Genc, F., & Tan, M. (2014). The effect of acupressure application on chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in patients with breast cancer. Palliative & Supportive Care. Advance online publication.
To determine the effects of acupressure applied to the pericardium 6 (P 6) acupuncture point on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and anxiety in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Stage 1–3 patients with breast cancer who were receiving cycle two and more advance-cycle chemotherapy in an ambulatory setting were trained to apply P 6 acupressure. Patients were randomly selected from a sample that met the study inclusion criteria. An acupressure wrist band was utilized with the research group. Patients were taught how to use the band with repeat demonstration. Patients continuously wore the acupressure band on both wrists for five days. Antiemetic medications used for the experimental and control group were not described.
The authors concluded that acupressure wristbands applied at the P 6 point decreased patients' nausea occurrence and experience and the overall experience and occurrence of nausea, vomiting, and retching combined. There was no effect on the occurrence or experience of vomiting or retching. Acupressure is an inexpensive intervention that may be able to provide additional relief to patients above and beyond recommended antiemetic therapy. Effects on anxiety are unclear.
Acupressure is inexpensive, is easy to use, and can be considered in conjugation with medication or CINV prophylaxis. Acupressure can be considered in addition to recommended antiemetic therapy for additional support of patients experiencing CINV.