitations.

CV12 or Conception Vessel 12: This point is located on the midline of the abdomen, roughly four finger widths above the navel. CV12 is thought to relieve nausea, indigestion, and other digestive issues.

ST36 or Stomach 36: This point is located on the lower leg, four finger-widths below the kneecap, and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. ST36 is believed to boost the immune system, relieve fatigue, and improve digestive health).

Consult with a licensed acupuncturist or healthcare professional to learn how to locate and apply pressure to these points.

Repeat as needed: You can apply pressure to the P6 point as often as necessary throughout the day to alleviate nausea symptoms.

Duration And Frequency Of The Treatment