Pressing a specific spot on your inner wrist, known as P6 or the “inner gate” point, is the most well-studied pressure point technique for relieving nausea. You can do it anywhere, it takes two to three minutes, and it works for motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-related nausea. Here’s exactly where to press and how to do it effectively.
The P6 (Inner Gate) Point on Your Wrist
This is the point to start with. It sits on the inside of your forearm, about two finger-widths below the crease of your wrist, centered between the two tendons that run up your arm. You can feel those tendons pop up if you clench your fist.
To find it precisely: hold your hand palm-up and place your index and middle fingers from your opposite hand across your wrist, just below the wrist crease. The point is right beneath your index finger, in the shallow groove between the tendons. You’ll know you’re in the right spot because it often feels slightly tender when you press into it.
Apply firm, steady pressure with your thumb and massage in a small circular motion. UW Medicine recommends massaging for about three slow breathing cycles, though many sources suggest continuing for two to three minutes. Do one wrist, then switch to the other. You can repeat this as often as needed throughout the day.
Research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients using P6 acupressure had a statistically significant reduction in nausea intensity, particularly for delayed nausea rather than acute episodes. This means the technique may work better as something you do regularly over hours or days rather than expecting instant results from a single press, though many people do report feeling some relief within minutes.
Stomach 36 (Three Leg Miles) Point
This point sits on the outer side of your leg, about four finger-widths below your kneecap, roughly one finger-width toward the outside of your shinbone. It’s traditionally used for digestive complaints including nausea, bloating, and stomach pain.
Press firmly with your thumb and hold for one to two minutes, or about five to eight slow breathing cycles. You can massage gently in a circular motion while maintaining pressure. This point tends to produce a dull, achy sensation when you’ve found it correctly.
The Middle Cavity Point (Below the Breastbone)
Located on the midline of your body, roughly halfway between the bottom of your breastbone and your belly button, this point targets the stomach directly. It’s especially useful when nausea comes with bloating or a feeling of fullness.
Lie down or sit in a reclined position if you can. Use two or three fingertips to press gently into this area and massage in a clockwise direction for three slow breathing cycles. Because this point is over soft tissue rather than muscle, you don’t need as much force. Moderate pressure is enough.
Earlobe Massage
A simpler option that requires no precision: gently massage both earlobes between your thumb and index finger for three slow breathing cycles. This is easy to do discreetly in public and can be combined with the wrist point technique for a more comprehensive approach.
Getting the Technique Right
A few practical details make a real difference in whether pressure points help your nausea or feel like nothing at all.
Pressure should be firm enough to feel a deep, dull ache but not sharp pain. If it hurts, you’re pressing too hard or slightly off the point. Use the pad of your thumb rather than the tip for broader, more comfortable contact. Breathe slowly and deeply while pressing, since shallow breathing can make nausea worse on its own.
You can also use acupressure wristbands (often sold as “sea bands”) that apply continuous pressure to the P6 point. These are widely available at pharmacies and are commonly recommended for motion sickness and morning sickness. Boston Medical Center includes P6 acupressure wristbands in its clinical protocols for managing nausea during pregnancy.
Timing matters. If you know nausea is coming, like before a car ride or a chemotherapy session, start pressing the points before symptoms begin. Preventive use appears to be more effective than trying to suppress nausea that’s already intense.
Pressure Points During Pregnancy
The P6 wrist point is considered safe during pregnancy and is one of the most common non-drug approaches for morning sickness. However, one point you should avoid while pregnant is the Large Intestine 4 point, located in the fleshy web between your thumb and index finger. This point is traditionally considered effective for pain and headaches, but it’s classified as one of the forbidden acupuncture points during pregnancy because stimulating it can trigger uterine contractions, potentially leading to premature labor or miscarriage, particularly in early pregnancy.
Stick with P6 on the wrist and earlobe massage if you’re pregnant. These carry no known risks and are the approaches most frequently recommended by obstetric providers for pregnancy-related nausea.
What Pressure Points Can and Can’t Do
Acupressure works best for mild to moderate nausea. It’s a useful tool when you’re in a situation where you can’t take medication, when you want to avoid side effects, or when you need something to do right now while waiting for other remedies to kick in. Many people find the combination of slow breathing, focused attention, and physical pressure calming in a way that helps break the nausea cycle even if the point itself isn’t doing all the work.
For severe nausea with active vomiting, pressure points alone are unlikely to be enough. They work well as one layer of a broader approach that might include ginger, cool air, small sips of water, and positioning yourself upright or on your left side. The more tools you stack together, the faster you’re likely to feel better.