Acupuncture and Acupressure for Morning Sickness
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy — commonly called morning sickness but often occurring throughout the day — affects up to 80% of pregnant women and is one of the most common reasons they seek acupuncture. It is also one of the areas with the strongest evidence base for acupuncture's effectiveness. In traditional Chinese medicine, morning sickness reflects stomach qi failing to descend — instead of moving downward in its natural direction, the stomach qi rebels upward, producing nausea, retching, and vomiting.
The Evidence for Acupuncture
Multiple randomised controlled trials have confirmed that acupuncture and acupressure at PC 6 (Neiguan) significantly reduce pregnancy nausea and vomiting compared to placebo. A Cochrane review confirmed acupressure at PC 6 reduces nausea symptoms in early pregnancy. The treatment is safe, non-pharmacological, and can be self-administered between acupuncture sessions using Sea-Band wristbands or finger pressure.
PC 6 — The Principal Point
PC 6 (Neiguan) is located three finger-widths above the wrist crease on the inner forearm, between the two tendons. It is the most important point for nausea, vomiting, and gastric rebellion in TCM — used for nausea from any cause including travel sickness, post-operative nausea, and chemotherapy-induced nausea, as well as morning sickness. Firm pressure applied for one to two minutes provides immediate relief in many women.
Additional TCM Treatment
Beyond PC 6, acupuncture treatment for morning sickness addresses the underlying pattern. Spleen qi deficiency (the most common pattern in early pregnancy nausea) is treated with stomach-harmonising and spleen-strengthening points. For more severe hyperemesis gravidarum, Chinese herbal medicine can be prescribed safely in pregnancy using formulas such as a modification of Ban Xia Hou Po Tang or Xiao Ban Xia Tang — gentle anti-emetic formulas without herbs that are contraindicated in pregnancy. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
Dietary Advice
Small, frequent meals prevent the blood sugar drops that worsen nausea. Ginger — as fresh ginger tea or capsules — has clinical evidence for reducing pregnancy nausea. Avoiding strong smells, spicy foods, and fatty foods reduces gastric irritation. Cold foods are generally better tolerated than hot in the acute nausea phase.
To discuss acupuncture for morning sickness, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
