Effect of Acupressure on Nausea and Vomiting: An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with surgery and anesthesia, chemotherapy, pregnancy, and several medical conditions. Although pharmacological antiemetic therapy is an important component of management, complementary non-pharmacological approaches have attracted attention because they may be inexpensive, non-invasive, and relatively easy to administer. Acupressure, particularly stimulation of the P6 or PC6 point on the inner wrist, has been studied as a complementary approach for preventing and reducing nausea and vomiting. This evidence-based review examines the proposed mechanisms, commonly used approaches, and clinical evidence for acupressure across postoperative and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Systematic-review evidence suggests that P6 stimulation can reduce postoperative nausea, vomiting, and the need for rescue antiemetic medication compared with sham treatment, although the magnitude of benefit and its consistency vary by clinical setting. Evidence in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting suggests reductions in acute and delayed nausea, while effects on vomiting are less consistent. Recent evidence also supports P6 and auricular acupressure as potentially useful complementary therapies for chemotherapy-induced symptoms, although standardization remains necessary. Acupressure should therefore be regarded as an adjunct to appropriate antiemetic care rather than a replacement for pharmacological treatment.