FHN Complementary Medicine Monthly Newsletter September 2006
Acupuncture and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
A recent article in Explore (2006;2(4):315-20) did a meta analysis of 24 hr postoperative nausea and vomiting in children. It concluded that acupuncture reduces vomiting in children equivalent to medications.
The study looked at 12 trials. All were effective in controlling vomiting. Three of the studies compared to medication intervention and were found to be equivocal.
The results of these studies are not surprising as acupuncture has been found to be effective in treatment of morning sickness nausea and vomiting in pregnant females.
This study also looked at different methods of stimulation of the acupuncture points. acupuncture, acupressure, electricstim and laser. All were found to have efficacy, but acupuncture was found to be the most effective.
The acupuncture treatment usually involves placing the needles in the foot and wrist areas for 15-20 minutes one to two times a day. Many feel relief within 30 minutes of the initial treatment. Some may require multiple treatments to fully subside the vomiting.
So, you and your loved ones have another option for post surgical nausea and vomiting.
Sincerely,
Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith
Complementary Medicine
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