Body Region

Arm & Wrist

Arm and wrist acupressure covers points with surprising reach: PC6 at the wrist for nausea and motion sickness, LI4 at the thumb web for headaches, and several forearm points for localized arm and wrist pain.

Arm

Why Arm and Wrist Acupressure Points Matter

The arms and wrists carry some of the most versatile points in the entire system — locations that treat complaints far beyond the limb itself. LI4 near the thumb web is a classic target for headaches and toothaches, while PC6 at the wrist is traditionally used for nausea, motion sickness, and anxiety, and LU7 keeps the pattern pointing at neck and head complaints. For problems in the limb itself, such as repetitive strain, tennis-elbow discomfort, wrist pain, and general fatigue, the same band of forearm points provides local relief. These locations pair naturally with our guides to acupressure for nausea, headaches, and neck pain.

Classically, PC6 sits on the Pericardium meridian, LI4 and LI10 on the Large Intestine meridian, and LU7 on the Lung meridian — pathways that link the arms to the head, chest, and digestion. Physically, the wrist and forearm pack dense nerve structures close to the surface, and sustained pressure in these channels is traditionally linked to easing nausea signals and relaxing tense forearm muscles. PC6 has been among the most researched acupressure points since the nausea studies of the 1980s, which is why it appears so often in clinical and self-care contexts.

Key Points in This Region

These points cover both local wrist and forearm complaints and distant effects. Choose by standing symptom, such as nausea, headache, or wrist strain.

LI4

LI4 (Hegu) · Union Valley

★★★★★

Headaches, toothaches, immune support

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PC6

PC6 (Neiguan) · Inner Pass

★★★★★

Nausea, anxiety, motion sickness

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LU7

LU7 (Lieque) · Broken Sequence

★★★★★

Headaches, neck stiffness, cough

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LI10

LI10 (Shousanli) · Arm Three Miles

★★★☆

Forearm pain, tennis elbow, fatigue

SI3

SI3 (Houxi) · Back Stream

★★★☆

Wrist pain, neck stiffness, back pain

How to Stimulate Arm and Wrist Points

These points are best reached with the pad of your thumb on the opposite hand. Rest the arm on a stable surface, press at a 90-degree angle, and deepen the pressure gradually over 10–15 seconds until you feel a deep, dull ache (deqi). Hold for 30–60 seconds, then repeat on the other arm. Keep the wrist relaxed and the pressure steady rather than squeezing. LI4 should not be pressed during pregnancy, and if any point causes sharp pain or tingling, ease off immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is PC6 for nausea?
PC6 (Neiguan) sits on the inner forearm, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, in the gap between the two long tendons that appear when your palm faces up. The point lies roughly in the middle of that gap. Press downward with your thumb and you should feel a deep, heavy sensation rather than a sharp one. This is the location targeted by most acupressure wristbands for motion sickness and nausea.
Can wrist acupressure really stop motion sickness?
No single technique can guarantee stopping motion sickness, and acupressure is not a substitute for medical travel remedies. That said, PC6 is one of the most-studied points in modern research, with a long tradition of nausea and vomiting studies that began in the 1980s. Many people find that pressing the point firmly at the earliest sign of queasiness, for 30–60 seconds on both wrists, eases the sensation. It is a low-cost, low-risk tool worth trying alongside fresh air and a fixed visual horizon.
How long should I press these points?
For the wrist and forearm, hold each point for 30–60 seconds on the go, or up to 1–2 minutes for deeper forearm points such as LI10. Press both arms to keep both sides balanced, increase pressure slowly over 10–15 seconds, and breathe evenly until you feel the deep, dull deqi sensation. Repeat as needed through the day, especially before travel or long sessions at a keyboard.
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