You’ve probably heard about nausea relief bands, or nausea bracelets, but perhaps you’re wondering what they are, and what different options are available.
What are Nausea Bands?
Nausea bands, also called nausea bracelets, trigger the P6 (Nei-Kuan or Nei-Guan) acupressure point, located slightly below the wrist on the underside of the arm, to relieve nausea from causes as diverse as motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy, migraines, anesthesia, virtual reality, vertigo, and the flu. Some products apply pressure to the P6 point by means of a small bead or disk embedded in a snug-fitting band. Others zap this point with an electrical current.
Do Nausea Relief Bands Work?
While there are competing explanations for why exactly P6 acupressure has a soothing effect against nausea, multiple randomized scientific studies controlling for the placebo effect have shown that it does. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists P6 acupressure bands as a first-line treatment option for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Want to review the evidence for yourself? We’ve already compiled links to some of those studies for you here.
Should I Use Acupressure or Nausea Medications?
Many nausea-sufferers prefer nausea relief bands to anti-nausea medicines such as Dramamine, Bonine, or Transderm Scop (patch) because nausea bands do not have any side effects. Women will often turn to acupressure bracelets to relieve their nausea during pregnancy when they are trying to limit their baby’s exposure to pharmaceuticals. Travelers also rely on nausea bands when they want to stay alert, as medications can cause drowsiness. Those with severe nausea, such as that caused by hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy, may find optimum relief by combining nausea drugs with natural remedies. Home remedies should not be considered a replacement for doctor-prescribed treatments.
How Do the Different Nausea Band Options Compare?
Perhaps you’ve decided you’d like to give acupressure a try, but are not sure which nausea band is right for you. We have compiled a list of the options, along with their pros and cons, so you don’t have to.
Sweat Band Style
One-size-fits most elastic wristbands that apply pressure to the P6 point by means of a plastic stud
Brands: Sea Band, Lewis N. Clark, numerous generic versions available
Pros:
- Soft
- Easy to use
- Children’s version available
Cons:
- Too tight for large wrists
- Conspicuous/unattractive
- Slow to dry if they become wet
Plastic Watch Style
Brands: Psi Bands
Adjustable plastic bands that you can tighten or loosen to apply pressure to the P6 point by means of a plastic disk.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fits large range of sizes
- Available in multiple patterns
Cons:
- Bulky
- Users report plastic band is uncomfortable (skin gets sweaty underneath)
- Conspicuous/matchy-matchy
- Adjustability makes it difficult to know if you are applying the correct amount of pressure
- Not made of breathable materials which makes wrists sweaty
Electronic pulse device
Digital device that resembles a watch or FitBit delivers electrical pulses to the P6 point.
Brands: Reliefband, EmeTerm
Pros:
- Some versions are less conspicuous than styles with matching bands
- Adjustable stimulation level
Cons:
- Very expensive (as high as $174.99 for Reliefband 2.0)
- Some versions are very bulky
- Cannot be immersed in water
- Causes tingling feeling in hand
- Use is more complicated (Device must be charged, electronics can malfunction. Reliefband calls for application of conductivity gel, though EmeTerm does not.)
Aromatherapy acupressure bands
Stretchy plastic bands, available in multiple sizes, combine acupressure on the P6 point with peppermint oil aromatherapy.
Brands: Nomo Nausea
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Include peppermint oil aromatherapy
Cons:
- Conspicuous/unattractive
- Amazon reviews report that, for some users, the peppermint smell actually contributes to their nausea
- Leaves oil residue
- Not made from breathable materials which makes wrists sweaty
Velcro bands
Adjustable velcro strap applies acupressure to the P6 point by means of a stud.
Brands: BioBands, Acustraps, others
Pros:
- Adjustable
- BioBands claim that the band only needs to be worn on one wrist (some reviewers disagree)
Cons:
- Unattractive
- Velcro eventually loses sticking power
- Velcro can be uncomfortable on wrist (depending on brand)
- Adjustability makes it difficult to know if you are applying the correct amount of pressure
Nausea Relief Jewelry
Soft jacquard elastic bracelets, available in multiple sizes, apply acupressure to the P6 point by means of a plastic stud. Also available as an elastic + artisan-crafted leather cover.
Brands: Blisslets
Pros:
- Function as beautiful jewelry as well as acupressure bracelet (inconspicuous)
- Available in large range of styles for women and men
- Size options allow greater comfort than one-size-fits-all or plastic bands
- Soft
- Breathable materials dry quickly
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not yet available in children’s sizes, though an adult small may fit some children’s wrists.
- May not be suitable for users with latex allergies