Acupuncture For The Treatment of Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is common in early pregnancy, typically in the first trimester. It can affect daily life, impacting physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The severity varies; some experience mild discomfort, while others find it debilitating, affecting regular activities, work, and social interactions.

Morning sickness symptoms can occur at any time and may be triggered by smells, foods, or stress. This unpredictability can cause frustration as individuals seek relief. While traditional anti-nausea medications are common, interest in alternative therapies like acupuncture is growing.

Acupuncture, an ancient practice from Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific body points to restore balance and promote healing. Research suggests it offers a safe, drug-free alternative for managing morning sickness, providing relief comparable to conventional anti-nausea medications without the side effects of drugs.

What Triggers Morning Sickness?

1. Hormonal Changes:

   - The primary cause of morning sickness is believed to be the rapid increase in hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. This hormone supports the pregnancy by promoting progesterone production.

   - Along with HCG, there is an increase in oestrogen and thyroid hormones, both of which may contribute to feelings of nausea.

2. Blood Sugar Imbalance:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect glucose regulation, leading to hypoglycaemia and potential nausea if meals or snacks are too far apart.

3. Stress and Fatigue:

   - Increased stress levels, fatigue, and having a multiple pregnancy (i.e., twins) can exacerbate morning sickness.

4. Dietary Triggers:

   - Certain foods, drinks and odours can provoke the onset of nausea more easily at this time. External smells like perfumes or consuming fatty or spicy foods, caffeine and any strong-tasting foods can exacerbate nausea.

Safety and Research

When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe during pregnancy.

Studies emphasize its effectiveness:

• A randomized controlled trial showed that acupuncture reduced nausea and dry retching.

• Another study demonstrated that acupuncture was more effective than a control group in reducing nausea and vomiting.

• A review of 16 studies confirmed the benefits of acupuncture for severe pregnancy-related nausea.

  
  

How Acupuncture May Help:

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), morning sickness is primarily viewed as an imbalance between the Liver and Stomach or the Liver and Spleen energy systems. It might also involve a Kidney deficiency or increased Heat or Dampness due to the body's rapid changes, which are generally regarded as normal and not pathological unless there were pre-existing imbalances in these areas before pregnancy. Additionally, constitutional, hereditary, or predisposing lifestyle factors can play a role. In such instances, these factors may exacerbate the severity of morning sickness.

Acupuncture aims to restore balance, reduce digestive discomfort, and improve overall well-being during this period.

From a Western Medical Perspective

Acupuncture may help relieve morning sickness by:

• Releasing Endorphins: Natural pain-relievers that alleviate stress and discomfort.

• Stimulating ACTH Production: Which promotes the pituitary gland to release hormones that help reduce nausea.

• Regulating Digestion: Decreases excessive stomach acid and normalizes abnormal stomach rhythms.

Where are the needles placed?

Needles are placed in the wrist, over the stomach and on the feet and possibly the scalp and ear.

Between acupuncture appointments, try to:

• If possible, reduce your workload temporarily

• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: To help stabilize blood sugar

• Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid foods and smells that exacerbate symptoms.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water and electrolyte-rich fluids to help prevent dehydration.

• Try Ginger: A natural anti-nausea remedy available in capsules/tablets or fresh root form made into a tea (try adding lemon and honey).

• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing and meditation can help reduce stress-related nausea, sit outside in the fresh air, go for a gentle walk.

• Apply acupressure to P6 as per diagram below, multiple times per day, press and hold firmly 30-60 seconds each time

  
  

  

  Apply acupressure to P6 ('Pericardium Acu-Point #6), located 2 cun ((approx. 2 inches) from the wrist crease, between the 2 tendons

  
  
  
  

By combining acupuncture with these strategies, many women find relief from morning sickness. Furthermore, acupuncture not only targets nausea and vomiting but may also help improve overall well-being during pregnancy by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The calming effects of acupuncture can contribute to a more positive experience during this transformative time, helping individuals to cope with the physical and emotional challenges that may arise.

Acupuncture may also assist with pregnancy related:

• Headaches/Migraines

• Hip and back pain

• Sinus problems

• Poor Sleep

• Labor preparation

• Breech presentation

• Anxiety

• Low energy levels

  
  

  Useful Links;

  
  

• Acupuncture To Help Support a Healthy Pregnancy Canberra

• Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Help Correct Breech Presentation in Pregnancy

To learn more or to book online, please visit www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au

Dr. Margie Virgo is a registered Acupuncturist & Chinese medicine practitioner and has been practicing since 1997. Enquiries welcome.

REFERENCES;

ref; Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial - PubMed

ref; Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy - PMC

ref;[Acupuncture for nausea: how does it work?] - PubMed

ref: Treatment of heartburn and acid reflux associated with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy - PMC