Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting in Chemotherapy Patients

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain among the most distressing adverse effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic treatment. Despite advances in antiemetic pharmacotherapy, including serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, neurokinin-1 (NK1) inhibitors, and corticosteroids, a significant proportion of patients continue to report breakthrough or delayed symptoms. Persistent nausea and vomiting can compromise nutritional status, reduce treatment adherence, and negatively affect overall quality of life. Consequently, interest has grown in complementary interventions that may enhance symptom control with minimal side effects. Acupressure, a non-invasive technique derived from traditional East Asian medicine, involves the application of manual pressure to specific acupoints, most commonly the Pericardium 6 (P6 or Neiguan) point located on the inner wrist. the efficacy of acupressure as an adjunctive therapy for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that stimulation of the P6 point may reduce the frequency and severity of acute and delayed nausea, decrease episodes of vomiting, and improve patient comfort.