Motion sickness, or kinetosis, results from a conflict between the body’s senses, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Motion sickness bands, often called acupressure wristbands, are a widely available non-pharmacological option designed to alleviate these feelings. This article investigates the scientific basis and efficacy of these wristbands to determine if they offer reliable relief.
The Acupressure Principle
The theory behind motion sickness bands rests on the stimulation of a single spot on the inner forearm known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as the Pericardium 6 (P6) point, or Neiguan point. Applying pressure to this specific point is thought to modulate the body’s internal signals related to nausea. In TCM, the P6 point is believed to be part of a meridian that connects to the chest, diaphragm, and stomach, influencing energy flow that controls nausea and vomiting.
From a Western physiological perspective, the proposed mechanism involves the median nerve, situated directly beneath the P6 point. Continuous pressure on this nerve is hypothesized to send signals that interfere with the information traveling from the inner ear’s balance system (vestibular system) to the brain’s vomiting center. This neural interference is theorized to calm gastric distress and prevent motion sickness symptoms.
What Clinical Studies Show
The question of whether these bands actually work is complicated by a body of research that presents mixed and often contradictory findings. Many laboratory studies designed to induce motion sickness, such as those using rotating chairs, have concluded that acupressure bands offer no significant benefit beyond a placebo effect. In one controlled trial, subjects exposed to a nauseogenic motion challenge showed a significant increase in tolerance when given medication, but experienced no comparable improvement with the acupressure band or a placebo. Furthermore, some experiments found that symptoms increased in all groups, suggesting the bands did not prevent the development of motion sickness.
The powerful role of the placebo effect is a major factor complicating the interpretation of these results, particularly in the management of nausea. Since nausea is a subjective symptom, the expectation of relief from a device can be enough to significantly reduce the feeling. Some studies have demonstrated that sham acupressure bands, which are placed incorrectly, are just as effective as the real ones. This observation suggests that for many users, the perceived benefit is psychological rather than physiological.
While evidence for motion sickness is weak, some positive results have been observed in other types of nausea. Acupressure at the P6 point has shown some efficacy in reducing nausea associated with chemotherapy, post-operative recovery, and pregnancy-related morning sickness. These findings suggest that the mechanism may be more effective against forms of nausea originating from chemical or surgical stimuli than those generated by sensory conflict from motion. The scientific consensus is that evidence supporting the efficacy of acupressure bands specifically for preventing or treating motion sickness is modest at best.
Correct Application for Maximum Effect
For those who choose to use acupressure wristbands, achieving the intended pressure is entirely dependent on precise placement. To locate the P6 point, turn your palm upward and place three finger-widths of the opposite hand across the wrist, starting from the main wrist crease. The P6 point is situated directly beneath the edge of the third finger, centered between the two prominent tendons running down the middle of the inner forearm. The plastic stud or button on the band must be positioned to apply firm, continuous pressure directly onto this exact spot.
The bands must be worn on both wrists simultaneously, as stimulation is required on both sides for the intended effect. A common reason the bands may fail is incorrect placement or pressure that is too light to stimulate the median nerve effectively. Ideally, the bands should be put on before travel begins, rather than waiting until the first signs of nausea appear. If the band causes discomfort, it may need slight adjustment, but the pressure over the P6 point must remain constant.