One of the effective techniques for dealing with chemotherapy and radiation therapy-related nausea involves an ancient Chinese technique called “moxibustion.” It involves the use of a rolled herbal cigar of dried and/or processed mugwort, also called “moxa.” When burned, the smoldering moxa serves as a medicinal heat source that is held directly over the skin at specific acupuncture points to stimulate their activity.
Stomach 36 (or “ST 36”) is my favorite acupuncture point for treating nausea. I feel that this point is even more effective than Pericardium 6 (“P 6”), on the underside of the wrist. ST 36 is located by finding the bump on your tibial (shin) bone about one inch below the knee. This bump is called the tibial tuberosity. ST 36 is level with the bottom of the tibial tuberosity, one thumb width towards the outside of the leg. When you press firmly on this point (it is in the muscle), you can often feel an achy sensation (called “de qi”).
Take your lit and glowing moxa roll and hold it over ST 36 for a few seconds until you feel the heat sinking in, then pull it away from the skin to cool it down. You can do this on either or both legs, and it can be done repeatedly for a few minutes (i.e. going back and forth between the right and left ST 36 points). You should feel the nausea abating after a few minutes.
Moxa rolls are inexpensive, easy to use and are a great way to help relieve nausea without any side effects.
You can purchase moxa online or through stores in your local Chinatown. Here are a few recommended online suppliers: