Relief Techniques for Nausea in Various Situations, such as Pregnancy and Anxiety
Acupressure, an alternative treatment, has gained popularity for its potential to alleviate symptoms of nausea and anxiety. By pressing on specific pressure points around the body, practitioners believe they can boost overall health and heal particular ailments.
One such pressure point, Nei Guan (P6), is located on the inner forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist crease. This point is strongly supported by evidence to reduce nausea related to pregnancy, postoperative conditions, and chemotherapy, as well as lessen anxiety. Shenmen (HT7), found at the wrist crease on the pinky side, is another commonly recommended point for anxiety relief, emotional restlessness, and improving sleep.
For those experiencing nausea due to emotional distress, Tai Chong (LV3), a pressure point on the top of the foot, slightly below the area where the big toe meets the second toe, may provide relief. Similarly, Zu San Li (ST36), a pressure point on the outer lower leg, a short distance below the knee, is believed to help with gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and vomiting.
Acupressure is a non-invasive and generally safe intervention that can be self-administered or performed by practitioners. Techniques include steady finger pressure, circular massage, or tapping on the identified acupoints. When performing acupressure, a person should be in a comfortable position and environment and can repeat acupressure sessions as many times as they want. They can perform acupressure therapy on themselves or ask someone else to massage their chosen pressure points.
Although there is a large body of research on acupuncture, few studies look at the effects of acupressure. However, some people may find it beneficial. It should not be used as a substitute for a doctor-approved treatment, though. If a person experiences chronic nausea with no clear cause, they should see a doctor. Nausea can sometimes be a symptom of a serious condition.
Research from 2019 suggests that acupressure may help reduce fatigue in people with migraine, although the study did not look at the effects of acupressure on nausea specifically. Another study from 2012 examined acupressure's effect on anxiety in people about to undergo surgery, and both the placebo and acupressure groups experienced a reduction in anxiety. However, there was a significant decrease in anxiety-related vital signs, such as rapid heartbeat and breathing, in those in the acupressure group.
Some research also suggests that acupressure may help with anxiety, which may, in some cases, reduce nausea. This is believed to occur through the promotion of the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin and the enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system activity, which calms the body.
The Youmen pressure point, located on either side of the upper stomach, just below the breastbone, may help with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Meanwhile, the He Gu pressure point, on the hand between the thumb and index finger, corresponds to the large intestine and may help with nausea due to headaches, digestion problems, and general pain. Yin Tang (Extra-1), on the forehead right between the eyebrows, may help relieve anxiety and minimize stress.
A study involving cancer patients with anxiety found that acupressure might help some people, and the study authors recommend acupressure as a complementary therapy because of its safety and accessibility.
In most cases, a person is safe to try acupressure, as it is not dangerous and can occur in conjunction with doctor-approved treatments. People should be more cautious during pregnancy, though. If a person has nausea that is chronic or occurs alongside other symptoms, they should see a doctor to rule out a possible underlying condition.
[1] Xu, X., Chen, Y., Zhang, Y., et al. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupressure for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(14-15), 2112-2123.
[2] Zhang, Z., Liu, Y., Chen, J., et al. (2012). The effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients undergoing surgery: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(12-13), 1744-1752.
[3] Peng, J., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). The efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 44(10), 1651-1660.
[4] White, A., & Niemtzow, R. (2017). Acupressure: A review of the literature. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(11), 835-842.
[5] Ernst, E., & White, A. (2007). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 27(6), 641-646.
- Acupressure, often used for nausea and anxiety relief, is gaining prominence as an alternative treatment.
- The Nei Guan (P6) pressure point, located three finger widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm, offers evidence-supported nausea reduction for pregnancy, postoperative conditions, chemotherapy, and anxiety.
- Shenmen (HT7), found at the wrist crease on the pinky side, is suggested for anxiety relief, emotional restlessness, and sleep improvement.
- For nausea caused by emotional distress, Tai Chong (LV3) on the top of the foot, below the big toe's meeting point with the second toe, can potentially provide relief.
- Zu San Li (ST36), on the outer lower leg below the knee, is believed to aid gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting.
- Acupressure involves beneficial, non-invasive techniques like steady finger pressure, circular massage, or tapping on identified points.
- Practitioners or individuals can perform acupressure sessions, ensuring comfort and a conducive environment, with multiple sessions possible.
- Despite limited research on acupressure, it could still benefit some people, not as a substitute for doctor-approved treatments, but as an additional resource.
- Chronic nausea without a clear cause necessitates a doctor's consultation, as it might indicate an underlying condition.
- A 2019 study suggests acupressure may help reduce fatigue in migraine sufferers, though its impact on nausea was not investigated.
- A 2012 study showed that acupressure and placebo both reduced anxiety, with acupressure offering additional benefits like lessened vital signs.
- Acupressure may help reduce anxiety, which can, in turn, lower nausea, thanks to endorphin and serotonin release and parasympathetic nervous system enhancement.
- The Youmen pressure point, situated below the breastbone on either side of the upper stomach, is linked to nausea and vomiting relief in pregnancy.
- The He Gu pressure point on the hand, between the thumb and index finger, might aid digestion problems, headaches, and general pain-related nausea.
- Yin Tang (Extra-1), on the forehead between the eyebrows, may help relieve anxiety and decrease stress.
- A study found that acupressure could be beneficial for cancer patients dealing with anxiety, recommending it as a complementary therapy for its safety and accessibility.
- In most cases, acupressure is generally safe for individuals to try, provided it does not interfere with doctor-approved treatments.
- Pregnant individuals may require extra caution due to nausea-related complications.
- chronic nausea with accompanying symptoms should be brought to a doctor's attention to address possible underlying conditions.
- Acupressure studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, have been published in respected journals such as Journal of Clinical Nursing and Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.
- Analyses of acupressure's role in managing conditions like postoperative nausea and migraine, as well as the effects on anxiety, have been extensively reviewed in journals like the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
- Acupressure's potential benefits extend beyond nausea and anxiety, including promising results for digestive health, eye health, cardiovascular health, and weight management, further highlighting its value in health and wellness, fitness, and exercise, combining with therapies, treatments, nutrition, and self-care practices, ultimately enhancing overall health in aging populations, men, women, and even those involved in sports like baseball, hockey, golf, or mixed martial arts, while supporting parenting and overall mental, neurological, and skin health.
