Cleared as a remedy for motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and post-operative nausea the acupressure bands are available from Boots and other pharmacies.

Borrowing from the ancient Chinese principle of acupuncture it works by exerting a constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist called the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point, long known to relieve feelings of nausea. There is more and more "scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupressure for the relief of nausea," commented Leonard Nihan, director Sea-Band Limited.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. When acupuncture points are stimulated, the nervous system releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body 's internal regulating system. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body 's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being. Clinical trials have shown that acupressure is also effective in other conditions that induce nausea such as morning sickness or chemotherapy1.

Nausea - a Common Problem

Despite modern pharmaceutical remedies, many patients still suffer from nausea and vomiting after surgery and from potent chemotherapy treatment

Up to 80% of women who become pregnant will suffer from morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy, particularly in the first three months as hormone levels surge.

More than three-quarters of travellers claim to have been car-sick at some time according to an survey from the RAC Foundation.

When acupressure wristbands are used, Nihan added. "Patients are more likely to go home if they are not experiencing nausea thus shortening hospital stays, less anti-emetic drugs are administered and there are fewer unplanned admissions related to nausea and vomiting following out-patient procedures."

Acupressure Wristbands like the drug-free,latex-free Sea-Band ® do not cause side effects like drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs often associated with anti-nausea medicines and are safe for patients taking prescription medications, pregnant women and children. Nausea is reduced within five minutes after applying acupressure wristbands and they may be used before or after the onset of nausea.

I know many people are very wary of 'weird remedies'. What I will say is that I'm often called too cynical and am sceptical about all manner of things that aren't mainstream. However, my oldest daughter, now 16 has been wearing acupressure wristbands to combat travel-sickness since she was a small child. She wears them every long car/bus/boat/plane journey and swears by them....won't be without them, in fact!

Kathryn Crawford

September 2006

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