P6 (Neiguan) acupressure
Specifically for Breast Cancer
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Why it works for Breast Cancer:
What it targets: P6 is on the inner wrist, between the two tendons, ~3 finger-breadths from the wrist crease. Stimulation of this point has been studied for anti-nausea effects in surgery and cancer care. Memorial Sloan Kettering’s patient guide lists P6 for nausea/vomiting and explains where to find it and how to press it. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Physiology (what’s plausibly going on): Trials and reviews suggest P6 stimulation can modulate vagal pathways and gastric rhythm—mechanisms tied to the nausea reflex. For example, studies report increased vagal modulation and changes in gastric slow waves with P6 stimulation. World Scientific
Guideline perspective: Recent MASCC/ESMO integrative antiemetic guidance reviewed non-drug options; acupuncture/electroacupuncture received suggestions in some settings, but evidence quality issues limited strong recommendations for several modalities. SpringerLink
The Oncology Nursing Society’s 2025 evaluation notes conflicting evidence for acupressure and explicitly says electrical stimulation at PC6 is not recommended; non-pharmacologic methods should be used in addition to guideline antiemetics. ons.org
How to use for Breast Cancer:
Finger pressure (self-applied):
- Turn your palm toward you; place 3 fingers just below the wrist crease on the inner forearm.
- The point is between the two tendons where your thumb lands after measuring.
- Press firmly (not painfully) in small circles for 2–3 minutes; repeat on the other wrist. You can do this a few times per day or when nausea starts. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Video/clinical handout examples:
• North Bristol NHS Trust shows the technique to prevent or treat nausea after anesthesia (applies similarly for treatment-related nausea). nbt.nhs.uk
• Dana-Farber’s how-to article covers acupressure for vomiting/nausea from cancer therapy with P6 location tips. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Wristbands/devices:
• Elastic Sea-Band® style bands apply constant pressure to P6; studies are mixed in chemotherapy settings. jpsmjournal.com
• Electrical acustimulation (e.g., Reliefband®) stimulates P6 with a small current; again, evidence is mixed in cancer, and ONS 2025 does not recommend electrical P6 stimulation for CINV. oceanmedix.com
Scientific Evidence for Breast Cancer:
Breast-cancer–specific randomized trials
- Suh 2012 (Oncology Nursing Forum): 120 women with breast cancer (adjuvant chemo). P6 acupressure plus nurse counseling reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV) versus control; suggests synergy with education/expectation management. onf.ons.org
- Cohen & Israel 2007 (Oncology Nursing Forum) RCT in women on moderately–highly emetogenic chemo (many breast-cancer regimens): active P6 vs placebo point vs usual care; reported benefits on nausea experience (free PDF access via repository). Academia
- Palliative & Supportive Care 2014: Breast-cancer cohort—P6 acupressure associated with reductions in nausea/vomiting/anxiety. (Smaller/older, but breast-cancer–specific.) Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Mixed-cancer RCTs & reviews (include breast cancer participants)
- Systematic review/meta-analysis (Supportive Care in Cancer, 2023): PC6 acupressure showed effectiveness for preventing/treating nausea/vomiting overall, while calling for larger, higher-quality RCTs. SpringerLink
- Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024 review: Concluded P6 and auricular acupressure can reduce CINV in various cancers, though heterogeneity exists. SAGE Journals
- Older multicenter/other trials: Acupressure and acustimulation bands studied with mixed results—some showing benefit, others not superior to placebo. jpsmjournal.com
Guidelines & evidence summaries
- Oncology Nursing Society (2025) PEP evaluation: Evidence conflicting; electrical PC6 not recommended for adult CINV; use non-drug measures with standard antiemetics. (PDF) ons.org
- MASCC/ESMO (2023/24) integrative guidance: Limited strength due to methodological issues; provides only selective suggestions for some integrative therapies; overall, stronger evidence remains with standard pharma antiemetics. SpringerLink
- MSK patient education: Includes P6 for chemo-related nausea with clear self-care instructions (as above). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Specific Warnings for Breast Cancer:
It’s not cancer treatment. Use P6 only as a comfort measure with your prescribed antiemetics (per oncology guidelines). ons.org
Lymphedema risk/affected arm: If you’ve had lymph nodes removed or radiation, avoid constrictive bands or devices on a lymphedema-affected or at-risk arm. Choose the opposite arm for bands or use manual pressure instead; follow your lymphedema team’s advice. LBBC
Skin issues: Don’t press on areas with open wounds, peeling/blistered skin, rashes, signs of infection, or recent radiation dermatitis (MSK lists these explicitly). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Low platelets / bleeding tendency: During chemo, platelets can drop. Gentle acupressure is usually low risk, but reduce pressure and check with your team if you have thrombocytopenia or bruise easily. (Acupuncture needles are a separate issue and are often avoided at very low counts.) Liebert Publications
Electrical wrist devices (acustimulation): If you have a pacemaker/ICD, be cautious with electrical P6 bands due to possible electromagnetic interference; discuss with your cardiology/oncology team and the device manufacturer. Manual finger pressure has no EMI risk. www.heart.org
Pregnancy: P6 is commonly used for morning sickness and is not on the “forbidden” list, but if you’re pregnant, follow obstetric advice and avoid vigorous pressure on sensitive or injured skin. (General acupressure cautions.) Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
General Information (All Ailments)
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Helps with these conditions
P6 (Neiguan) 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
Breast Cancer
What it targets: P6 is on the inner wrist, between the two tendons, ~3 finger-breadths from the wrist crease. Stimulation of this point has been studi...
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