There is new evidence that stimulation of an acupoint in the wrists can help reduce nausea symptoms which affect up to 80 percent of the people who receive general anesthesia.
The conclusion is based on a review of 40 studies including 4,858 patients and conducted by Anna Lee of the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
It found stimulation of the Pericardium (P6) point in the wrist prevents nausea and vomiting. One type of acupressure involves wearing a wristband that presses down on the P6 point.
The stimulation activates a nerve signal which prompts the brain to release neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine or endorphins, explains Lixing Lao, a licensed acupuncturist and director at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
“[These] block the other chemicals that cause the sickness in the central [nervous] system [so] the patient wont feel that sick or nauseated,” the expert adds.
The importance of the finding stems from the fact that traditional anti-emetic medications are expensive and they may have unpleasant side effects.
Health practitioners have also recommended herbal supplements, especially those containing peppermint or ginger root, to relieve symptoms of nausea. 