P6 (Neiguan) acupressure

What It Is

P6, also known as Neiguan (translated as “Inner Gate”), is an acupressure point located on the inner forearm, about two to three finger widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons that run along the center of the arm (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis). It is one of the most commonly used points in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern complementary therapies.

In acupuncture theory, P6 belongs to the Pericardium meridian, which is associated with emotional balance, heart regulation, and energy flow to the chest and abdomen.

How It Works

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stimulation of P6 helps regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the Pericardium meridian. This is believed to harmonize the heart and stomach, calm the mind (Shen), and relieve blockages that can cause symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, palpitations, or chest tightness.

From a biomedical perspective, several physiological mechanisms have been proposed:

1. Neurotransmitter modulation: Pressure on P6 appears to stimulate nerve fibers that influence the central nervous system, leading to the release of endorphins and serotonin, which help reduce pain and nausea.
2. Vagal nerve activation: Studies suggest that P6 stimulation may activate the vagus nerve, improving regulation of the gastrointestinal system and heart rate, thereby reducing nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
3. Autonomic balance: By influencing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, P6 acupressure can help restore balance between stress (fight-or-flight) and relaxation (rest-and-digest) responses.

Why It’s Important

P6 acupressure holds significant value both in traditional healing systems and modern clinical practice due to its broad range of therapeutic effects:

• Nausea and vomiting control: Clinical trials have shown that P6 stimulation helps reduce nausea associated with motion sickness, pregnancy (morning sickness), postoperative recovery, and chemotherapy.
• Anxiety and stress relief: It is often used to calm the mind and alleviate symptoms of nervous tension, insomnia, or panic.
• Cardiac and respiratory support: In TCM, P6 is considered beneficial for heart-related issues like palpitations or chest pain, as it supports circulation and emotional stability.
• Digestive balance: Because it affects both the chest and stomach regions, it can help relieve indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort caused by emotional stress.

Its noninvasive nature and ease of use make it a popular self-care technique—for example, wristbands applying constant pressure to P6 are commercially available for motion sickness prevention.

Considerations

While P6 acupressure is generally safe and gentle, several considerations should be kept in mind:

• Proper location and technique: The point must be accurately located for effectiveness. Applying firm, steady pressure for several minutes on both wrists can be done manually or using specialized bands.
• Medical conditions: Individuals with severe heart problems, circulatory disorders, or skin injuries at the wrist area should consult a healthcare professional before use.
• Complementary role: P6 acupressure should not replace medical treatment for serious conditions like heart disease, severe nausea, or anxiety disorders. It works best as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care.
• Pregnancy: While generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s advisable to confirm with a practitioner, as acupressure on some points can influence uterine contractions.
• Individual response: Effectiveness can vary. Some people may feel immediate relief, while others may require repeated sessions for noticeable benefits.