Introduction
Sudden waves of nausea after eating, dizziness sweeping over you—these are concerns that disrupt daily life. Before relying on medication, you can relieve symptoms within 1-5 minutes by stimulating acupoints on your hands, feet, and abdomen. Especially in emergency situations, you can see immediate effects without medication, which is why many people prefer this approach. In this article, I’ll provide detailed information about five acupoints for nausea relief based on the Dongui Bogam and meridian theory, along with self-acupressure techniques.
Five Acupoints Effective for Nausea
1. Stomach 36 (ST36)
Location: 3 cun (approximately 10cm) below the knee, at one thumb-width to the lateral side of the anterior surface of the tibia. This is the hollow area you’ll find when following down the shin from the outer side of the knee.
Benefits: ST36 strengthens digestive function and promotes stomach peristalsis, fundamentally relieving nausea. It is also known as an acupoint for building stamina and enhancing immunity.
Technique: Sit in a chair and extend your legs comfortably. Press vertically with your thumb and hold for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10 times on each leg. Gentle pressing is more effective than strong pressure.
2. Pericardium 6 (PC6)
Location: 2 cun (approximately 5-6cm) up the forearm from the wrist crease toward the elbow. This is the hollow area between two tendons (the palmaris longus tendon and the flexor carpi radialis tendon).
Benefits: PC6 is the acupoint that provides the fastest relief for nausea. It alleviates symptoms within 1-2 minutes and is excellent for calming mind and body while promoting digestion. It is also effective for motion sickness from planes and cars.
Technique: Gently press with the thumb of your opposite hand. Maintain pressure for 5 seconds while breathing slowly, then release, and repeat. Do 10 repetitions on each arm. It works best when done after meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. Conception Vessel 12 (CV12)
Location: 4 cun (approximately 12cm) above the navel. Find the exact midpoint between the xiphoid process (breastbone) and the navel on the midline.
Benefits: CV12 is an acupoint that regulates all stomach functions. It comprehensively relieves abdominal discomfort, indigestion, and nausea, and is particularly effective for stress-related nausea.
Technique: This technique is more effective when done while lying down. Place four fingers overlapped and apply acupressure to the area around the CV12 point in circular motions. Massage gently for 2-3 minutes. It is even more effective if done 1 hour after meals.
4. Stomach 44 (ST44)
Location: Between the second and third toes, in the webbed area between the toes. This is the point between the toes where perspiration occurs.
Benefits: ST44 calms the nervous system and rapidly relieves nausea. It is particularly effective for stress-related nausea or nausea caused by tension, and also promotes digestion.
Technique: While sitting, stimulate the acupoint by pressing firmly with the thumb and index finger of your opposite hand. Repeat pressing for 5 seconds 10 times on each foot. Light stimulation with the fingernail is also effective.
5. Gallbladder 34 (GB34)
Location: The hollow depression in front of and below the head of the fibula (the bone on the outer side of the knee). Located approximately 1 cun below the knee. Pressing with your finger produces a popping sensation.
Benefits: GB34 improves liver function and regulates the entire digestive system. It is a comprehensive acupoint that not only relieves nausea but also simultaneously alleviates fatigue, headaches, and abdominal bloating.
Technique: Sit in a chair and extend your legs. Press the GB34 point vertically with your thumb while making small circular motions. It is recommended to massage each leg for 3 minutes. Moderate stimulation is most effective.
5-Minute Self-Care Routine
Follow this 5-minute routine if you want to quickly relieve nausea:
Step 1 (30 seconds): Pericardium 6 (PC6) Acupressure — press slowly for 15 seconds on each arm
Step 2 (1 minute): Stomach 36 (ST36) Acupressure — repeat 10 times, 30 seconds on each leg
Step 3 (1 minute): Conception Vessel 12 (CV12) Massage — massage gently in circular motions while lying down
Step 4 (30 seconds): Stomach 44 (ST44) Acupressure — repeat 5 times, 15 seconds on each foot
Step 5 (1 minute): Gallbladder 34 (GB34) Massage — make small circular motions, 30 seconds on each leg
If you perform this routine daily after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can improve the underlying cause of nausea. If you are in a hurry, you can see quick results by doing just PC6 and ST36 for 2-3 minutes.
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