With many pregnant celebrities, such as singer Fergie of the Black-Eyed Peas, announcing they use acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to control morning sickness, more and more people are becoming interested in this complementary wellness method. But can such an ancient method really help with your nausea and vomiting?
According to modern research from scientists in Baltimore, Maryland and the University of Heidelberg in Germany , acupuncture at a certain point on your forearm, known as point P6, can significantly reduce the nausea and vomiting by which morning sickness is characterised. However, the researchers also looked at other patients who demonstrated these symptoms, caused by postoperative sickness and chemotherapy, as well as pregnancy-related sickness. Though wristwatch electrical stimulators of P6 were not effective, acupressure at P6 showed some results and the researchers recommended continuing investigation of the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
The acupuncture point P6, also known as Neiguan, translates as “inner pass”. It is the Luo or “connecting” point of the Pericardium channel and the confluent point of the Yin Wei or “Yin Linking” channel. Traditional Chinese Medicinal theory states that this point can be used to calm your heart and spirit, regulate your Qi, and suppress any pain you might be experiencing. Practitioners often recommend the use of P6 if you have cardiac or chest pain, palpitations, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, mental disorders, epilepsy related seizures, fevers or insomnia.
Studies have also shown that Chinese medicinal herbs such as Gan Cao (otherwise known as ginger) are also beneficial in improving wellbeing, especially with regards to sickness and nausea. This is no lightweight matter, as nausea and vomiting can be every bit as serious as pain, and so for expectant mothers, the availability of Chinese medicinal herbs or acupuncture can be the difference between becoming bedridden or hospitalised versus enjoying a healthy pregnancy. They can also make all the difference to the wellbeing of chemotherapy patients, and the quality of life in postoperative patients. If you want to know more about Chinese herbs or acupuncture, or are suffering from one of the conditions listed above, contact an accredited acupuncturist or practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine, or look online for more information.
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