Acupressure for nausea relief: 3 quick acupressure points to treat nausea

Part 4: Easy Acupressure Technique for Nausea Using Zusanli (ST36)

Step 1: How to accurately locate ST36 acupoint

Locating the ST36 acupoint below the knee

• Find the lowest point of the kneecap.
• Measure down about four finger-widths from that point.
• This is an important landmark in acupressure to stop nausea related to the ST36 point.

Accurately locating the point on the shin bone

• Use the other hand to place a finger just below the little finger (the 4th finger you just measured).
• Move slightly towards the outside of the shin bone (lower leg).
• The slightly indented, easy-to-press spot is the acupoint you're looking for.

How to check if the acupoint is correct

• Gently flex and extend your foot up and down.
• If you feel the muscle in that area slightly "bulge" with the movement, you have located the correct spot.
• This is a practical tip to increase accuracy when applying acupressure to relieve nausea.

Which leg to start with?

• You can start with either the left or right leg.
• After pressing one side, you should switch to the other side to enhance effectiveness.
• Applying to both sides helps optimize acupressure to stop nausea at home.

Notes on locating ST36

• Absolute precision is not necessary; simply being in the correct general area will have an effect.
• Avoid confusing it with hard bone; look for a spot that feels slightly soft or gently taut when pressed.

Step 2: How to correctly press ST36 acupoint

Duration and pressure for ST36 acupoint

• Use your thumb or index + middle fingers to press on ST36.
• Maintain pressure for about 4-5 seconds per press.
• Apply firm, decisive pressure but do not cause pain to achieve effectiveness in acupressure to stop nausea.

Effective acupressure techniques

• You can maintain fixed pressure or gently rub up and down at the acupoint.
• Try combining both methods to find the most suitable sensation.
• Each time you press, focus on feeling the acupoint to optimize acupressure to relieve nausea.

Perform on both legs

• After pressing on one side, switch to the other leg.
• Applying to both sides helps enhance digestive support and nausea relief.

Frequency of application

• Can be performed multiple times a day when symptoms occur.
• Suitable when you need a quick way to relieve nausea at home without medication.

Notes on application

• Avoid pressing too hard to cause pain or discomfort.
• Combine with rest, drinking water, and light meals for faster improvement.
• If nausea persists, check for the cause to treat it thoroughly.

Part 5: Correctly pressing Jianyu (LI14) acupoint to relieve nausea

Step 1: How to locate LI14 (Hegu) acupoint

Location of LI14 acupoint on the hand

• Find the web space between your thumb and index finger on the back of your hand.
• This is an important point in acupressure to stop nausea when accompanied by pain.
• The acupoint is located in the raised muscle area when you gently bring these two fingers together.

How to accurately locate the acupoint

• Use the thumb of your other hand to gently feel the web space between your thumb and index finger.
• Move to the highest point of the muscle mass, where pressing causes a slight feeling of tension.
• This is the correct position for effective acupressure to relieve nausea.

When to use LI14 acupoint?

• Nausea accompanied by headaches or tension.
• Discomfort due to pain that easily causes nausea.
• Suitable when needing a quick way to relieve nausea related to pain factors.

Notes on locating the acupoint

• Absolute precision is not necessary; simply being in the correct general area will have an effect.
• Avoid confusing it with bone; choose a soft muscle point that is easy to press.
• Accurately locating the position significantly increases effectiveness when applied.

Step 2: How to press LI14 acupoint in 5 minutes

Duration and pressure for LI14 acupoint

• Use the pad of your thumb to press on LI14 with firm, even pressure.
• Maintain for about 5 minutes on each hand.
• Do not press too hard to cause pain; a slight feeling of tension or soreness is sufficient for effective acupressure to stop nausea.

Effective acupressure techniques

• Maintain fixed pressure or gently rotate in small circles.
• You can combine both methods to enhance the stimulation of the acupoint.
• This is a simple and easy-to-apply method for acupressure to relieve nausea at home.

Perform on both hands

• After pressing on one side, switch to the other hand.
• Applying to both sides helps enhance nausea and accompanying pain relief.

Frequency of daily application

• Can be repeated multiple times a day when symptoms occur.
• Suitable when you need a quick way to relieve nausea without medication.

Notes on application

• Avoid using excessive force, which can cause discomfort or pain.
• Effectiveness may be immediate or take a few minutes, depending on the individual.
• If nausea is prolonged or severe, the cause should be checked for proper treatment.

Part 6: Guide to pressing Ren12 (Zhongwan) acupoint to treat stomach pain

Step 1: How to press REN12 acupoint to relieve nausea

Where is REN12 acupoint located?

• REN12 (Zhongwan) acupoint is located in the middle of the abdomen, on the straight line connecting the navel to the chest.
• Location: approximately midway between the navel and the bottom of the sternum.
• This is an acupoint commonly used in acupressure to stop nausea related to the stomach.

When to use REN12 acupoint?

• Nausea accompanied by vomiting or discomfort in the stomach.
• Digestive disorders, bloating, indigestion.
• Suitable when needing acupressure to relieve nausea due to digestive issues.

Practical effectiveness of REN12 acupoint

• Can help reduce the feeling of nausea when you are vomiting.
• However, there is not much clear evidence of its ability to completely eliminate vomiting.
• It mainly helps soothe stomach discomfort.

Basic application method

• Gently press the acupoint area with moderate force.
• You can gently rub in circles to enhance relaxation of the abdominal area.
• Combine with slow, deep breathing to help relieve nausea faster.

Notes when applying acupressure to relieve nausea with REN12

• Avoid pressing too hard as the abdomen is sensitive.
• Do not apply when the stomach is too full or experiencing acute pain of unknown cause.
• If vomiting is prolonged or severe, seek medical attention for proper treatment.

Step 2: How to locate REN12 (Zhongwan) acupoint

Location of REN12 acupoint on the abdomen

• REN12 is located on the midline of the abdomen, between the navel and the intersection of the two costal margins.
• This is an important point in acupressure to relieve nausea related to the stomach and digestion.

How to accurately locate at home

• Lie on your back on a bed or flat surface, relaxing your body.
• Find your navel and the intersection of your two rib cages (the area below your chest).
• Locate the midpoint between these two positions – that is REN12.

Tips to help find the correct acupoint

• Use your hand to measure the distance from your navel to your chest and divide it in half.
• When you press gently, if you feel a slight fullness or sensitivity, you have found the correct spot.
• This is an important step to increase the effectiveness of acupressure to relieve nausea.

Notes when locating the acupoint

• It should be done when the stomach is not too full or too empty.
• Relax your abdominal muscles to easily locate the exact position.
• Correct identification helps improve effectiveness when applying acupressure to relieve nausea at home.

Step 3: How to acupressure REN12 for 5 minutes

How to position your hand correctly

• Use the heel of your hand (the palm near the wrist) to place on or just above the REN12 acupoint.
• Place the other hand on top to increase pressure and maintain stability.
• This is an important step in acupressure to relieve nausea in the abdominal area.

Acupressure and massage technique

• Press gently with moderate force, without causing pain.
• Combine with circular rubbing in a clockwise direction around the abdominal area.
• Maintain a steady, slow rhythm to support more effective acupressure for nausea relief.

Duration of practice

• Maintain the movement for about 5 minutes.
• Can be performed when feeling nauseous or stomach discomfort.

Actual effectiveness

• Helps soothe nausea, especially when related to digestion.
• Supports abdominal relaxation and reduces feelings of emptiness and discomfort.

Notes when applying

• Do not press too hard as the abdomen is sensitive.
• Avoid performing immediately after a full meal.
• If nausea is accompanied by severe or prolonged abdominal pain, you should see a doctor to check the cause.

Part 7: Is self-acupressure at home safe?

Is acupressure safe when done by yourself?

• Yes. It is a safe, non-invasive method with almost no side effects.
• You can apply acupressure for nausea relief at home without the need for support equipment.
• Suitable for many people, including pregnant women or those with underlying medical conditions (if done correctly).

Why is acupressure considered safe?

• Only uses hand pressure, does not introduce anything into the body.
• Does not cause injury if performed with moderate force.
• Many studies have recognized it as a supportive method worth trying in acupressure for nausea relief.

Effectiveness and limitations to be aware of

• Effectiveness may vary depending on individual constitution and the cause of nausea.
• Research is ongoing to determine the exact level of effectiveness and optimal acupoints.
• This is a supportive method, not a complete replacement for medical treatment.

Notes when applying acupressure to relieve nausea

• Avoid pressing too hard, which can cause pain or bruising.
• Stop if you feel unusual discomfort.
• If nausea is prolonged, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor to determine the cause.

Part 8: What is acupressure? Mechanism of pain relief and disease treatment

Meaning 1: What is acupressure and how does it work?

What is acupressure?

• It is a non-invasive therapy originating from Eastern medicine.
• Uses hand pressure on acupoints on the body to help relieve symptoms.
• Often applied in acupressure for nausea relief, pain, fatigue, and headaches.

Simple, easy-to-understand mechanism of action

• When acupoints are pressed, the body is stimulated to help reduce discomfort.
• May support qi and blood circulation and calm the nervous system.
• Thanks to this, acupressure for nausea relief has become a method chosen by many people.

How is it different from acupuncture?

• Acupressure: uses hands or tools to press, no needles.
• Acupuncture: uses specialized needles to stimulate acupoints.
• Because no needles are used, acupressure to relieve nausea at home is safer and easier to perform on your own.

How to apply in practice

• Can use fingers or supporting tools to apply pressure to acupoints.
• Perform anytime symptoms appear.
• Suitable for those seeking a natural, simple, and economical solution.

Notes when applying

• Does not completely replace medical treatment when necessary.
• Should be performed at the correct location and with the correct pressure to achieve the best results.
• Combine with a healthy lifestyle to increase long-term effectiveness.

Meaning 2: Mechanism of acupressure for nausea relief

Science is still researching the exact mechanism

• Although acupressure for nausea relief is commonly used, its mechanism of action is still being clarified.
• Many studies show a certain effectiveness, but there is no absolute conclusion for all cases.

According to Eastern medicine

• The body has a system of 12 meridians connecting the organs.
• When "qi" is blocked, the body experiences symptoms such as nausea, pain, or fatigue.
• Applying pressure to acupoints helps open the flow of energy, thereby supporting acupressure for nausea relief and improving the body's condition.

From a modern medical perspective

• When acupoints are pressed, nerve endings are stimulated.
• Pain and discomfort signals sent to the brain can be "modulated."
• The brain responds by releasing substances such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
• These substances help reduce nausea, relax the body, and improve mood.

Simple understanding for effective application

• Acupressure is like a "soft reset" of the nervous system and sensations in the body.
• Regardless of the explanation, the ultimate goal is to naturally reduce discomfort.
• Therefore, acupressure to relieve nausea at home is a practical, easy-to-try, and safe option for many people.

Notes when performing acupressure for nausea relief

Only light to moderate pressure is enough

• When performing acupressure to relieve nausea, only light to moderate pressure is needed.
• There is no need to apply strong force as it does not increase effectiveness and can easily cause pain.
• The correct sensation is a slight tightness, pleasant, not painful.

Stop if there are signs of discomfort

• Stop immediately if you feel unusual pain, numbness, or discomfort.
• Adjust the position or pressure if the sensation is not right.
• Safety is always the priority when applying acupressure for nausea relief at home.

When to seek medical attention instead of self-treatment?

• Prolonged nausea of unknown cause.
• Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting, extreme fatigue, or other unusual signs.
• These cases require medical examination and should not rely solely on acupressure for nausea relief.

Principles for effective and safe application

• Perform at the correct position, with the correct pressure, and for the correct duration.
• Combine with rest, hydration, and light meals.
• View acupressure as a supportive method, not a replacement for treatment when necessary.

References

1. World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014–2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2013.
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Acupuncture: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; updated 2022.
3. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Nausea and Vomiting: In Depth. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; updated 2021.
4. Lee A, Done ML. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004;(3):CD003281.
5. Ezzo J, Streitberger K, Schneider A. Cochrane systematic reviews examine P6 acupuncture-point stimulation for nausea and vomiting. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006;12(5):489–495.
6. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Acupuncture. Acupuncture. JAMA. 1998;280(17):1518–1524.
7. World Health Organization. Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002.
8. Dundee JW, Yang J, McMillan CM. Non-invasive stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) antiemetic point in cancer chemotherapy. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 1989;82(5):268–271.
9. Streitberger K, Ezzo J, Schneider A. Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2006;129(1–2):107–117.
10. Ouyang H, Chen JDZ. Therapeutic roles of acupuncture in functional gastrointestinal disorders. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2004;99(3):598–609.
    

Content edited by: Ashley Wright Nguyen.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Peter D'Aquino.