title: Non-invasive stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) antiemetic acupuncture point in cancer chemotherapy.
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.
authors.affiliation: Northern Ireland Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre, Queen's University of Belfast.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Dundee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McMillan
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012646:Self Administration; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents