Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. While acupuncture is often used to treat pain and stress-related conditions, it has also been studied for its potential effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, or other conditions. In this post article, we will discuss the research on acupuncture for treating nausea and vomiting, using three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) as references.
RCT #1: A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture at the PC6 acupuncture point for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (Gao et al., 2014).
In this RCT, 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture at the PC6 acupuncture point or a sham acupuncture procedure. The study found that patients who received acupuncture had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to those who received the sham procedure. The authors suggest that acupuncture at the PC6 point may be a safe and effective treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting.
RCT #2: Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial (Smith et al., 2002).
This RCT involved 593 pregnant women who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or no treatment for their nausea and vomiting. The study found that acupuncture significantly reduced the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting compared to the control group. The authors suggest that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option for nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
RCT #3: The effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients: A randomised controlled trial (Molassiotis et al., 2007).
This RCT involved 90 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or standard care for their nausea and vomiting. The study found that acupuncture significantly reduced the severity and frequency of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting compared to the control group. The authors suggest that acupuncture may be a valuable addition to standard care for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients.
The research suggests that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option for nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including postoperative nausea and vomiting, nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These RCTs demonstrate the potential of acupuncture to reduce the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting and improve patients’ quality of life. However, it is important to note that acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.
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References:
Gao, J., Li, X., Liu, H., Li, X., Liang, X., & Li, G. (2014). A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture at the PC6 acupuncture point for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Journal of Surgical Research, 192(2), 452-458.
Molassiotis, A., Sylt, P., Diggins, H., & Theaker, C. (2007). The effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients. European Journal of Cancer Care, 16(1), 36-42.
Smith, C. A., Crowther, C. A., & Petrucco, O. M. (2002). Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial. Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 100(4), 724-728.