An-Najah Staff

Purpose In a previous study we noticed that P6 acupressure ecreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) more markedly after discharge. As motion sickness susceptibility is increased by, for example, opioids we hypothesized that P6 acupressure decreased PONV by decreasing motion sickness susceptibility. We studied time to nausea by a laboratory motion challenge in a group of volunteers, during P6 and placebo acupressure.
Methods 60 women with high and low susceptibilities for motion sickness participated in a randomized and double-blind study with an active P6 acupressure, placebo acupressure, and a control group (n = 20 in each group). The risk score for PONV was over 50%. The motion challenge was by eccentric rotation in a chair, blindfolded and with chin to chest movements of the head. The challenge was stopped when women reported moderate nausea. Symptoms were recorded.
Results Mean time to moderate nausea was longer in the P6 acupressure group compared to the control group. P6 acupressure = 352 (259-445), mean (95% confidence interval) in seconds, control = 151 (121-181) and placebo acupressure = 280 (161-340); (P = 0.006). No difference was found between P6 and placebo acupressure or placebo acupressure and control groups. Previous severity of motion sickness did not influence time to nausea (P = 0.107). The cumulative number of symptoms differed between the three groups (P < 0.05). Fewer symptoms were reported in the P6 acupressure compared to the control group P < 0.009. Overall, P6 acupressure was only marginally more effective than placebo acupressure on the forearms.
Conclusion In females with a history of motion sickness P6 acupressure increased tolerance to experimental nauseogenic stimuli, and reduced the total number of symptoms reported.