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.