Acupressure for Morning Sickness
Topic Overview
Acupressure may help relieve or shorten the duration of your
morning sickness symptoms. Acupressure is based on
Eastern medicine practices used to open up blocked energy pathways in the body.
Instead of using
acupuncture needles, you or a practitioner presses on
a small area of the body to treat a given ailment.
Constant pressure on the P6 point is used to prevent or reduce nausea. The P6 point is on the inner side of your arm, in
line with your middle finger. It is close to your wrist, one-sixth of the way between your wrist and
elbow. You can press on your arm with a
thumb or finger or try wearing wristbands (such as Sea-Bands) that press a
plastic disc on the P6 point on each arm.
Several studies suggest that acupressure makes bouts of nausea and
vomiting shorter, though the symptoms may still be as severe.1
There is no risk in trying acupressure for morning sickness.
References
Citations
- Festin M (2007). Nausea and vomiting in
early pregnancy, search date May 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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| Last Revised | November 10, 2010 |
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Last Revised:
November 10, 2010
Festin M (2007). Nausea and vomiting in
early pregnancy, search date May 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.