Morning sickness control in early pregnancy by Neiguan point acupressure.

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.