A wristband for motion sickness?
If you do some reading at acupressure wristband manufacturer Sea-Band’s webpage, you will find that their wristbands allegedly start working after only 5 minutes, even if the symptoms are already present. The wristbands can be worn for as long as you like, and there is no risk of side-effects or contraindications. But do they work?
Most of the wristbands intended for use by people suffering from nausea are based on the theory which acupressure is also built upon. Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, acupressure involves manual pressure which stimulates certain pressure points. This stimulation is thought to enhance energies flowing through the body, thus improving a person’s state of health.
Nausea in itself is not an illness but rather a feeling which could be a sign of illness. Nausea occurs when a certain part of the brainstem called the vomiting centre or CTZ is affected. This can happen due to a build-up of the brain’s natural transmitter substances or a build-up of toxins. These toxins may come from bacteria in food, or they can stem from actual toxic substances or from medications. They may, however, also be the result of a build-up of the body’s own waste matter, for instance in the event of kidney or liver failure.
The effect of acupressure is based on several principles. Firstly, the blood circulation in the stimulated area is increased. This promotes the release of natural painkillers called endorphins. In addition, acupressure promotes muscle relaxation because acupressure points coincide with motor points in the muscles.
Does it work?
The most important point in the management of nausea is called Pericardium 6/P6/PC6. Stimulating this point calms the mind and helps your body relax. In addition, it activates a special meridian in the body, leading to harmony in the connection between vital organs. The theory behind this states that vital energy, called Qi, flows through these channels/meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians which connect organs into networks organised into a system of communication all over the body. According to theory, a blocked meridian is out of balance, and in this situation illness can develop.
P6 is located three finger breadths below the wrist on the inner forearm between the two tendons. Stimulate the area by taking your thumb and index or middle finger and pressing firmly on each side of the wrist when you feel nauseous. After this, gently but firmly rub the point using a circular motion for several minutes. Some will experience immediate relief, but it can sometimes take up to five minutes.
What does the results show?
Several studies have examined the effect of wristbands made to apply pressure to the P6 acupressure point and thus to relieve nausea. Among others, a study from 2004 found that regardless of whether the wristband was worn correctly or not, there was no beneficial effect associated with neither the wristband or a placebo. Another study from 2001, however, found a significant effect of wristbands applying pressure to the P6 in terms of reducing nausea compared to the wristbands that do not apply pressure to this point (placebo). Both the number of episodes of nausea and the severity of nausea for the treatment group were significantly lower than for the placebo group. The participants included pregnant women, as pregnancy is often associated with nausea. A study from 2015 examined the effect of wristbands applying pressure to P6 in terms of reducing nausea after surgery. Here, researchers observed a significant effect as well – an effect comparable to the effect of antiemetics (drugs that relieve nausea and vomiting).
In addition to those mentioned above, there is a vast array of studies in the field, where some find an effect and others don’t. Therefore, it is difficult to make conclusions regarding the effect of the wristbands. As mentioned earlier, the theory behind the alleged effect is based upon the theory of acupressure. Whether you or those closest to you will benefit from using these wristbands when you feel nauseous in the future is difficult to know for sure. The only option is to try it for yourself.
Sources:
