Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can arise from many different causes.
These may include:
- infections
- medication side effects
- motion sickness
- pregnancy
- chemotherapy or medical treatments (Ezzo et al., 2006)
While these symptoms are often temporary, they can significantly affect comfort, hydration, and daily function.
When to seek medical attention
It is important to seek medical care early if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by:
- blood in vomit or stool
- severe abdominal pain
- high fever
- signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)
- neurological symptoms such as confusion, vision changes, or weakness
How acupuncture may help
Acupuncture may be used as a supportive approach in managing certain types of nausea.
One commonly studied point is Pericardium 6 (PC6), located on the forearm.
Research has shown:
- For postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), stimulation of PC6 can reduce symptoms compared to control or placebo (Lee et al., 2015).
- For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), acupuncture may provide additional relief when used alongside standard medications (Ezzo et al., 2006).
- For pregnancy-related nausea, acupressure at PC6 may reduce symptom severity, although results vary between individuals (Smith et al., 2002).
Possible mechanisms
The exact mechanism is still being studied.
Current evidence suggests acupuncture may:
- influence brain centres involved in nausea regulation
- modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin
- affect autonomic nervous system balance (Ezzo et al., 2006)
A Chinese medicine perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nausea and vomiting are not seen as a single condition.
They are understood as a disruption of the normal downward movement of the stomach.
Different patterns may include:
- Stomach Qi rebellion
Often presents with nausea, belching, or vomiting, sometimes triggered by stress or diet - Spleen Qi deficiency
May involve poor appetite, fatigue, bloating, and loose stools - Liver Qi affecting the stomach
Often associated with stress, leading to nausea, chest tightness, or reflux - Cold or heat in the stomach
May present with preference for warm or cold drinks, burning sensation, or discomfort
Because of this, treatment is individualised rather than based on symptoms alone.
What this means in practice
Nausea can arise from different underlying mechanisms.
Management may involve:
- addressing the cause where possible
- supporting digestion and hydration
- reducing nervous system sensitivity
- tailoring treatment based on individual patterns
Acupuncture may be used alongside medical care rather than as a replacement.
Safety and considerations
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner using single-use sterile needles.
However, it should not replace medical care, especially in cases of:
- severe symptoms
- ongoing vomiting
- unclear diagnosis
Important note
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
Ezzo, J. M., Richardson, M. A., Vickers, A., et al. (2006). Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD002285.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002285.pub2
Lee, A., Chan, S. K., & Fan, L. T. (2015). Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(11), CD003281.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003281.pub4
Smith, C., Crowther, C., & Beilby, J. (2002). Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial. Birth, 29(1), 1–9.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-536x.2002.00149.x