Acupressure for Nausea: How to Use PC-6 (Neiguan)

Feeling nauseous and looking for something simple you can try at home?

One of the most commonly used acupuncture points for nausea is Pericardium 6 (PC-6), also called Neiguan. It’s located on the inside of the forearm near the wrist, and it’s a point I use frequently in my acupuncture practice.

PC-6 is probably best known for its connection to nausea and vomiting, which is also why you may have seen acupressure wristbands designed to stimulate this exact area.

The best part? You don’t need acupuncture needles to stimulate it. You can use gentle acupressure at home.

What Is PC-6?

PC-6, or Neiguan, is an acupuncture point located on the inner forearm between two tendons.

In Chinese medicine, PC-6 belongs to the Pericardium meridian. Traditionally, it is used to regulate the Heart, calm the Shen, open the chest, and harmonize the Stomach.

That combination is what makes this such an interesting point. We commonly think of PC-6 for nausea, but in Chinese medicine its traditional uses extend beyond digestion.

I may incorporate this point into an acupuncture treatment when someone is experiencing symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Motion sickness

• Morning sickness

• Stomach discomfort

• Hiccups

• Anxiety or feeling unsettled

• Heart palpitations

• Chest tightness

The original article also discusses PC-6 in relation to carpal tunnel syndrome because of its location near the median nerve.

PC-6 for Nausea

PC-6 is one of the most studied acupuncture and acupressure points for nausea.

It has been investigated for several different types of nausea and vomiting, including postoperative nausea and vomiting and pregnancy-related nausea. This is also the principle behind many of the acupressure wristbands marketed for motion sickness and nausea—they apply continuous pressure around the PC-6 area.

I like this point because it gives patients something simple they can use between treatments.

It doesn't mean that every case of nausea should be treated the same way. In Chinese medicine, nausea can arise from different patterns, so when symptoms are persistent, I still want to understand why they're happening.

How to Find PC-6

PC-6 is located on the inside of your forearm.

Here's an easy way to find it:

Place three fingers across the inside of your wrist, starting at the wrist crease. Just above your third finger, find the space between the two prominent tendons in the center of your inner forearm.

That's the general location of PC-6.

You may feel a slightly tender or sensitive spot when you press there.

How to Use PC-6 Acupressure for Nausea

Once you've located the point, use your opposite thumb to apply comfortable, steady pressure.

Hold the point for about one minute while taking slow, deep breaths through your nose. Then switch wrists and repeat on the other side.

You can also gently massage the area using small circles rather than holding constant pressure.

The pressure should feel noticeable but shouldn't be painful.

💡 Dr. Stephanie’s Tip: Try stimulating PC-6 at the first sign of nausea rather than waiting until you feel significantly worse. If you're prone to motion sickness, you can also locate the point before getting into the car, boat, or plane so you know exactly where to press when you need it.

Why Would an Acupuncture Point on the Wrist Affect the Stomach?

This is one of the things I love about Chinese medicine.

The place where you're experiencing a symptom isn't necessarily the only place we treat.

Acupuncture points are selected based on their traditional functions, meridian relationships, and your overall pattern. PC-6 is located nowhere near the stomach, yet it has traditionally been used to harmonize the Stomach and redirect rebellious Stomach Qi downward.

In simple terms, when the normal downward movement of the Stomach is disrupted, Chinese medicine may describe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, belching, or hiccups as Stomach Qi moving in the wrong direction.

PC-6 is one of the points we can use to help restore that balance.

When Nausea Keeps Coming Back

Occasional nausea from a car ride is very different from nausea that happens repeatedly.

If you're frequently nauseous, bloated, experiencing reflux, losing your appetite, or noticing other digestive symptoms, I wouldn't rely on acupressure alone.

In my practice, I look at the bigger picture—your digestion, diet, stress, sleep, medications, hormones, and other symptoms—to help determine what may be contributing.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, we also look for the underlying pattern rather than treating nausea as an isolated symptom.

That's where acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, and functional medicine may become part of a more comprehensive approach.

A Simple Point Worth Remembering

If you only learn a handful of acupressure points to use at home, PC-6 is a great one to know.

It's easy to find, easy to stimulate, and has a long history of use for nausea and digestive discomfort. Your hands are sometimes one of the simplest wellness tools you have with you.

If digestive symptoms keep returning and you'd like to understand what's contributing to them, I work with patients in Altamonte Springs and the greater Orlando area using acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and functional medicine.

→ Book an Acupuncture Consultation

Acupressure is intended as a complementary wellness practice and isn't a substitute for medical evaluation. Seek medical care for severe, persistent, unexplained, or worsening nausea or vomiting, or symptoms accompanied by dehydration, severe abdominal or chest pain, blood, fainting, or other concerning symptoms.