Acupressure for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are among the most common and distressing side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Despite advances in antiemetic medications, many patients continue to experience nausea, vomiting, and reduced quality of life. Consequently, there is growing interest in complementary therapies such as acupressure to enhance symptom management and improve patient comfort.  Patients who received acupressure in addition to standard antiemetic treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting compared to those receiving standard treatment alone. Participants also reported improved comfort, better appetite, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities. No significant adverse effects related to acupressure were reported, indicating that the intervention was safe and well tolerated. The findings of this clinical study suggest that acupressure is an effective complementary therapy for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Its non-invasive nature, ease of application, low cost, and favorable safety profile make it a valuable adjunct to conventional antiemetic treatment. Incorporating acupressure into supportive cancer care may improve symptom control and enhance the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm these findings and establish standardized clinical protocols.