The Effectiveness of Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Who Receive Chemotherapy

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 140 views

The Effectiveness of Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Who Receive Chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy. These symptoms not only cause significant discomfort but can also have a profound impact on a patient's quality of life. In this context, acupressure emerges as a promising alternative method to alleviate these symptoms. This article will delve into the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, drawing on research conducted at Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Background

Chemotherapy is often accompanied by a range of unpleasant side effects, with nausea and vomiting being among the most prevalent. These symptoms can make patients feel uncomfortable, affect their appetite, and disrupt their daily activities. Acupressure, a technique that focuses on specific points in the body to relieve various complaints, has been studied as an intervention to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of acupressure as an additional therapy for chemotherapy patients.

The Science Behind Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By applying pressure to these points, acupressure can help to restore balance to the body's energy, or "qi," and promote relaxation and well-being. In the context of chemotherapy, acupressure has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting by stimulating the body's natural anti-nausea mechanisms.

Research Methods

In this study, data collection was carried out using a study questionnaire developed by Ahmad and Alafafheh (2016), based on the Rhodes Index for Nausea, Vomiting and Retching (INVR) instruments. This quasi-experimental study involved 70 respondents divided into two groups: the control group and the intervention group, each consisting of 35 patients. Sampling was carried out with a simple random sampling technique to ensure the diversity of respondents.

Research Results

Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test shows a significant difference in the level of nausea vomiting between the control group and the intervention group, with a P-value of 0.000. In addition, the results of the Mann-Whitney Test also showed a significant difference after the patient received acupressure and antimetic treatment, which was repeated again in the value of P 0,000. Furthermore, multivariate analysis indicates that several factors such as uncontrolled nausea vomiting experience, history of consuming alcohol, and history of travel sickness do not function as disturbing factors in this study.

Discussion

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that acupressure therapy has the potential to reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although this research provides supporting evidence for the use of acupressure as a nursing intervention, it highlights the need for further research to explore the mechanism of acupressure and its effectiveness in a broader clinical context.

The Benefits of Acupressure

The application of acupressure can have a range of benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy, including:

Reduced nausea and vomiting
Improved quality of life
Increased patient comfort
Enhanced relaxation and well-being

Recommendations

From this finding, it is advisable to nurses and health workers to consider acupressure as one of the independent nursing interventions in providing care to chemotherapy patients. The application of acupressure can not only increase patient comfort but also has the potential to improve their quality of life during treatment.

Conclusion

Acupressure shows significant effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. Through the application of this method, it is expected to provide better alternative treatment and support comprehensive care efforts for patients. Taking proactive steps in providing appropriate education and intervention will contribute to a better care experience for patients.

Future Research Directions

While this study provides promising evidence for the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, further research is needed to explore the mechanism of acupressure and its effectiveness in a broader clinical context. Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the long-term effects of acupressure on nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients
Explore the potential benefits of acupressure in reducing other chemotherapy-related side effects
Develop and test acupressure-based interventions for patients undergoing chemotherapy

By continuing to explore the potential benefits of acupressure, healthcare professionals can provide patients with a range of effective and non-invasive treatment options to manage the side effects of chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Effectiveness of Acupressure for Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Who Receive Chemotherapy

Acupressure has been gaining attention as a potential treatment for nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. But what exactly is acupressure, and how does it work? In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about acupressure and its effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients.

Q: What is acupressure?

A: Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. By applying pressure to these points, acupressure can help to restore balance to the body's energy, or "qi," and promote relaxation and well-being.

Q: How does acupressure work?

A: Acupressure works by stimulating the body's natural anti-nausea mechanisms. When pressure is applied to specific points on the body, it can help to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that help to regulate nausea and vomiting. Additionally, acupressure can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting.

Q: Is acupressure safe?

A: Yes, acupressure is generally considered safe. However, as with any form of treatment, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These can include bruising, swelling, and discomfort at the site of pressure application. In rare cases, acupressure can also cause more serious side effects, such as nerve damage or infection.

Q: How effective is acupressure in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients?

A: Studies have shown that acupressure can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. In one study, patients who received acupressure experienced a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting compared to those who did not receive acupressure.

Q: Can acupressure be used in conjunction with other treatments?

A: Yes, acupressure can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication and other forms of therapy. In fact, studies have shown that combining acupressure with other treatments can be more effective than using acupressure alone.

Q: How often should acupressure be applied?

A: The frequency of acupressure application will depend on the individual patient and their specific needs. Some patients may benefit from daily acupressure, while others may only need it a few times a week.

Q: Can acupressure be self-administered?

A: Yes, acupressure can be self-administered. However, it's recommended that patients work with a trained healthcare professional to learn how to apply acupressure correctly and safely.

Q: What are some common acupressure points used to treat nausea and vomiting?

A: Some common acupressure points used to treat nausea and vomiting include:

The P6 point, located on the wrist
The LI4 point, located on the hand
The GB21 point, located on the neck
The CV6 point, located on the abdomen

Q: How can I find a qualified acupressure practitioner?

A: To find a qualified acupressure practitioner, look for someone who has received training in acupressure and has experience working with patients who have undergone chemotherapy. You can also ask for referrals from your healthcare provider or other patients who have received acupressure treatment.

Q: What are some potential side effects of acupressure?

A: Some potential side effects of acupressure include:

Bruising or swelling at the site of pressure application
Discomfort or pain at the site of pressure application
Nerve damage or infection (rare)

Q: Can acupressure be used to treat other chemotherapy-related side effects?

A: Yes, acupressure can be used to treat other chemotherapy-related side effects, such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of acupressure in treating these side effects.