Meet the Point: PC6
PC6, also known as Neiguan is a popular acupuncture point located on the inner forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease. The median nerve lies directly under this point and rests in-between the palmaris longs tendon and flexor carpi radials tendon. This acupuncture point has several benefits such as:
1. Relieving nausea and vomiting: PC6 is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, motion sickness, and other conditions.
2. Reducing anxiety and stress: PC6 has a strong calming effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce anxiety, stress, and tension.
3. Alleviating pain: PC6 is often used to treat pain in the chest, arm, wrist, and hand, as well as headaches and migraines. It is an effective point for carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathy of the hands.
4. Improving digestion: PC6 stimulates the digestive system, helping to relieve indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
5. Enhancing heart health: PC6 is thought to improve heart function and circulation, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Overall, PC6 is a versatile acupuncture point that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and promote overall health and well-being.
The classical TCM books call PC6 “an essential point for all disorders of the chest and heart” which can benefit conditions like irregular heart beat, angina, palpitations and anxiety.
This point has a mild sedative effect on the “spirit” and can calm nerves and induce a deep relaxation.
Chemotherapy & PC6
Acupuncture point PC6 has been found to have several benefits for chemotherapy patients. Here are some research studies that support these benefits:
1. Reduces nausea and vomiting: A systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture at PC6 significantly reduced nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients compared to standard care or sham acupuncture (1). Another study found that acupuncture at PC6 was more effective than antiemetic medication in reducing acute and delayed nausea and vomiting (2).
2. Improves sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial of 60 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that acupuncture at PC6 significantly improved sleep quality compared to a control group (3). Another study found that acupuncture at PC6 improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue in cancer patients (4).
3. Reduces anxiety and depression: A randomized controlled trial of 60 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that acupuncture at PC6 significantly reduced anxiety and depression compared to a control group (3). Another study found that acupuncture at PC6 reduced anxiety and depression in cancer patients (5).
4. Improves heart function: A randomized controlled trial of 60 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found that acupuncture at PC6 improved heart function compared to a control group (3). Another study found that acupuncture at PC6 improved heart rate variability in cancer patients (6).
Overall, acupuncture at PC6 has been found to be a safe and effective complementary therapy for chemotherapy patients, with benefits including reduced nausea and vomiting, improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved heart function.
1. Ezzo J, Richardson MA, Vickers A, et al. Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(2):CD002285.
2. Shen J, Wenger N, Glaspy J, et al. Electroacupuncture for control of myeloablative chemotherapy-induced emesis: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2000;284(21):2755-2761.
3. Mao JJ, Farrar JT, Xie SX, et al. Use of electroacupuncture at the Neiguan point (PC6) for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A prospective randomized trial. JAMA Oncol. 2015;1(5):597-603.
4. Lu W, Rosenthal DS. Acupuncture for cancer pain and related symptoms. Curr
