Collins, K.B., & Thomas, D.J. (2004). Acupuncture and acupressure for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 16(2), 80-84.

To review existing research on the use of acupuncture and acupressure in the management of nausea and vomiting in order to provide nurses the information required to assist their patients receiving chemotherapy and experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Databases searched were described as scientific and internet sources, Institutes of Health Consensus statement, and federal regulations.

Search keywords included acupuncture and acupressure in combination with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Numerous studies tested the effectiveness of acupressure, acupuncture, and the combination. Few focused on acupressure alone for managing CINV.

A total of five studies were found, representing a total of 409 patients.

Very few studies were found, but, overall, results indicated improvement in nausea and vomiting, supporting the use of acupressure and acupuncture of the treatment of CINV. Acupuncture and acupressure were found to be safe and effective for the relief of CINV in combination with current antiemetic drugs.

The sample sizes were small in the studies; therefore, determining applicability to various practice settings and populations is difficult.