Stop Nausea With Acupressure

It seems that nausea is a part of life, whether you're experiencing pregnancy, a hangover, chemotherapy treatment, or motion sickness. While you may have heard of acupuncture, a therapy using needles, acupressure is a therapy that simply relies on massaging key pressure points to relieve symptoms. Acupressure is a quick, inexpensive way to deal with nausea, without harmful side effects, although research is still needed to prove its effectiveness.[1]Teach yourself the pressure points, then apply your fingers or a wristband, and begin feeling relief!

Steps

Using Your Fingers

  1. Relax and position your arms. Place your arms directly in front of you with the fingers pointing up and palms facing you. Relax your shoulders and take several deep breaths.
    • While you can perform acupressure anywhere, try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
  2. Locate the pressure point on your arm. With your opposite hand, place 3 fingers below the crease of your wrist. Place your thumb right below them and center it in between the two large tendons. This is the pressure point.[2][3]
    • Specifically, you're looking for the P6, or inner gate, pressure point which relieves nausea. The same point on the opposite side of your arm is known as the SJ5, or outer gate.
  3. Use your fingers to press on the pressure point. Take your thumb and index or middle finger and press firmly on the point on both sides of the wrist when you feel nauseous. Then gently, but firmly rub the point using a circular motion for several minutes. You may immediately feel relief, but it can sometimes take up to five minutes.[2]
    • Repeat the process with your other wrist.
  4. Gently tap your wrists together at the acupressure points. Simply do several quick taps while taking deep breaths. It doesn't matter which arm happens to be on top. If you like, you can alternate arms. Do this for several minutes, until you begin feeling relief.
    • For some, tapping or rubbing the wrists may seem easier than locating and massaging the P6 pressure point. Try tapping if you're still struggling to locate the exact pressure point.
  5. Locate the pressure point below your knee. Find the bottom of your kneecap and measure four fingers below it. With your opposite hand, place a finger right below the lowest measuring finger (your pinky), on the outside of your shinbone. If you've correctly found the pressure point, a muscle will flex if you move your foot up and down.[4][5]
    • Specifically, you're looking for the ST36, or three miles, pressure point, which is one of the most widely used pressure points, providing nourishment and energy.[6]
  6. Apply pressure to the point below your knee. Use your finger, fingernail, or heel of the opposite foot to apply firm pressure. You can keep pressure on it without any massage or you can rub up and down on the point. Either way, keep pressure on the point for several minutes.[4]

Using a Wristband

  1. Purchase a wristband. Anti-nausea wristbands are designed to apply pressure to the correct pressure point on your wrist. They usually have a knob or flat button positioned over the acupressure point. Several styles are available and are made from knitted fabric, plastic, or woven nylon.
    • Choose a band based on your own preferences, budget, and sense of style.
  2. Make your own wristband. If you don't want to spend money on a band, you can put together one using a wristwatch or sweatband and a small stone or button. Simply place the stone or button underneath the band and secure.[7]
  3. Locate the pressure point on your arm. With your opposite hand, place 3 fingers below the crease of your wrist. Place your thumb right below them and center it in between the two large tendons. This is the pressure point.[2][3]
    • Specifically, you're looking for the P6, or inner gate, pressure point which relieves nausea. The same point on the opposite side of your arm is known as the P5, or outer gate.
  4. Correctly position the wristband. Make sure the knob, button, bead, or stone is directly covering the pressure point. Then, secure the band so you feel medium to firm pressure on that spot. The wristband should not slide or wiggle around your wrist, but be set firmly in place.
    • Make sure the wristband is not too tight. You should not feel pain; if you do, loosen the band.
    • You might feel relief as soon as you put it on, but after your body grows accustomed to the pressure, you'll need to press down on the acupressure point for extra relief.[3]



Tips

  • Light pressure is usually effective. Don't squeeze down too hard! Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
  • Relax both arms and shoulders.

Warnings

  • If you suffer from chronic nausea, you should definitely seek medical attention even if the technique works. It is only a quick fix.
  • These are acupressure points, not acupuncture points. Do not use needles!

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/122657.php
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/resources/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://articles.latimes.com/2007/aug/13/health/he-skeptic13
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://natural-herbal-remedies.knoji.com/one-point-healing-acupressure-point-st-36/
  5. ↑ http://www.eclecticenergies.com/acupressure/points.php?name=ST-36
  6. ↑ http://acutakehealth.com/why-are-you-doing-that-point-st36
  7. ↑ http://www.motion-sickness-guru.com/acupressure-wrist-bands-and-bracelets.html
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