Exerting manual pressure on the Neiguan or P-6 acupuncture point (located about three finger-widths above the wrist on the inner arm) has long been a popular measure for alleviating nausea and motion sickness. Now British researchers report on a study designed to evaluate the scientific validity of this therapy. They reviewed the results of 33 clinical trials involving the use of stimulation of P-6 by needles, acupressure or electricity. The conditions being treated involved nausea or vomiting in connection with pregnancy, chemotherapy or surgery. In four of the trials acupuncture was administered under anesthesia and was found to be ineffective. In 27 of the remaining studies acupuncture was found to have a positive effect.
Vickers, A.J. Can acupuncture have specific effects on health? A systematic review of acupuncture antiemesis trials. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Vol. 89, 1996, pp. 303-11
