Acupressure
Specifically for Morning Sickness
0 up • 0 down
Why it works for Morning Sickness:
Targets the P6 (Neiguan) point, on the inner wrist. Stimulation of P6 appears to modulate the vagus nerve and nausea pathways; physiologic studies show increased vagal tone with P6 stimulation, and anti-nausea effects are also seen in postoperative/chemotherapy settings—suggesting a shared mechanism for nausea reduction. Europe PMC
Guideline/consensus context: Outside pregnancy, major anesthesia guidelines recognize P6 stimulation as reducing postoperative nausea/vomiting compared with sham (evidence level A1). This doesn’t prove it works in pregnancy, but it strengthens biological plausibility. ScienceDirect
How to use for Morning Sickness:
Option A — Use your fingers (self-acupressure)
- Find P6: Palm up, measure three finger-breadths down from the wrist crease, in the groove between the two prominent tendons (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Press and circle on the point with a firm but comfortable pressure for 2–3 minutes. Repeat on the other wrist. You can do this a few times per day or when nausea starts. (MSK has clear pictures.) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Visual, clinician-written instructions (with photos): Memorial Sloan Kettering’s “Acupressure for Nausea & Vomiting.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Option B — Wear acupressure wristbands (e.g., “Sea-Band” style)
- These bands place a small stud over P6 and provide continuous gentle pressure. The NHS notes there’s some evidence they can help pregnancy nausea. Place the stud exactly over the same P6 spot (as above) and wear as needed. nhs.uk
Scientific Evidence for Morning Sickness:
2023/2024 systematic review & meta-analysis (11 RCTs, n≈1,378)
- Found acupressure improved nausea/vomiting symptom scores versus sham or control. Adverse effects were minimal. Authors conclude effects are encouraging but stronger data are still needed. SpringerLink
Hyperemesis gravidarum RCT (2022, open-access):
- Hospitalized patients with severe NVP/HG wearing P6 bands three times daily had significantly better PUQE scores within 8–24 hours, needed fewer rescue antiemetics, and had faster ketone clearance than controls. MDPI
Pregnancy RCTs with wristbands (examples):
- Randomized/controlled trials using P6 acupressure bands reported reductions in nausea/vomiting frequency or severity vs placebo or control; not all outcomes are uniformly positive across studies, contributing to the “mixed” overall picture. Jognn
Cochrane overview (interventions in early pregnancy):
- Reviews multiple treatments (including P6 acupressure). Some trials show benefit, but effects are inconsistent, and overall certainty is limited—hence the call for better trials. Cochrane
Specific Warnings for Morning Sickness:
Skin/circulation checks: Don’t press on broken, irritated, or infected skin. If using bands, avoid excessive tightness and move them periodically to prevent pressure-marks. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Know when acupressure isn’t enough: If you have signs of dehydration (very dark urine or not urinating ≥8 hours), can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours, feel faint/dizzy, have abdominal pain, fever, vomit blood, or are losing weight, contact your clinician—these may signal hyperemesis gravidarum and need medical care. nhs.uk
Use as an adjunct, not a substitute: Acupressure is drug-free and generally safe, but standard first-line treatments still apply. ACOG recommends vitamin B6 (± doxylamine) as initial pharmacologic options when lifestyle measures aren’t enough; discuss meds if symptoms persist. ACOG
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Acupressure is a traditional healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves applying gentle but firm physical pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, using the fingers, palms, elbows, or special tools. These acupoints lie along meridians — energy pathways believed to carry “Qi” (life force) throughout the body.
The goal of acupressure is to restore balance in the body’s energy flow, thereby promoting relaxation, pain relief, and overall wellness. It is considered a non-invasive alternative to acupuncture (which uses needles) and is widely used for both preventive health care and treatment of various conditions.
How It Works
From a TCM perspective, acupressure works by stimulating meridian points to remove energy blockages and enhance the flow of Qi. Each acupoint corresponds to specific organs and physiological systems. By pressing these points, practitioners aim to restore equilibrium between Yin and Yang, the complementary forces governing the body’s health.
From a modern scientific viewpoint, several mechanisms have been proposed:
- Neurological Stimulation: Pressure on acupoints activates sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain, releasing endorphins (natural painkillers) and neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and pain.
- Improved Circulation: Stimulating acupoints may enhance blood and lymph flow, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues while removing waste products.
- Muscle Relaxation: Applying pressure can release tension in muscles, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.
- Psychological Effects: The rhythmic, mindful nature of acupressure can induce relaxation and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
Why It’s Important
Acupressure holds importance for both preventive and therapeutic reasons:
- Pain Management: Effective in relieving headaches, back pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and chronic muscle pain without medication.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Helps lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation, benefiting mental well-being.
- Holistic Wellness: Encourages balance between body and mind, aligning with integrative and self-healing approaches to health.
- Accessibility: It’s simple, low-cost, and can often be self-administered, making it a practical tool for everyday wellness.
- Complementary Care: Often used alongside conventional medicine to enhance recovery and reduce side effects (e.g., in cancer care, for nausea and fatigue).
Considerations
While acupressure is generally safe, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
- Medical Conditions: People with serious conditions (e.g., heart disease, cancer, fractures, open wounds, or infectious skin disorders) should consult a healthcare provider before treatment.
- Pregnancy: Some acupoints, especially those around the abdomen and lower back, can stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided unless under professional supervision.
- Technique: Incorrect pressure or prolonged stimulation can cause bruising or discomfort. Proper technique and knowledge of acupoint locations are crucial.
- Complementary Role: Acupressure should not replace medical treatment for severe or life-threatening conditions—it’s best used as a complementary therapy.
- Professional Guidance: A certified acupressure or TCM practitioner can tailor treatments to individual needs and ensure safe practice.
Helps with these conditions
Acupressure is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Morning Sickness
Targets the P6 (Neiguan) point, on the inner wrist. Stimulation of P6 appears to modulate the vagus nerve and nausea pathways; physiologic studies sho...
Lung Cancer
Symptom relief via nervous-system and endorphin mechanisms (similar to acupuncture)Major cancer organizations describe acupressure/acupuncture as inte...
Community Discussion
Share results, tips, and questions about Acupressure.
Loading discussion...
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!
Discussion for Morning Sickness
Talk specifically about using Acupressure for Morning Sickness.
Loading discussion...
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!
Remedy Statistics
Helps With These Conditions
Recommended Products
No recommended products added yet.