Relieve Nausea Naturally With These Simple Pressure Points

Key Takeaways:

• TCM-Backed Relief: Traditional Chinese Medicine offers effective, non-invasive solutions for relieving nausea through specific pressure points.
• P6 Point Power: Acupressure techniques such as focusing on the Inner Gate (P6) on the forearm can help relieve nausea and integrate easily into daily self-care routines.
• Holistic Synergy: Combining acupressure with other natural remedies like herbal remedies, mindful breathing, and aromatherapy can amplify the healing benefits, fostering long-term wellness and balance.

Whether it’s from motion sickness, pregnancy, digestive issues, or stress, nausea can seriously throw off your whole day. While medications are available, many people are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a more natural and holistic approach. One of the most accessible and surprisingly effective options? Acupressure.

At WTHN, we believe in the power of time-tested healing techniques to support everyday wellness. Acupressure is a simple, non-invasive way to help relieve nausea by stimulating specific pressure points that help regulate your body’s energy and calm the sensations that trigger discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explore the tradition behind pressure points for nausea, how they work, and how WTHN tools and rituals can support lasting relief.

Understanding Nausea: Causes And Symptoms

Nausea is a common sensation that many of us know all too well: an unease in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, nausea is often viewed as a potential sign of energetic imbalance or disharmony in the body’s vital systems.

Causes Of Nausea

While the experience of nausea is highly individual, specific triggers tend to appear more frequently. Here are some of the primary culprits:

• Digestive Discomfort: Overeating or consuming foods that are difficult to digest can sometimes contribute to nausea. Similarly, imbalances in digestion — such as occasional bloating or acid sensitivity – are often associated with stomach upset.
• Motion Sensitivity: Traveling by car, boat, or plane may lead to nausea for some, especially when there’s a mismatch between visual input and inner ear signals.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can sometimes result in a queasy or unsettled feeling commonly known as morning sickness.
• Stress And Emotional Upset: In TCM, emotions are deeply connected to physical health. Heightened stress or worry may contribute to sensations of nausea.
• Medications Or Treatments: Certain medications and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can include nausea as a side effect for some individuals.

What Nausea Might Feel Like

Nausea often comes with other symptoms, providing clues about its root cause. Recognizing these can help guide effective treatment:

• Stomach Queasiness: This hallmark sensation may range from a subtle wave of discomfort to a more urgent need to rest or lie down.
• Sweating Or Salivation: Some people notice cold sweats or increased salivation when they feel nauseous.
• Dizziness Or Lightheadedness: Nausea, especially when linked with motion or emotional stress, might be accompanied by feelings of lightheadedness or tension headaches.
• Abdominal Sensations: Tightness, cramping, or fluttering in the stomach can signal a digestive connection.

Navigating nausea can be frustrating, but tuning into your body’s signals is an empowering first step. At WTHN, we take a holistic, TCM-inspired approach to wellness. From precise acupuncture to supportive tools like our acupressure products, we aim to help you feel more balanced and in control naturally.

How Acupressure Can Support Nausea Relief

Acupressure is a foundational practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a gentle, holistic approach that may help ease nausea sensations. At WTHN, we’re passionate about making ancient healing techniques accessible and approachable, whether you’re exploring TCM for the first time or expanding upon an existing routine.

A Closer Look At P6: The Inner Gate Point

Acupressure involves applying light pressure to specific points on the body, which is believed to help circulate energy and promote internal balance. One of the most well-known points related to nausea is the Inner Gate (P6 or Nei Guan), located about three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the inner forearm. Stimulating this point may help settle the stomach and restore a sense of ease, especially during motion sensitivity or hormonal changes.

Ear Seeds

WTHN offers several do-it-yourself acupressure tools, allowing you to add this practice to your daily self-care ritual easily. One of the favorites we tend to use in our in-studio acupuncture sessions is ear seeds. Rooted in auriculotherapy, our Ear Seed Kits are designed to gently stimulate specific points on the ear that correspond with different body areas. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ear is considered a “map” of the body: a microcosm where each point reflects an internal organ or system.

For example, some points on the ear are believed to influence digestion, nausea, and emotional balance. Applying ear seeds to these targeted areas may support your body’s natural rhythms and promote a sense of internal harmony over time. Each kit includes a placement chart, step-by-step instructions, gold tweezers, and 40 seeds with a 100% latex-free, medical-grade adhesive on the back. That means you have everything you need to start your ear-seed routine with confidence, even if you’re a beginner.

Acupressure Mat Set

Ideal for those looking to incorporate full-body relaxation into their wellness ritual, the WTHN Acupressure Mat Set features over 200 gentle stimulators that activate acupressure points from head to toe. Each set includes both a coconut fiber-filled mat and a memory foam pillow so you can target pressure points along your back, neck, and shoulders.

The materials – breathable linen, coconut fiber, and soft memory foam – elevate the experience, making it as restorative as supportive. A linen carrying case and easy how-to guide are also included for at-home or on-the-go use. Many people find that lying on the mat can help relieve tension and ground the nervous system, creating a calm environment that may help manage nausea-related symptoms.

Acupressure Massage Rings

Rooted in the Traditional Chinese Medicine belief that the hands reflect the entire body, WTHN’s Acupressure Massage Rings offer a simple, portable way to bring mindful relief into your day. This set of three stainless steel rings is designed to be rolled gently up and down each finger, offering a balancing sensory experience. Like the ears, the hands are also considered a microsystem: a smaller body part corresponding to the whole. That means stimulating specific points on the fingers may support the body’s overall balance, especially regarding the digestive and nervous systems. Many people find that this rhythmic movement can help relieve tension and restore a sense of calm. Perfect for travel, work, or bedside use, these rings are a subtle but powerful tool to keep on hand – literally.

Creating a peaceful environment can amplify the benefits of acupressure. At WTHN, we encourage setting the tone with soft lighting, calming scents, and slow, intentional breathing. And if you’re based in NYC, our team of Licensed Acupuncturists can help guide you through personalized acupressure tutorials and provide integrative care options, including cupping therapy, acupuncture, and herbal support. The best part? Many of our offerings – including the Acupressure Mat Set and our in-studio services — are HSA/FSA eligible, making it easier to invest in your wellness with benefits you already have.

Self-Acupressure: What You Can Try And When To Ask For Help

Acupressure is a powerful yet gentle way to support your body when feeling off balance. Regarding nausea, specific pressure points are traditionally associated with easing queasiness and promoting digestive harmony.

Helpful Pressure Points To Explore

If you want to try acupressure for nausea relief at home, these key points are a great place to begin, whether using your fingers or incorporating tools like our Acupressure Mat Set.

• Pericardium 6 (P6) – Inner Gate Point: Located on the inner forearm, about three finger widths below the palm, between the two tendons. Apply gentle, circular pressure with your thumb for a few minutes. This point is often used to help manage nausea related to motion, digestion, or hormonal shifts.
• Stomach 36 (ST36) – Leg Three Miles Point: Found on the lower leg, about four finger-widths below the kneecap and slightly to the outside of the shinbone. Apply firm pressure or massage the point in small circles. This area is traditionally used in TCM to support digestion and energy flow.
• Liver 3 (LV3) – Great Rushing Point: Nestled between the big toe and second toe on the top of your foot, this point may help with nausea tied to emotional stress. Use your thumb to apply steady pressure for 2 to 3 minutes per foot.
• Spleen 6 (SP6) – Three Yin Intersection: Located about four finger widths above the inner ankle bone, this point is used in TCM to support overall vitality and balance. Apply gentle, consistent pressure with your fingers.

Why Professional Guidance Makes A Difference

Trying acupressure at home is a great place to start, and it’s typically safe when done mindfully. However, if you’re unsure where to begin or feel like you’re not seeing any results, it’s better to seek support from a trusted professional. At WTHN, our NYC-based team of Licensed Acupuncturists offers personalized guidance whether you're curious about acupressure techniques, looking to try acupuncture or cupping, or interested in herbal solutions rooted in TCM.

With four locations across New York City, including Flatiron, Williamsburg, the Upper West Side, and an upcoming space in NoHo, expert care is always within reach. Each studio is designed to feel like a peaceful escape where your wellness goals are always front and center.

Combining Acupressure With Other Natural Remedies

Incorporating acupressure into your wellness routine doesn’t mean you have to commit to this one practice alone. One of the strengths of holistic healing is how seamlessly it pairs with other natural practices, creating space for a more integrated, supportive approach to easing nausea and restoring balance. At WTHN, we encourage blending time-honored techniques to build a wellness toolkit that feels personal and intentional.

Herbal Companions For Digestive Comfort

Pairing acupressure with herbal support can offer gentle, complementary benefits. Herbs like ginger and peppermint have been traditionally used to support digestive health and may help ease occasional queasiness. Whether sipped in tea or taken in supplement form, these herbs can be a calming addition to your routine, especially when used alongside acupressure techniques focused on balance and relief.

Breathwork And Meditation

Acupressure doesn’t just work on a physical level; it can also be an opportunity to check in with your emotional state. Combining acupressure with mindful breathing or short meditation may help settle the nervous system and enhance the overall calming effect. Even five minutes of slow, intentional breaths can help you feel more grounded during discomfort.

The Subtle Power Of Aromatherapy

Essential oils like lavender, lemon, or peppermint can elevate the sensory experience of your acupressure ritual. Diffusing oils or simply inhaling their scent while stimulating pressure points can create a more peaceful environment that supports relaxation. While aromatherapy isn’t a replacement for hands-on healing, it’s a thoughtful way to invite more calm into your space.

At WTHN, we’re here to support your wellness journey, whether you're trying acupressure for the first time or looking to expand your at-home rituals. Our Licensed Acupuncturists at our four NYC locations are available to offer tailored care that blends traditional practices with modern guidance, helping you integrate these gentle remedies into daily life in a way that feels sustainable and supportive.

Final Thoughts

Nausea can feel overwhelming, but with the help of acupressure and complementary remedies, relief may be more accessible than you think. Whether stimulating pressure points at home with tools like our Acupressure Massage Rings or seeking individualized care from WTHN’s trusted Healers, you don’t have to navigate discomfort alone. From herbs and breathwork to curated rituals and expert support, WTHN is here to help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in tune with your body every step of the way.

Read also:

• Do Ear Seeds Really Work?
• Gut Check: How Digestive Health Affects You
• How Holistic Care Can Help With IBS

Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Points For Nausea

Is the use of pressure points safe for pregnant women experiencing morning sickness?

Acupressure is often used as a gentle approach to support nausea relief during pregnancy, especially for morning sickness. One commonly used point is Pericardium 6 (P6) on the wrist. However, everyone is different, so we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider or one of our Licensed Acupuncturists at WTHN to ensure it’s the right approach for you.

How long should I press on a nausea-relief pressure point?

Applying steady, gentle pressure to a nausea-relief point for 1 to 3 minutes may offer support. You can repeat the process throughout the day, adjusting based on what feels best for your body.

How often can I use pressure points to treat nausea?

There’s no strict limit to how often acupressure can be used, but it’s essential to stay mindful of how your body responds. You can practice acupressure as needed, taking breaks if you experience any discomfort or sensitivity.

Are there any side effects to using acupressure for nausea?

Acupressure is generally well-tolerated and non-invasive. Most people experience little to no side effects. That said, some may feel lightheaded or sore if too much pressure is used or if the body needs a break. Listen to your body and pause or try again later if anything feels off.

Can pressure points be used to relieve motion sickness?

Absolutely! Many of our clients use acupressure to help with motion-related nausea, especially before or during travel. Portable products like our Acupressure Massage Rings are great in your wellness toolkit.

Should I use my fingers or an acupressure tool for applying pressure?

Both options can be effective, so it’s about finding what’s convenient and intuitive. Many people start with their fingers for ease and precision, while others enjoy using tools like WTHN’s Acupressure Mat Set or Massage Rings for a more immersive experience.