Acupressure for Nausea: How It Works and What the Research Says

When nausea hits—whether from motion sickness, pregnancy, chemo, or a bad stomach bug—acupressure for nausea, a hands-on technique that applies pressure to specific points on the body to ease symptoms. Also known as pressure point therapy, it’s been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and is now backed by modern clinical studies. Unlike pills, it doesn’t require a prescription, doesn’t cause drowsiness, and works fast. You don’t need special tools—just your fingers.

The most studied point for nausea is the P6 point, a pressure point located on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the base of the palm. Research from the National Institutes of Health and multiple randomized trials show that pressing P6 reduces nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, pregnant women with morning sickness, and even travelers with motion sickness. One 2020 review of 11 studies found that P6 stimulation worked as well as anti-nausea drugs in many cases, without the side effects. You don’t need to be a professional to use it—just find the spot between the two tendons on your inner wrist and press firmly with your thumb for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat on both wrists.

Acupressure doesn’t just target one point. Other related areas like the LI4 point, on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, and gentle massage of the abdomen can also help calm the digestive system. These aren’t magic tricks—they’re physiological responses. Pressure on these points sends signals to your brain that reduce the activity in the vomiting center and lower stress hormones like cortisol, which often worsen nausea.

What’s great about this approach is that it fits into real life. You can use it while sitting in a car, standing in line at the pharmacy, or lying in bed during early pregnancy. It pairs well with other natural options like ginger tea or peppermint oil, which show up in several of the posts below. There’s no risk of overdose, no interaction with your meds, and no waiting for a refill.

Some people swear by wristbands that apply constant pressure to P6—those work too. But if you’re in a pinch and don’t have one, your fingers are just as good. The key is consistency: press for at least 30 seconds, breathe deeply, and repeat if needed. It’s not a cure-all, but for mild to moderate nausea, it’s one of the most reliable tools you can carry with you.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on natural ways to manage nausea and related symptoms—from herbal supplements that support digestion to how certain medications might trigger or worsen nausea. Whether you’re looking for alternatives to pills, ways to reduce side effects, or simple tricks that work without a prescription, the posts here give you practical, no-fluff advice you can use today.