Benefits of Acupuncture for Morning Sickness

Benefits of Acupuncture for Morning Sickness

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For pregnant women, morning sickness can be a debilitating condition.

While it may seem like an unavoidable part of pregnancy, there are ways to lessen the effects of nausea and vomiting. Let’s take a look at how acupuncture can be used to reduce pregnancy nausea in expectant mothers.

How Does Acupuncture Help with Pregnancy Nausea?

  • Acupuncture targets specific points on the body that reduce nausea.
  • Acupuncture promotes relaxation
  • Acupuncture can help reduce anxiety

Research suggests that acupuncture treatments can help improve symptoms of nausea in pregnant women, including vomiting and queasiness.

Acupuncture is also thought to be effective at helping balance out hormones that may be causing nausea or upset stomach. By stimulating certain points on the body (known as acupoints), this ancient medical practice can help reduce stress levels and increase endorphin levels in order to lessen feelings of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.

A number of studies have suggested that acupuncture is effective in reducing the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women.

One study in 2010, conducted at Northwestern University and published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that acupuncture treatments reduced reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting and queasiness. Additionally, a 2008 study from the National Institutes of Health examined the effects of acupuncture on pregnant women with severe nausea and vomiting and found positive results. Finally, a 2007 study from China’s Fudan University found that combining acupuncture with other treatments, such as ginger root extract or acupressure, was more effective than drug therapy alone for managing morning sickness.

In addition to its physical benefits, many women find that acupuncture helps them cope better with their symptoms emotionally as well. Many report feeling more relaxed and less anxious after their treatments—which can help them feel more comfortable throughout their pregnancies and make it easier for them to manage any discomfort they may experience due to morning sickness or other issues related to pregnancy.

It is important to use a licensed acupuncturist who is experienced in treating pregnant women.

Pregnancy nausea can be a difficult thing for many women to cope with, but fortunately there are methods available for alleviating its effects—including acupuncture. Many of our patients have experienced relief of nausea or queasiness, so if you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms during your pregnancy, consider trying out some soothing sessions of acupuncture.

Ginger tea is a simple and effective home remedy for morning sickness that many pregnant women swear by. It is safe, inexpensive and easy to make—simply steep some freshly grated ginger root in hot water, strain it, and add a little honey or lemon if desired.

Ginger tea can help soothe nausea and vomiting by calming the stomach and improving digestion. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation of the digestive tract which can be caused by morning sickness. Interestingly, research shows that ginger helps not just with morning sickness but also other gastrointestinal disorders like IBS. Not everyone responds to ginger in the same way, but for many women it has been an effective natural treatment for morning sickness that can be made at home.

Ginger Tea Recipe

To make ginger tea for morning sickness, you will need:

  • 1 cup of boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger root
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

Instructions:

  • Put the grated ginger root into a teacup.
  • Pour the boiling water over the ginger and let it steep for five minutes.
  • Add honey to taste (optional).
  • Stir and enjoy your ginger tea!

Anna Rudel
San Jose Acupuncturist
408.279.9001
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