Non-invasive stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) antiemetic acupuncture point in cancer chemotherapy

J R Soc Med. 1991 Apr;84(4):210-2. doi: 10.1177/014107689108400409.

Abstract

The beneficial effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the P6 antiemetic point (Neiguan) as an adjuvant to standard antiemetics was studied in over 100 patients in whom chemotherapy-induced sickness was not adequately controlled by antiemetics alone. Although the results were not quite as good as with invasive acupuncture, more than 75% patients achieved considerable benefit from what was a non-toxic procedure. The use of large diffuse low impedence electrodes simplifies the technique. The 2 hourly application of Sea Bands prolongs the antiemetic action. Best results were obtained from the 2 hourly self-administration of 5 min of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of P6 using a simple battery-operated TENS machine (15 Hz) to activate a large, easy-to-place surface electrode and increasing current until Qi is elicited.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Points*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Administration
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced
  • Vomiting / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents