How do you make nausea go away

This information explains how to use acupressure (AK-yoo-PREH-sher) to help with nausea and prevent vomiting. Nausea is feeling like you’re going to throw up. Vomiting is throwing up.

Acupressure is a kind of massage. It is based on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture (AK-yoo-PUNK-cher). With acupressure, you put pressure on certain places on your body. These places are called acupoints (AK-yoo-poynts).

Pressing these acupoints can help your muscles relax and improve your blood flow. It can also help with many common side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting.

You can do acupressure at home by using your fingers to put pressure on different acupoints. Watch this video or follow the steps below to learn how to do acupressure.

This video will show you how to perform acupressure to help relieve nausea and vomiting.

Video Details

Pressure Point P-6 (Neiguan)

Pressure point P-6 is also called Neiguan (nay-gwann). It is found on your inner arm near your wrist. Doing acupressure on this point can help with nausea and prevent vomiting.

Do not do acupressure on this point if:

• The skin at or near the point is peeling or blistering.
• There is an open wound at or near the point.
• There is a rash at or near the point.
• There is redness, swelling, warmth, or pus at or near the point.

How to find pressure point P-6

To find pressure point P-6:

1. Position your hand so that your fingers are pointing up and your palm is facing you.
2. Place the first 3 fingers of your other hand across your wrist (see Figure 1). Your fingers should be placed just below your wrist crease (where your wrist bends).
3. Place your thumb just below your index (pointer) finger. Remove the 3 fingers from your wrist but keep your thumb on that spot (see Figure 2). Use your thumb to press down on the spot. You should be able to feel 2 large tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones) in between your thumb. This spot in between the 2 tendons is pressure point P-6.
   • Once you have found the pressure point, you can relax your hand and keep it in a comfortable position.

Figure 1. Placing 3 fingers across wrist to measure where to put thumb

Figure 2. Placing thumb on point below index finger

1. Press down on this point with your thumb. Move your thumb in a circle while applying pressure. You can move it in clockwise (to the right) or counterclockwise (to the left) circles. Do this for 2 to 3 minutes.
   • Some people may find it hard to use their thumb. You can use your index finger instead.
   • Be firm when applying pressure, but do not press so hard that it hurts. You may feel some aching or tenderness, but it should not be painful. If you feel any pain, you’re pressing down too hard.
2. Repeat steps 1 to 4 on your other wrist.

You can do acupressure on this point a few times a day until your symptoms improve.

Acupressure is a complementary therapy. Complementary therapies are treatments you can use along with your cancer treatments. They can help ease your symptoms.

To learn about other complementary therapies, call MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service at 646-449-1010 or visit www.mskcc.org/integrativemedicine.

• 9 Tips to Stop Motion Sickness Nausea
  • 9 Tips to stop motion sickness nausea
• Causes
  • What causes nausea for no reason?
  • Why do I feel nauseous in the morning (not pregnant)?
• Symptoms
  • What symptoms may accompany nausea?
• When to Call a Doctor
  • When to call a doctor for nausea
• Related Resources
  • Related Resources - What Relieves Nausea Fast? 10 Home Remedies & Causes

Nausea can be relieved with ginger, mint, lemon, acupressure, deep breathing exercises, and other home remedies.

Nausea can be relieved with ginger, mint, lemon, acupressure, deep breathing exercises, and other home remedies.

Nausea is the feeling that you are soon going to throw up. Your salivary secretions increase, you feel heaviness in your chest and throat, and you feel like throwing up. We all feel uncomfortable when we are sick, and nausea goes a notch higher in making us feel terrible. Not all types of nausea result in vomiting, but vomiting is often preceded by nausea. Recurring nausea is often a sign of a serious malady such as hepatitis, gastritis, ulcer, and stomach flu and may need a consultation by a doctor.

Here are a few things that can help relieve nausea fast:

• Ginger: Ginger is known to relieve nausea. Research has shown capsules of powdered ginger are effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. You can also try a cup of ginger tea, a few gingersnap cookies, or a piece of ginger candy.
• Mint: Chew on fresh mint leaves or drink a cup of mint tea. The refreshing aroma can also make you feel better.
• Water: A sip of chilled water, or better a lime soda, can often help relieve nausea due to acid reflux.
• Lemon: Smell lemon or suck on a lemon to stop the feeling of nausea.
• Acupressure: Acupressure, ancient healing art in traditional Chinese medicine, is also effective in relieving nausea and vomiting (especially during pregnancy and due to chemotherapy [cancer treatments]). It involves applying pressure on some points in the body. Here is how to use acupressure to get rid of nausea:
  • Position your palm such that it faces toward the ceiling or the sky. Locate the two hard bands of tissue known as tendons that run just below your wrist in the line of your index finger. This is referred to as a P-6 pressure point.
  • Press gently with the thumb of the opposite hand in a circling manner on the P-6 point for 2-3 minutes.
  • Repeat the process on your other wrist.
• Aromatherapy: Inhalation of aromatherapy oils such as peppermint oil has been found to work in reducing the severity of nausea after surgeries. You can put a few drops of this oil in your hanky or a cotton cloth and try inhaling it when you feel nauseating.
• Over-the-counter medications:
  • Antacids: Pepto-Bismol syrup may help with nausea.
  • Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications such as dimenhydrinate and meclizine hydrochloride can help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.
• Fresh air: Breathe fresh air works for many people, but the reason remains unknown. You can open the window or sit in front of a fan to get rid of nausea.
• Deep breathing: Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques such as muscle relaxation techniques may also be helpful. This helps in moving your mind away from any worries that can aggravate nausea and cause you to vomit. This technique helps, particularly in motion sickness.
• Distractions: Distract yourself from nausea by calling up a friend, catching up on a movie, or performing any other light activity.

9 tips to stop motion sickness nausea

If you suffer from motion sickness, you can prevent related nausea by following nine important things that include:

• Eat only light, bland foods, such as crackers or plain bread. These foods rich in starch help absorb gastric acid and settle a queasy stomach.
• Observe which foods worsen your nausea and avoid those. These can be any fruit, vegetable, or food preparation that upsets your stomach.
• Drink water, sports drinks, or chicken or vegetable soups. Avoid juices and soft drinks. Small sips of fluid throughout the day will hydrate you without triggering nausea.
• Avoid eating fried, too oily, or greasy foods
• Limit the consumption of sweets
• Eat small meals and eat them slowly
• Do not lie down immediately after meals. You can rest a while with your head elevated. Avoid heavy activities after eating such as lifting weights, cycling, or jogging.
• If you suffer from motion sickness, avoid activities that require intense focus while traveling. This can include reading a book or any stuff on digital screens (such as smartphones).
• A medication known as promethazine if taken at least half an hour before the start of your journey can help prevent motion sickness-associated nausea. Because it is available only on a doctor’s prescription, ask your doctor if you can take it.

If your nausea persists and interferes with your personal, professional, and social life, you should seek additional advice from your doctor.

QUESTION

What causes nausea for no reason?

Nausea is not a condition in itself but mainly a symptom of underlying medical conditions

Nausea is not a condition in itself but mainly a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as:

• Motion sickness
• Migraine headache
• Postural orthostatic hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure on standing up from a sitting or lying position) 
• Autonomic dysfunction (problems with the part of the nervous system responsible for the control of body functions not consciously directed such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion) 
• Nonulcer dyspepsia (discomfort in the stomach unrelated to an ulcer)
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Bowel obstruction (a condition in which the nerves and brain signals prevent the food from passing through the digestive tract even without a physical blockage)
• Gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying or digestion)
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder disease
• Infections
• Bulimia (eating disorder)
• Appendicitis
• Early stages of pregnancy (during the first trimester)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome (severe attacks of vomiting or nausea)
• Anorexia nervosa (a psychological disorder in which an individual considers themselves as being overweight or controls the shape and size of a specific body part even when they are extremely thin)
• Brain tumor
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord)
• Vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain)

Diseases in the following regions may cause nausea:

• Brain or spinal fluid
• Balance centers in the inner ear
• Abdominal or pelvic organs

Moreover, nausea can be associated with causes that aren’t due to underlying diseases, which include:

• Emotional stress (fear)
• An excessive amount of alcohol
• Pill is taken on an empty stomach
• Ingestion of toxins
• Intense pain
• Overeating
• Aversion to strong odors
• Chemotherapy
• Medications such as opioids, cannabis, aspirin, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics

The cause of nausea and vomiting can be determined by its timing:

• Food poisoning, gastritis, ulcer, or bulimia: Appears shortly after a meal
• Salmonella food poisoning: Takes longer to produce symptoms
• Food poisoning due to Clostridium perfringens: Eight hours after a meal

The causes of nausea and vomiting in children may vary from those in adults, and they include the following:

• Viral infection
• Food poisoning
• Milk allergy
• Motion sickness
• Overeating or feeding
• Coughing
• Blocked intestines
• Diseases having high fever as a primary symptom
• Intussusception (a grave condition in which the part of the intestine slips into an adjoining part of the intestine)

Health News

Why do I feel nauseous in the morning (not pregnant)?

Common causes of waking up in the morning feeling nauseated include the following:

1. Low blood sugar levels:
   • When waking up in the morning, there can be nausea or discomfort due to low blood sugar.
   • Drinking sugary beverages, such as fruit juice, in the morning is a simple way to balance blood sugar and relieve nausea.
2. Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD):
   • GERD or acid reflux is an extremely prevalent cause of nausea in the morning.
   • GERD causes nausea because acid builds up in the stomach and flows to the upper region of the esophagus.
   • Nausea due to GERD can present at any time; however, there is a high risk of nausea while waking up if one sleeps fully flat. This makes it easier for stomach acid to flow up the esophagus.
   • Making lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding acidic meals, not eating for at least two hours before night, and sleeping with your head end elevated can help.
3. Migraine:
   • Migraine headache is often associated with nausea and vomiting or just nausea.
   • Because of changes in the central nervous system and slowing of digestion, a migraine can often get triggered in the morning.
   • Having breakfast, drinking fluids as soon as possible in the morning, and taking over-the-counter migraine medicines can help.
   • If over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications don't work or if the nausea is severe and there's vomiting involved, prescription drugs for migraines and nausea are available.
4. Infection and other disorders of the ear:
   • Disorders of the ear such as inner ear diseases can disrupt balance and stomach rhythm and cause nausea while waking up.
   • Ear pain and pressure, as well as abnormalities in hearing, nasal congestion, and fever, are symptoms of an ear infection.
   • Nausea resolves once the ear problem is treated with prescription medication.
5. Anxiety and stress:
   • A neural reaction is triggered by anxiety and stress, and it affects the stomach lining, which might lead to nausea in the morning.
   • Lifestyle modifications to reduce stress and anxiety can help, for example, exercise, spending time on hobbies, adequate sleep, and counseling if needed.
6. Constipation:
   • Consumption of low dietary fiber, irritable bowel syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle are some factors that can affect digestion.
   • The distention in the intestines from extra feces and gas activates stretch receptors in the lining of the digestive tract, which transmits signals to the brainstem and activates the sensation of nausea.
   • The increasing fiber content in the diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly can help.
   • Laxatives and other treatments may be taken after consulting a doctor.
7. Medications:
   • Many medications can produce nausea, but some such as pain relievers, cancer medication, certain antibiotics, birth control pills, and antidepressants are more likely to do so, especially in the morning.
   • The doctor can help by changing doses of the medication or switching to a different drug.
8. Dehydration:
   • When the body is dehydrated, there is an electrolyte imbalance, especially of sodium and potassium, which can cause nausea.
   • Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration can help.
9. Eating certain foods before bedtime:
   • The foods you eat before bed can have a huge effect on how your body feels the next morning.
   • Eating a substantial meal late at night might create intestinal distress, resulting in nausea in the morning. This is especially true in the case of dietary allergies or sensitivities.
   • It is recommended to eat the final meal about three hours before sleeping, as well as avoid eating any difficult-to-digest foods in the evening, fried/fatty foods, dairy products, and spicy foods.
10. Not eating enough before going to bed:
    • Hunger can be a cause of morning nausea.
    • When the body goes long periods without eating, blood sugar level lowers, which can result in morning nausea.
    • To increase satiety (remaining full), aim for a decent balance of macronutrients (carbs, protein, and fat) and eat enough veggies.
    • Veggies are high in fiber that aids in blood sugar regulation.
11. Reproductive health problems:
    • If you have recently started a new birth control method, it could be the source of your morning nausea.
    • Nausea and vomiting might be an indication of morning sickness, a symptom of early pregnancy. Morning sickness is frequently precipitated by specific scents or spicy foods, but it can occur without a trigger.
12. Hangover:
    • Excess alcohol consumption on the previous night may result in nausea and vomiting in the morning.

SLIDESHOW

What symptoms may accompany nausea?

Nausea may occur alone or may be accompanied by certain symptoms. Nausea accompanied by symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition:

• Nausea with abdominal pain indicates diseases that involve structural alterations (e.g. cholelithiasis).
• Abdominal tenderness with nausea suggests bowel obstruction.
• Vomiting of blood-like material may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Heartburn with nausea signals gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Early morning nausea or vomiting is typical of the early stages of pregnancy.
• Headache with nausea indicates migraine.
• Vomitus with sediments indicates an intestinal blockage.
• Nausea with rapid involuntary eye movements signals vestibular neuritis.
• Nausea with tooth enamel erosion, fine hair, and hardening of the skin in the upper portion of palms signals bulimia.

When to call a doctor for nausea

Call the physician immediately if you observe these symptoms:

• Blood in the vomit
• Intense headache or neck stiffness
• Intense abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Severe abdominal pain
• Rapid breathing or pulse
• Diarrhea along with vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting with a high fever over 101°F
• Decreased alertness

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Medically Reviewed on 3/7/2022

References

Nausea & Vomiting: Care and Treatment. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea--vomiting/care-and-treatment

Understanding Nausea and Vomiting – Treatment. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-nausea-vomiting-treatment

Belluomini J, et al. Acupressure for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a randomized, blinded study. Obstet Gynecol. 1994 Aug;84(2):245-8.

Lua PL, Zakaria NS. A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2012 Jun 1;18(6):534-40.

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