How to Wear Sea Bands

Co-authored by Devin McSween Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Fact Checked

Acupressure is a natural remedy that may treat nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms by targeting pressure points in the wrist.^{[1]
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Research source} Studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of acupressure, but further research is necessary to verify its potential benefits.^{[2]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} If you want to try acupressure while keeping your hands free, buying a Sea-Band can help deliver acupressure on the go. Read your Sea-Band's user instructions carefully so you can use it to its fullest potential. Use Sea-Bands in addition to, not in replacement of, other natural remedies and clinical treatments to ease your stomach issues quickly and safely.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Putting on and Adjusting Your Sea-Band

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Put on your Sea-Band before you start traveling or feeling ill. While you can put your Sea-Band on when you’re already nauseous, these wristbands are designed to prevent nausea. If you will be boarding transportation or undergoing a medical procedure that can cause nausea, put your Sea-Band on beforehand.^{[3]
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Find your Nei-Kuan pressure point on your wrist. According to acupressure theory, applying pressure to the Nei-Kuan point can prevent or alleviate nausea. The Nei-Kuan point is located on your wrists, directly below the space between your index and middle finger. To find it, place the first 3 fingers of your opposite hand horizontally on your wrist and press the spot under your index finger that’s between the 2 tendons.^{[4]
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- If you're not sure whether you've located your Nei-Kuan point, look up a diagram of your wrist that marks the Nei-Kuan point for comparison.
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The button should be placed facing down on this point, then strapped onto your wrist. If you are already experiencing nausea and do not experience relief within several minutes of putting the wristband on, adjust it in the area surrounding the point until you find the right spot.^{[5]
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Repeat the process on your other wrist. One wristband for each wrist is ideal for nausea relief so you can place pressure on both Nei-Kuan points. If you only have one Sea-Band, place pressure on your other hand's Nei-Kuan point using your fingers.^{[6]
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- 2 wristbands are preferred if you need to keep your hands free.

Part 2

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Using a Sea-Band in Relevant Situations

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1
Wear a Sea-Band while using transportation to prevent motion sickness. Sea-Bands may relieve nausea caused by car, train, boat, or plane transportation. Based on the assumption that motion sickness is not psychological but physiological, the wristbands help prevent dizziness, nausea, and vomiting caused by motion sickness.^{[7]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Sea-Bands were initially designed to treat seasickness.
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Use a Sea-Band while on vacation to relieve travel nausea. Sea-Bands may be helpful for those who suffer nausea due to jet lag, transportation that they don't normally use, or emotional stress.^{[8]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health

Go to source} Put the Sea-Band on right before you begin traveling to keep symptoms at bay.
- Early travel sickness symptoms include quietness, lethargy, sweaty or clammy palms, and headaches.
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Put on a Sea-Band to prevent morning sickness. Acupressure may relieve morning sickness symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting. Monitor and write down the times of day you most often feel nauseated and plan to wear the wristband during these times.^{[9]
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U.S. National Capital Poison Center
Independent poison control center providing resources to prevent poisonings and save lives

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- One small study found that morning sickness was reduced by more than 60% in pregnant women who used Sea-Bands though evidence remains inconclusive.^{[10]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
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Use a Sea-Band after having surgery or a chemotherapy session. Sea-Bands and other acupressure devices have been clinically tested for relieving nausea following surgery or chemotherapy, however the quality of the studies was low, which means their effectiveness is unclear.^{[11]
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PLOS ONE
Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal

Go to source} They can be useful in helping patients feel like they can control and treat their symptoms. If you are already taking pain relief medicine, Sea-Bands may relieve nausea without interacting with other medicines.^{[12]
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- In this case, you may put the Sea-Band before or after your chemo treatment or surgery depending on your preference.
Try Sea-Bands while sick with a stomach bug or food poisoning. The World Health Organization (WHO) approves of acupressure as a way to treat nausea and vomiting caused by illnesses.^{[13]
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Research source} Use a Sea-Band to help alleviate stomach pain alongside other holistic remedies and treatments prescribed by your doctor.^{[14]
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MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Natural Treatments Alongside Sea-Bands

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1
Eat or drink ginger to relieve your upset stomach. Whether digested raw, candied, or as a drink, ginger is a natural way to counteract nausea. If possible, try to eat fresh ginger, which can calm your stomach faster than teas and other varieties.^{[15]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- If you are too nauseated to eat ginger, try drinking ginger ale.
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Try peppermint oil to reduce nausea and an upset stomach. The smell of peppermint may prevent nausea and vomiting. Dab 1 or 2 drops of peppermint oil below your nose and above your upper lip several times a day to help reduce your symptoms.^{[16]
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Science Direct
Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics

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- Making peppermint tea can have a similar effect if you cannot purchase peppermint oil.
- Drinking peppermint tea may also help soothe inflamed stomach linings and relieve indigestion or an upset stomach.^{[17]
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Keep yourself hydrated with nutrient-filled fluids if you do vomit. Drinking water, teas, juices, or sports drinks can prevent dehydration and weight loss during bouts of nausea. Try to take small sips as you drink to prevent overwhelming your stomach.^{[18]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- Stick with clear liquids like tea or juice. Heavier, dairy-based liquids can worsen an upset stomach.
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Use home remedies along with medical treatment. Natural treatments work best if given alongside the advice of a medical professional, as both have unique benefits. If your symptoms last for more than several days or are severe enough to warrant medical treatment, schedule a doctor's appointment.^{[19]
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FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors

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- Schedule a doctor's appointment if vomiting lasts for more than 2 days (for adults), you've experienced periodic vomiting for more than one month, or you've noticed unexplained weight loss.
- Seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms alongside nausea: chest pain, severe abdominal pain or cramping, blurry vision, rectal bleeding, confusion, fecal matter or odor in vomit, or a high fever.^{[20]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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Tips

Follow the instructions that come with your Sea-Band carefully to gain the fullest relief from your symptoms.

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Sea-Bands can be worn continuously, so wear them as long as you are experiencing symptoms of nausea.

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Sea-Bands can be used on both adults and children.

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Warnings

See your doctor for any unresolved issues Sea-Bands claim to treat, including heavy bleeding or painful menstrual cycles.

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Consult with your doctor before adding any treatment to your daily routine, including acupressure.

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Wearing sea-bands is not conclusively supported by evidence for effectively preventing motion sickness or nausea. Research on the effectiveness of sea-bands has produced mixed results and studies that show effects are often of low quality and not blinded. Scientific studies have not consistently demonstrated their efficacy in preventing or reducing symptoms of motion sickness.

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It's important to note that the placebo effect may play a role in people's perception of sea-bands' effectiveness. Some individuals may feel relief simply because they believe the bands will work.^{[21]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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Do not use Sea-Bands to treat undiagnosed chest pains. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing chest pains.

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