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Most people experience nausea at some point in their life. When crackers and sips of water won't alleviate it, acupressure just might. Whether you're experiencing nausea due to a virus, pregnancy, car or boat motion, or as a side effect from chemotherapy, acupressure may help ease the discomfort of nausea. Other people may experience chronic nausea due to stress, anxiety, overeating, or the use of drugs or alcohol. No matter what the underlying reason for nausea, acupressure can be useful.
Acupressure is based on eastern medicine and akin to acupuncture.
However, by simply knowing the pressure points that can relieve nausea, acupressure can be self-applied to ease the symptom -- without the use of needles or punctures found in acupuncture.
Acupressure works by clearing the body's energy points and allowing the energy to flow without obstacle throughout the body.
Common Pressure Points to Relieve Nausea
- P-6: Located on the inner arm near the wrist. Hold your hand palm facing up, then place three fingers of your opposite hand across the wrist with the thumb on the inside of the wrist beneath the index finger. You'll feel two large tendons; massage the area with the thumb for approximately two minutes, then repeat on the opposite wrist.
- Large Intestine Point IV: Found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. Apply pressure for approximately three minutes, then switch to the opposite hand.
- Stomach 36: Located underneath the knee, near the shinbone. Massage this area for approximately three minutes.
- Stomach 44: Take off your shoes for this pressure point. Located between the second and third toe, apply pressure to the webbing. Massage for a few minutes to feel nausea relief.
- Conception Vessel IX: This pressure point is a bit trickier to reach if you're around other people, but it is very effective at relieving nausea. Find your navel and go up about an inch. Apply pressure to this pressure point for five minutes. This pressure points also helps relieve constipation and gas pain.
Acupressure Benefits to Combat Nausea
While there are many certified acupressure therapists out there, sometimes nausea hits when you're unable to immediately get to a therapist. So, it's common to undergo acupressure at home with the help of someone else or on your own.
If possible, get into a comfortable position and wear loose-fitting clothing before an acupressure session. Loose clothing is recommended to avoid any energy blocks coming from tight clothing -- such as jeans -- that may restrict an area of the body or another pressure point.
Some acupressure can be accomplished through using your fingers and hands. Others may require a stronger instrument. The Q-Flex is one acupressure tool that can help the user reach tough places on their own. Find out more about Q-Flex at GetQFlex.com
Please note that if you suffer from a chronic condition and are under the care of a physician, be sure to ask before performing acupressure on yourself. This is true for those undergoing chemotherapy and those who are pregnant.
