Acupuncture for the relief and prevention of motion sickness and nausea with the application of acupoint PC6 (Neiguan) is supported by research. [1] At HealthCMi, we decided to take a look at an FDA cleared wearable that claims to provide long-lasting nausea relief without any needles. Instead, it uses electrical pulses from a device that looks like a wrist watch. The device claims to alleviate or eliminate motion sickness, including sea sickness, car sickness, and that for trains, air travel, and even in amusement parks. Our review shows surprising results.
The Reliefband is a wearable device designed to alleviate nausea and vomiting through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). By emitting electrical pulses to the PC6 (Neiguan) acupuncture point on the wrist, it aims to disrupt nausea signals traveling to the brain. This non-invasive, drug-free approach has gained attention for its effectiveness in addressing nausea across conditions such as motion sickness, pregnancy-related morning sickness, postoperative recovery, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. The device is designed for user comfort and ease of use. It is worn on the wrist with adjustable straps to fit various wrist sizes and features multiple intensity settings, allowing users to customize stimulation based on personal needs.
For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), a randomized, double-blind study involving 49 cancer patients undergoing moderately-high to highly emetogenic chemotherapy showed that the Reliefband, when used as an adjunct to standard antiemetics, reduced vomiting episodes and nausea severity compared to an inactive device. [2]
In the context of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), research involving patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy demonstrated significant relief from nausea when the Reliefband was used alongside standard antiemetic medications. Patients using the active device reported greater symptom reduction than those using a sham device. [3]
Two members of HealthCMi wore the device on an hour long boat ride with moderate wave height and significant lateral rocking of the boat. Neither HealthCMi team member experienced any significant nausea. One HealthCMi member, who is particularly prone to sea sickness and car sickness, did have initial signs of nausea appear at one point. At that time, he increased the intensity of the device’s electrical signal and the nausea quickly abated and faded out completely in under a minute. He noted that, at the higher intensity setting, he felt infrequent electrical shocks on his wrist, but noted it was easily tolerable.
The Reliefband is a promising, non-invasive option for individuals seeking relief from nausea and vomiting in various situations. Backed by clinical studies, it offers a customizable and well-tolerated alternative to traditional antiemetic medications. However, individual experiences may differ. Our personal experiences with the device were positive. Our reviewers note that they would never take a boat ride again without the Reliefband.
HealthCMi did not receive any outside funding or products to conduct this review. We purchased our Reliefbands directly and did not receive any support from the manufacturer.
Sources
1. Streitberger, Konrad, Jeanette Ezzo, and Antonius Schneider. "Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies." Autonomic Neuroscience 129, no. 1-2 (2006): 107-117.
2. Treish, I., Shord, S., Valgus, J. et al. Randomized double-blind study of the Reliefband as an adjunct to standard antiemetics in patients receiving moderately-high to highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 11, 516–521 (2003).
3. White PF, Issioui T, Hu J. Comparative efficacy of acustimulation (ReliefBand) versus ondansetron (Zofran) in combination with droperidol for preventing nausea and vomiting. Anesthesiology 2002; 97: 1075-1081.
