Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that affects up to 70% of expectant mothers1. Despite its name, it can strike at any time of day, leaving many women feeling miserable and searching for relief. If you’re pregnant and struggling with nausea and vomiting, you might be wondering if acupuncture could help.
Let’s dive into the world of needles and pregnancy to explore this ancient practice’s potential benefits for morning sickness.
What is Morning Sickness?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of acupuncture, let’s talk about what exactly morning sickness is. It’s that lovely combination of nausea and vomiting that often comes with the early stages of pregnancy2. While it’s called “morning sickness,” it can actually happen at any time of day (oh, joy!)3.
Morning sickness typically starts around the 6th week of pregnancy and usually tapers off by the 12th week. However, some unlucky ladies experience it throughout their entire pregnancy4. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to the rapid increase in pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)5.
Acupuncture: More Than Just Needles
Now, let’s talk about acupuncture. If you’re picturing yourself as a human pincushion, don’t worry! Acupuncture is a lot more gentle than you might think.
Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for thousands of years. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or life force known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”)6.
But here’s the kicker: even if you don’t buy into the whole energy flow thing, there’s scientific evidence suggesting acupuncture can have real physiological effects on the body. It’s thought to stimulate the nervous system, release natural painkillers, and reduce inflammation78.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Morning Sickness?
So, how exactly can acupuncture help with your pregnancy queasiness? Here are a few ways:
- Symptom Relief: Research suggests that acupuncture can significantly reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness9.
- Stress Reduction: Pregnancy can be stressful, and stress can make morning sickness worse. Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels10.
- Energy Balance: According to traditional Chinese medicine, morning sickness is often related to an imbalance in the body’s energy. Acupuncture aims to restore this balance11.
- Hormone Regulation: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help regulate hormones, which could potentially help with hormone-related nausea12.
The Acupuncture Experience: What to Expect
If you’re considering trying acupuncture for your morning sickness, here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: Your acupuncturist will ask about your symptoms, overall health, and pregnancy.
- Treatment: You’ll lie down comfortably while the acupuncturist inserts thin needles into specific points on your body. Common points for morning sickness include the inner wrist (P6 point) and the center of the lower leg (ST36 point)1314.
- Relaxation: Most people find acupuncture sessions relaxing. You might even doze off!
- Duration: Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes.
- Frequency: Your acupuncturist might recommend 1-2 sessions per week, depending on your symptoms.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
Now for the million-dollar question: is it safe? The good news is that acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a qualified practitioner15. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a qualified practitioner: Make sure your acupuncturist is licensed and has experience treating pregnant women.
- Avoid certain points: Some acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy as they may stimulate labor.
- Communicate: Always inform your acupuncturist about your pregnancy and any concerns you have.
- Consult your doctor: It’s always a good idea to check with your obstetrician before starting any new treatment during pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects
While acupuncture is generally safe, there can be some minor side effects16:
- Slight bruising or soreness at the needle sites
- Temporary fatigue after treatment
- Occasional dizziness
These effects are usually mild and short-lived. If you experience any severe or prolonged symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Acupuncture vs. Other Morning Sickness Remedies
Acupuncture isn’t the only way to combat morning sickness. Here’s how it stacks up against other common remedies171819:
| Remedy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | – Non-pharmacological – Can provide immediate relief – May have additional benefits (stress reduction, etc.) | – Requires multiple sessions – Can be costly – May not be covered by insurance |
| Ginger | – Natural – Easily accessible – Can be consumed in various forms (tea, candies, etc.) | – May not be strong enough for severe nausea – Some women dislike the taste |
| Vitamin B6 | – Inexpensive – Easy to take | – May take time to see effects – Not effective for all women |
| Prescription medications | – Can be very effective for severe cases | – Potential side effects – Concerns about medication use during pregnancy |
- What does it mean when acupuncture points bleed?
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- Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling: What They Are, Benefits, and Differences
When to Seek Additional Medical Advice
While acupuncture can be helpful for many women, it’s important to know when to seek additional medical help. Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You’re unable to keep any food or liquids down for 24 hours or more
- You’re experiencing signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, etc.)
- You have severe abdominal pain or headaches
- You’re losing weight
The Bottom Line
Acupuncture can be a safe and effective complementary treatment for morning sickness. While it may not work for everyone, many women find relief through this ancient practice. As with any treatment during pregnancy, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider and choose a qualified practitioner.
Remember, morning sickness is temporary. Whether you choose acupuncture, ginger tea, or simply riding it out, know that relief is on the horizon. In the meantime, take care of yourself, rest when you can, and remember that growing a human is hard work!
Have you tried acupuncture for morning sickness? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Trusted Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676933/ ↩︎
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/morning-sickness ↩︎
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/ ↩︎
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy ↩︎
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-morning-sickness ↩︎
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture#:~:text=Acupuncture[b]%20is%20a%20form%20of%20alternative%20medicine%20[2]%20and%20a ↩︎
- https://hms.harvard.edu/news/exploring-science-acupuncture#:~:text=Acupuncture%20is%20a%20traditional%20Chinese%20technique%20that%20has%20been%20used ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8991130/#:~:text=Acupuncture%20is%20the%20process%20of%20stimulating%20acupoints%20by%20inserting%20thin ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220120/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7377446/ ↩︎
- 王文远. 平衡针灸学最新理论研究[J]. 中国中医药现代远程教育, 2004, 2(12): 18-21. ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6276442/ ↩︎
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pressure-points-for-nausea ↩︎
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24554789/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10088157/ ↩︎
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/ ↩︎
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy ↩︎
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/morning-sickness-remedies/ ↩︎
