Acupuncture and Nausea: What the Research Says About the Wrist Point PC6

The point PC6, also called Neiguan, sits on the inner forearm about three finger-widths above the wrist crease. It is one of the most researched points in Acupuncture, mainly for nausea. Tim Dean, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist, explains what the studies show.

Nausea after surgery

A Cochrane review published in 2015 looked at stimulating PC6, with needles, pressure or wristbands, to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. Compared with sham treatment, PC6 stimulation reduced nausea and vomiting, although the evidence was rated low quality. Compared with anti-nausea medication, PC6 stimulation performed about the same, based on moderate-quality evidence. Side effects were minor, such as skin irritation.

Nausea during chemotherapy

For nausea related to chemotherapy, the evidence is weaker. A 2026 evidence summary by CAM-Cancer found a possible modest benefit for delayed nausea and vomiting when acupoint stimulation is used alongside standard anti-nausea medication, but rated the certainty as low. It should only ever be used alongside your oncology team's treatment, and with their knowledge.

Trying acupressure at home

To find PC6, place three fingers across your inner wrist from the crease.

The point sits just above them, between the two tendons. Press firmly but comfortably for a minute or two. Acupressure wristbands sold in pharmacies use the same point.

Ongoing nausea, vomiting you cannot control, or nausea in pregnancy should always be discussed with your GP.

Sources

Lee A et al. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003281.pub4

CAM-Cancer. Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting (evidence summary, 2026). https://cam-cancer.org/acupuncture-chemotherapy-associated-nausea-and-vomiting-1

Tim Dean is an AHPRA-registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Acupuncturist) and a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA).

To book, visit www.timdean.com.au or text 0476 060 829.

Educational content only. This post is general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Responses to treatment vary between individuals.