The American Pregnancy Association states that over half of all pregnant women experience the unpleasant effects of morning sickness. Nausea, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, can occur any time of day and even all day long.
Pregnant women can use acupressure techniques to alleviate morning sickness. The University of Michigan Health System explains that acupressure has been found to shorten the duration of nausea and vomiting occurring with morning sickness. They also note that no adverse risks exist in trying acupressure as related to morning sickness, although women should consult with a qualified health care professional for advice and recommendations regarding treatment.
Pericardium 6 Stimulation
Pericardium 6, or P6, is the most popular acupressure point that treats morning sickness. AltMD.com explains that this pressure point helps relax the body and improves the connection between the body's internal organs, relieving nausea. P6 is found on the inner wrist between the two tendons, three finger widths down from the crease in the wrist. By applying constant and steady pressure with any one fingertip or the tip of the thumb, she may experience relief from nausea. The woman should alternate pressure between the two wrists until nausea subsides.
Stomach 36 Stimulation
Stimulation of Stomach 36, or St36, also relieves nausea during morning sickness. AltMD.com notes that this pressure point is extremely helpful with stomach and digestive disorders. St36 can be found by holding four fingers together against the lower edge of the knee cap, above the calf muscle. The pressure point is found in the space between the shin bone and the muscle, four finger breadths down beneath the knee. The area may be tender, indicating the need for pressure in that spot. The woman should alternate pressure between both legs until she experiences relief from nausea.
Pressure Using Bands
For continuous relief of morning sickness, apply acupressure using over-the-counter bands designed to engage P6. These bands feature a ball or raised area that is placed over P6 and should be applied snugly to maintain proper pressure to the area. Although these products use the same P6, it enables the pregnant woman to wear the band for long, continuous periods of time for extended relief of nausea.
Another type of band, which people primarily use to remedy motion sickness, uses battery power to emit small electronic pulses to P6. This product was found to be effective in relieving symptoms associated with morning sickness, according to randomized, controlled trials conducted at Creighton University.
