Acupressure for nausea

PC 6 Neiguan is one of the most thoroughly researched acupuncture points in the world. Trials published over four decades have shown clear effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea (now in MASCC/ESMO oncology guidelines), motion sickness, pregnancy morning sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting. The point can be self-pressed in seconds, stimulated with cheap Sea-Band wristbands, or needled in clinic. This page covers PC 6 plus two reinforcing points that broaden its effect on the digestive system.

The three core points

PC 6 (Neiguan) — “Inner Pass”

Location. On the inside of the forearm, three of your own finger-widths above the wrist crease, in the centre between the two prominent tendons that run along the inner wrist (palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis).

Technique. Press firmly with the opposite thumb, directing pressure straight down into the forearm. You should feel a clear ache or fullness when the point is correctly located. Sustained pressure for 1–2 minutes; release; repeat. For ongoing nausea (travel, pregnancy), Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands available from any pharmacy) maintain pressure continuously for hours.

Why. PC 6 descends rebellious Stomach Qi — the TCM mechanism behind nausea is the Stomach Qi rising upward when it should be descending. PC 6 reverses that direction. Modern research links its effect to vagal afferent stimulation and central anti-emetic pathways. Effective for almost any cause of nausea except acute mechanical bowel obstruction (which needs medical care, not acupressure).

ST 36 (Zusanli) — “Leg Three Miles”

Location. On the outside of the shin, four finger-widths below the lower border of the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the front edge of the shin bone (tibia).

Technique. Press firmly with the thumb. You should feel a strong dull ache. Sustained pressure for 1–2 minutes per side.

Why. ST 36 is the master tonification point of the Stomach channel. It strengthens digestive function generally and is particularly useful for nausea with weakness, fatigue or poor appetite. The classical combination “PC 6 + ST 36” addresses both the symptom (PC 6 descends the rebelling Qi) and the underlying weakness (ST 36 strengthens the Stomach).

CV 12 (Zhongwan) — “Middle Cavity”

Location. On the midline of the abdomen, exactly halfway between the bottom of the breastbone and the navel.

Technique. Press gently with the flat pads of the fingers or the soft heel of the palm. The abdomen is sensitive — pressure should be firm but never sharp. Hold for 1–2 minutes; you can add small circular motion.

Why. CV 12 is the Front-Mu point of the Stomach — the point on the abdomen that directly addresses Stomach function. Particularly useful for nausea accompanied by epigastric discomfort, fullness, or that “heavy in the stomach” feeling.

Routines for specific causes

Motion sickness / travel sickness

Apply Sea-Bands to both wrists before travelling. If symptoms begin despite the bands, press PC 6 manually with increased force, and add LI 4 (in the web between thumb and index finger) for general anti-nausea effect. Ginger sweets or ginger tea reinforce the points pharmacologically.

Morning sickness in pregnancy

PC 6 is the only point you should press during pregnancy — ST 36 is still safe but is less effective than the more powerful descending action of PC 6. Sea-Bands worn continuously through the first trimester provide steady relief without the side effects of anti-emetic medication. See the dedicated acupuncture for morning sickness page for the clinic-based approach in stubborn cases.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea

PC 6 alone, or PC 6 plus ST 36, used at the first sign of nausea on the day of and 2–3 days after each infusion. Acupressure works alongside — not instead of — prescribed anti-emetics. See the cancer supportive care page for the wider clinical approach.

Hangover nausea

PC 6 + LI 4 + sips of water. Resist the temptation to eat heavily — warm, easily digested food (broth, congee, plain toast) recovers Stomach function faster than a large fried breakfast.

When to see a doctor

Nausea with any of the following requires medical assessment:

1. Severe abdominal pain, especially with rigidity or rebound tenderness
2. Blood in vomit (red blood or “coffee grounds” appearance)
3. Inability to keep down any fluids for more than 24 hours
4. Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion or photophobia
5. Recent head injury
6. Signs of pregnancy with severe persistent vomiting (possible hyperemesis gravidarum)

Browse the full acupressure hub for guides on other conditions, or the PC 6 page for the deeper clinical profile of this most-researched point.