A team of researchers in Turkey looking at the possibilities of acupressure for nausea and vomiting after gynaecological surgery, have concluded it represents a viable alternative to drugs. They randomised 97 women to receive either standard drugs during and after surgery, or to receive acupressure to the point Neiguan using a wristband. The latter was left in place during the first 12 hours following surgery.
Acupressure was associated with preventing vomiting and a significant reduction in nausea. Patients’ general comfort level also improved. The study authors say that because of its effectiveness and feasibility, wristband acupressure is a great alternative to pharmacologic methods in the gynaecological surgery population.
(The Effect of Neiguan Point (P6) Acupressure With Wristband on Postoperative Nausea, Vomiting, and Comfort Level: A Randomized Controlled Study. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, December 2018.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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