Morning sickness control in early pregnancy by Neiguan point acupressure.

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.

• Authors: D de Aloysio, P Penacchioni
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 80 Issue 5 Pg. 852-4 (Nov 1992) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1407927 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Acupuncture Points
• Adult
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Medicine, Chinese Traditional
• Nausea (prevention & control)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (prevention & control)
• Pregnancy Trimester, First
• Pressure