Nausea is one of those universal discomforts that can strike from morning sickness during pregnancy to the aftermath of a wild night out. But did you know that there’s an ancient remedy that might just help you keep your stomach settled? We’re talking about acupuncture, a practice with roots deep in traditional Chinese medicine.
But before you jump on the bandwagon or dismiss it as ancient hocus-pocus, let’s dive into whether acupuncture for nausea is genuinely effective or just another myth.
Understanding Acupuncture
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to balance the body’s energy or “Qi”. From a Western perspective, it’s thought to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, boosting the body’s natural painkillers and improving overall well-being1.
Traditional vs. Modern Perspectives
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Nausea, in TCM, could result from an imbalance like spleen and stomach weakness, liver qi stagnation, or even internal heat. Acupuncture aims to restore harmony in these systems2.
- Modern Medicine: Acupuncture might help by triggering the release of endorphins, which can reduce nausea, and by influencing the autonomic nervous system, which controls nausea and vomiting responses3.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Nausea
Research and Findings
Several studies have delved into the efficacy of acupuncture for nausea:
- Postoperative Nausea: A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials showed that PC6 (Neiguan) acupuncture significantly reduced both nausea and vomiting post-surgery4.
- Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea: While results vary, acupressure (a needle-free cousin of acupuncture) at PC6 has shown promise in alleviating first-day nausea5.
- Pregnancy-Related Nausea: Acupuncture has been found to be as effective as Western medicine for morning sickness in some studies, particularly when combined with medication6.
Key Acupoints for Nausea
- Neiguan (PC6): Located on the wrist, this point is a go-to for quick nausea relief.
- Zusanli (ST36): On the leg, it helps regulate stomach function.
- Zhongwan (CV12): On the abdomen, useful for harmonizing stomach qi7.
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- Ear Acupuncture: Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect
Methods of Application
Needle Acupuncture
- Procedure: Needles are inserted at specific depths and angles at chosen acupoints. The sensation you might feel is described as “de qi” – a sort of tingling or heaviness.
- Effectiveness: Immediate relief can often be felt, especially in acute cases like motion sickness or post-operative nausea.
Moxibustion
- How It Works: Uses heat from burning mugwort herb (moxa) to warm acupoints, enhancing the flow of qi and blood. Particularly effective for cold-related nausea.
Ear Acupuncture
- Application: Uses smaller needles or seeds taped to specific ear points. It’s less invasive and can be self-managed for ongoing relief.
FAQs on Acupuncture for Nausea
Q: How often should I get acupuncture for nausea?
- A: Typically, treatments are recommended once or twice a week during acute phases, with frequency reducing as symptoms lessen.
Q: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
- A: Yes, when performed by a certified practitioner, it’s considered safe for managing nausea in pregnancy, but always consult your healthcare provider8.
Q: Can I do acupressure at home?
- A: Indeed, acupressure bands or self-massage on points like PC6 can be effective for mild nausea. Just remember, the pressure should be firm but gentle.
Bottom line
Acupuncture might not be a cure-all, but it presents a compelling case for managing nausea across various scenarios. From the scientific backing to personal anecdotes, there’s a body of evidence suggesting that this ancient practice can indeed offer modern relief. Whether you’re dealing with morning sickness or the side effects of treatment, acupuncture could be worth exploring.
Trusted source
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763 ↩︎
- https://www.zysj.com.cn/lilunshuji/neikexue/76-5-4.html ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8991130/ ↩︎
- Cheong KB, Zhang JP, Huang Y, Zhang ZJ. The effectiveness of acupuncture in prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting–a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2013 Dec 13;8(12):e82474. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082474. PMID: 24349293; PMCID: PMC3862842. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3862842/ ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16950659/ ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229924000670 ↩︎
- https://www.mskcc.org/zh-hans/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-nausea-and-vomiting ↩︎
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/acupuncture-during-pregnancy ↩︎
