Skip to content
Back to Motion Sickness

lifestyle · for motion sickness

P6 Acupressure Wristbands (Sea-Bands)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Lee & Fan (2009, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, PMID 19370583) meta-analysed 40 RCTs (n=4,858) and found P6 acupoint stimulation significantly reduced nausea (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.83) and vomiting (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59-0.83) vs. sham. The review covered postoperative nausea; the same P6 mechanism is applied for motion sickness by commercial wristbands.$8-$12 for a pair (reusable across many trips).

How to use

Place the wristband on each wrist so the plastic stud presses on the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point: three finger-widths from the inner wrist crease, between the two central tendons. Put them on at least 15-30 minutes before travel begins. Both wrists must be treated for effect.

How it works

P6 (Pericardium 6) is an acupressure point on the inner wrist. Continuous pressure on this point is believed to modulate the vestibular-autonomic reflex arc involved in nausea, possibly via stimulation of median nerve afferents that influence vagal tone and the vomiting centre in the brainstem.

Where to buy

Pharmacies, travel shops, and online. Sea-Band is the most widely studied commercial brand. Reusable and drug-free.

Typical cost: $8-$12 for a pair (reusable across many trips).

Safety notes

Do not wear tightly enough to restrict blood flow. Not recommended directly over broken skin or wounds. People with carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist conditions should position carefully to avoid pressure on inflamed tissue. Wristbands work best as a preventive measure - put them on before symptoms begin.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Lee A & Fan LT, Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2009

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.