Motion sickness bands are elastic wristbands that use acupressure to manage nausea and vomiting. They feature a plastic stud designed to apply continuous pressure to a specific point on the inner forearm. These bands primarily alleviate the queasy feeling associated with travel (cars, boats, airplanes) or conditions like morning sickness. Correct placement and fit are necessary to maximize their effectiveness in preventing or reducing symptoms.
Locating the P6 Acupressure Point
The effectiveness of these bands depends on stimulating a precise anatomical location on the wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point, or Neiguan point. This spot is located on the underside of the forearm, centered between the two prominent tendons. To find this point on your own wrist, turn your hand so your palm faces upward.
Place the first three fingers of your opposite hand horizontally across your wrist, with the edge of your ring finger resting directly on the main wrist crease. The correct target location, the P6 point, lies precisely under the index finger, three finger-widths down from the crease. You should feel two thick, cord-like structures beneath your skin at this spot, which are the palmaris longus and the flexor carpi radialis tendons.
The P6 point is situated exactly in the groove between these two tendons. The band’s stud must press firmly and directly onto this narrow channel to transmit the pressure effectively.
Proper Application and Fit
Once the precise P6 location is identified, the motion sickness band must be positioned so its pressure stud rests squarely over the point. The dome-shaped button must face inward, maintaining consistent contact with the skin at the Neiguan point. Simultaneous stimulation of the P6 point on both the right and left wrists is required, so you must wear two bands.
The band must be fitted snugly enough to ensure that the stud applies continuous, steady pressure. You should feel a firm sensation at the point without the pressure causing any pain or extreme discomfort. A loose band will shift out of position and fail to stimulate the target point. Conversely, a band that is too tight could impede circulation, so monitor your hands for any signs of numbness or swelling.
When and How Long to Wear the Bands
For optimal results, the acupressure bands should be applied before the onset of motion sickness symptoms. If you are prone to travel sickness, put the bands on approximately 20 to 30 minutes before your journey begins. Applying them preemptively is more successful than trying to alleviate acute symptoms that have already developed.
The bands are designed for continuous wear and can be kept on for the entire duration of the trip or activity causing the discomfort. They are safe to wear for extended periods, but should be removed if skin irritation occurs beneath the stud. Once the activity has concluded and symptoms have fully subsided, the bands can be taken off. These wristbands are reusable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water between uses.