Nausea can be a symptom of many different illnesses. It can be due to anything from food poisoning to motion sickness to pregnancy or chemotherapy. Whatever the cause, when you feel nauseous, you may not want to (or you may not be able to) take medication. This is when acupressure comes in handy. You do not need any special equipment, and you can do it just about anywhere.
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers and other parts of the body to skillfully press key points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. The acupressure points are stimulated using gentle but firm pressure. Acupressure is generally quite safe and has an extremely low risk of side effects.
Point Location: P6
You should stimulate two main points during acupressure for nausea. The first is pericardium 6, or P6. You can locate this point on the palm side of your wrist. Pointing the tip of the index finger toward the elbow of the opposite arm, place the second knuckle of your index finger at the center of the lowest wrist crease of the opposite wrist. The point is located between the two tendons at the center of the forearm where the tip of your finger stops. The area may or may not be tender to the touch.
Point Location: ST36
The second point is stomach 36, or ST36. This point is located on the front of your leg just below the knee. Sit so that your legs are bent at 90 degrees. Open up your hand so that your fingers are spread out. Place the center of the palm of your hand over the center of the kneecap. The place where your fourth fingertip is sitting, just off the outside of the shin bone, is ST36. If you are on the right point, it should be soft and fleshy, not bony.
Directions for Application
Once the desired points are located, acupressure can be performed. Press at the point using a fingertip or thumb tip. Use a deep, firm pressure so that it is uncomfortable but not painful. You can press and hold the point or press and massage with small circles. The massage can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The point should be massaged until you obtain a numb sensation or the initial tenderness has dissipated. Begin the acupressure with the onset of the nausea and continue until it abates. Both the left and right sides of the body should be treated.
Effectiveness
The Internet Health Library lists several studies that show the effectiveness of acupressure for treating nausea. Studies have shown it to be effective for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, gynecological surgery, general anesthesia and motion sickness. Andrew Herxheimer, M.D., of the UK Cochrane Centre, in London, England, conducted a review called "Drugs and Other Treatments to Prevent and Control Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: Trial Reports Published Since 1950." He suggests that even though acupressure may only be moderately effective, it is a good first choice since it is noninvasive and has little risk of side effects.
Caution
If the cause of nausea is unknown and the occurrence becomes frequent, you should seek the advice of a medical professional. Nausea can be a sign of serious illness and should be properly evaluated. Pregnant women should be cautious when using acupressure because certain points can assist in inducing labor. The points detailed in this article are safe for pregnant women.
References
- Acupressure.com: What is Acupressure?
- altMD.com: Acupressure for Nausea
- Acupressureonline.org: General Directions
- Internet Health Library: Shiatsu (Acupressure) Research
- "Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy : State of the Art 2000": Drugs and Other Treatments to Prevent and Control Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: Trial Reports Published Since 1950
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