Friday, July 16, 2010

Acupressure Effective for Relieving Morning Sickness


This study shows the effectiveness of stimulation of the acupuncture point Neiguan (P6) for preventing morning sickness and vomiting during pregnancy. Neiguan is located on the inner wrist, about 2 finger-widths above the wrist crease toward the elbow. Acupuncture treatments on a number of points (St36, Liv3, Sp9, LI4) is even more effective, but acupressure on the wrist is something you can try at home.

From PubMed:
Morning sickness control in early pregnancy by Neiguan point acupressure.

de Aloysio D, Penacchioni P.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bologna University, Italy.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiemetic effect of acupressure at the Neiguan point. METHODS: Sixty women in early pregnancy were entered into a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial. During a 12-day period, organized in four steps of 3 days each, the women were divided into two homogeneous groups to test the effectiveness of unilateral and bilateral acupressure. RESULTS: Use of acupressure resulted in a significantly lower frequency of morning sickness compared with placebo treatment. More than a 60% positive effect was found with unilateral and bilateral acupressure, compared with an approximately 30% positive effect of placebo acupressure. Changing from unilateral to bilateral pressure on the Neiguan point caused no significant statistical difference. No noteworthy side effects occurred. CONCLUSION: Acupressure on the Neiguan point relieves morning sickness

Byron Russell, LAc

Dr. Andrew Weil on Acupuncture for Fertility


Here is an excerpt from a brief article written by the very well-known Dr. Andrew Weil on the benefits of acupuncture for many different health conditions.
Acupuncture is not just about needles, but is a comprehensive traditional therapy focused on correcting imbalances of energy flow throughout the body. It can be employed effectively for a wide variety of conditions:

* Gynecologic disorders and infertility (it has demonstrated clinical success when used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization)
* Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
* Digestive complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome
* Pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
* Neurological problems like migraines or Parkinson's disease
* Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma
* Fatigue or low energy
* Addictions
* Chronic lower back pain

It can also be used as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke, can help control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and can help promote overall wellbeing.


Byron Russell, LAc

Dr. Andrew Weil on Acupuncture for Fertility


Here is an excerpt from a brief article written by the very well-known Dr. Andrew Weil on the benefits of acupuncture for many different health conditions.
Acupuncture is not just about needles, but is a comprehensive traditional therapy focused on correcting imbalances of energy flow throughout the body. It can be employed effectively for a wide variety of conditions:

* Gynecologic disorders and infertility (it has demonstrated clinical success when used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization)
* Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
* Digestive complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome
* Pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
* Neurological problems like migraines or Parkinson's disease
* Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma
* Fatigue or low energy
* Addictions
* Chronic lower back pain

It can also be used as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke, can help control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and can help promote overall wellbeing.


Byron Russell, LAc