Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable symptoms that may or may not be indicative of a serious disorder. Nausea is a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach, usually accompanied by the sensation that one needs to, or is about to, vomit. Vomiting is the emptying, most often involuntarily, but occasionally voluntarily, of the stomach contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may result from a great variety of conditions, including both temporary distress or infirmity and serious disease.
Acupuncture is a natural, safe and painless treatment option for nausea and vomiting that can help to restore the balance of the digestive system and promote overall health. Acupuncture can help return an upset digestive system to proper balance by stimulating or inhibiting gastric and intestinal contractions and stimulating secretions of the digestive cells. It may be used in combination with other treatments including diet modifications, or by itself.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments can help to calm the mind, helping the body to relax and decrease the feeling of nausea. Acupuncture and acupressure may be effective treatment options to control nausea and vomiting in individuals who may be be suffering from these symptoms as a result of:
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Surgery
- Use of anesthesia
- Chemotherapy
- Motion sickness
- Pregnancy
Acupuncture treatments also help to strengthen the digestive system, stimulate blood circulation and the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.
The Acupuncture Method
In addition to acupuncture, acupressure is most often used as an effective form of treatment for nausea and vomiting. There are several acupressure points that can help manage nausea with immediate relief. Acupressure points, located on the inner side of the wrist, are stimulated with steady pressure. Other points on the body may also be treated with acupressure. The specialist may also prescribe acupressure bracelets, which apply pressure to certain points without the use of needles. These bracelets may be used at home whenever the patient experiences the symptoms of nausea. Aromatherapy may also be used to to calm an irritated or nervous stomach with essential oils from plants and herbs.