How to Use Shiatsu for Nausea

We feel nauseous as nerve endings in the stomach become irritated by bacteria or virus, or are agitated by severe pain or intense emotions. Shiatsu theory explains nausea as rebellious stomach "ki" (energy), ki moving opposite its normal flow, and uses pressure points and specific exercises to help the body regain balance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ginger Teas
• Peppermint Teas
• Peppermint Oils

1. 

   Promote digestion and the downward flow of ki as you press (or someone else presses) the point found on the back of your hand at the web between your thumb and index finger.

2. 

   Move stagnation and promote the downward flow of digestion as you use your middle finger to apply pressure to the area in front of the bottom rib and gently stimulate the point.

3. 

   Stop the rebellious upward flow of energy and prevent vomiting by pressing the point between your diaphragm and collarbone on the middle of your breastbone. Hold this point for 2 to 3 minutes to calm the nervous system and quell anxiety.

4. 

   Apply gentle pressure to the area four finger widths above your navel, on the midline of your body, to decrease the bloating that often accompanies nausea.

5. 

   Regulate the function of your stomach and sedate rebellious ki by pressing the point located between the two bones on the outside of your lower leg, four finger widths below your kneecap. Apply firm pressure for 2 minutes to stimulate the full benefit of this point.

6. 

   Ease nausea related to anxiety with the calming point located two and a half finger widths above the inner crease of your wrist, between the two bones of your forearm.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't lie on your back if vomiting is imminent.

• Sip peppermint and/or ginger tea to relieve nausea and soothe the digestive tract.

• Use 1 tsp. dry herbs to 1 c. boiling water for an herbal tea remedy.

• Aromatherapy can be a useful adjunct to pressure point therapies. Add 10 drops lavender or peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe the mist for relief of nausea.

• Avoid step 5 if you're pregnant.

• Nausea can be an indication of gastrointestinal reflux. If you have persistent or chronic nausea, consult a physician.