Morning sickness -- a misnomer, as it occurs at any time of the day or night -- is a common pregnancy condition also referred to as nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. The severity of morning sickness can range from a minor inconvenience to a debilitating ailment and can affect the quality of a woman's life at home and at work. There are many theoretical causes of morning sickness and at least as many proposed ideas for alleviating its symptoms. Some remedies work for some women, other remedies for other women. Many women have sought -- and found -- relief using acupressure bands.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness typically starts between the sixth and eighth weeks of pregnancy. Although a small percentage of women will continue to have nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancies, for most women morning sickness will resolve between weeks 12 and 14. Nausea and vomiting can be triggered by, among other things, eating too much, eating too little, specific foods (which vary from woman to woman) certain odors (which also vary from woman to woman) or have no identifiable trigger. Over-the-counter and prescription medications help with the symptoms of morning sickness. There are a variety of alternative approaches as well.
Principles of Acupressure
Acupressure, like acupuncture, is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. According to this system of thought, pathways, or "meridians," of energy, or "chi," can become blocked, causing pain or disease. The meridians can be unblocked using acupressure -- holding pressure on points of the body specific to the condition or disease, usually using fingers, hands, elbows or at times devices such as acupressure bands -- or acupuncture, which utilizes fine needles. By unblocking the meridians, energy is released, restoring balance to the individual and relieving the pain or diseased condition.
Using Acupressure Bands
Acupressure bands, sold under a variety of brand names, have been used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness, motion sickness and anesthesia or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The bands are available at most pharmacies without a prescription for about $15 at the time of publication. The adjustable plastic or elastic band has a button that is placed against the Neiguan point, also known as the P6, or pericarium 6, acupressure point. To find the Neiguan point, measure three finger breadths from the crease of your wrist on the inside of your arm. The button of the band is placed above the third finger, between the ulna and radius (the two long bones of the lower arm). The band is then secured and can be worn continuously. Bands should come with instructions and a diagram to illustrate proper band placement.
Acupressure Bands and Morning Sickness
Mixed results are reported in the scientific literature about the effectiveness of using acupressure bands to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness. As different remedies work for different women and the bands are relatively inexpensive and without known risk to the woman or the baby, they are likely to be worth a try. Only time will "cure" nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and many women are able to find ways to cope with the condition. Women who cannot hold down any food for 24 hours, who develop fever or abdominal pain or who notice significant weight loss should contact their health care provider.
References
- "The Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health"; Evidence-based Approaches to Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy; Tekoa L. King, et al.; November-December 2009
- "Gastroenterology Clinics"; Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy: Noel Lee, et al.; June 2011
- "Integrative Medicine"; Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy; Andrea DiGaetano; 2007
- "Birth"; Acupressure to Treat Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Caroline Smith, et al.; March 2002
