Acupuncture Prevents Nausea and Vomiting
A recent evidence review shows that acupuncture point stimulation can prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, which about 80 percent of the patients feel after going through surgery.
The rising cost and side-effects of anti-nausea medicines paved the way for discovering more gentle methods to treat nausea. And hence, the researchers found out in a systematic review that the stimulation of Pericardium (P6) or Neiugan point in the wrist through acupuncture can be an effective option.
This review was issued in a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration (an international health organization), which evaluates research from all health perspectives.
In acupuncture, as done in the 2000 years old treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, skin is pierced with thin metallic needles at certain points. In acupressure, a wristband is worn that presses the P6 point.
According to acupuncturists, stimulation of the point leads to the activation of the nervous system which commands the brain to discharge neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which block other chemicals that actually cause nausea.
Acupuncturists conducted 40 studies on healthy adults undergoing elective surgery to compare effectiveness of preventing nausea after surgery by stimulation of P6 point and by sham treatment (drug therapy).
The study used 10 different methods of stimulation (most common was wristband sold for sickness) and 5 different drugs. The reviewers found out that stimulation of P6 point can considerably reduce the risk of nausea after surgery with lesser side effects, when compared to sham treatment and also it can be used as a suitable alternative to medications. The researchers also came into conclusion that usage of this method can significantly reduce costs of total treatment.
The reviewer said that as more and more people will become aware of its advantages, more it will come into practice.
