Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. Despite its name, nausea and vomiting can happen at any time of day and may significantly affect your appetite, energy levels, work, sleep and daily routine.
For some women, morning sickness is mild and manageable. For others, persistent nausea and vomiting can make the first trimester particularly challenging.
So, can acupuncture help with morning sickness?
Acupuncture is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support women during pregnancy. Research suggests acupuncture and related acupressure techniques may help reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting for some women, although individual responses vary.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is thought to be associated with the hormonal and physiological changes that occur during early pregnancy.
Increasing levels of pregnancy hormones, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, may contribute to nausea and vomiting. Changes in digestion, increased sensitivity to smells, fatigue and fluctuations in blood sugar can also make symptoms worse.
Morning sickness is particularly common during the first trimester and often improves as pregnancy progresses.
However, every pregnancy is different.
How Does Acupuncture Work for Morning Sickness?
From a TCM perspective, pregnancy creates significant changes in the body’s energy and digestive system. Nausea and vomiting may be associated with an imbalance affecting the stomach’s normal movement.
Treatment may focus on:
- Supporting digestive function
- Helping regulate nausea and vomiting
- Promoting relaxation and reducing stress
- Supporting overall well-being during early pregnancy
- Addressing individual symptoms and TCM patterns
Rather than using the same treatment for every person, a TCM practitioner may tailor acupuncture treatment according to your symptoms, pregnancy stage and overall health.
Acupuncture Points for Pregnancy Nausea
Certain acupuncture and acupressure points are traditionally used to help manage nausea and vomiting.
Your practitioner may also use other points depending on your individual presentation.
Important: Acupuncture points should be selected and used appropriately during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, it is best to receive treatment from a practitioner experienced in pregnancy acupuncture rather than attempting to needle points yourself.
When Should You Consider Acupuncture?
Some women seek acupuncture as soon as pregnancy-related nausea begins, while others come in when symptoms start affecting their daily life.
You may consider discussing acupuncture with a qualified practitioner if you are experiencing:
- Persistent nausea
- Reduced appetite
- Sensitivity to smells
- Difficulty eating normally
- Fatigue associated with nausea
- Occasional vomiting
- Nausea that makes work or daily activities difficult
Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?
When performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner, acupuncture can be used during pregnancy with appropriate point selection and treatment techniques.
Your practitioner should know that you are pregnant and how far along you are so that your treatment can be appropriately tailored.
At Ponsonby Wellness Centre, pregnancy acupuncture is approached with your individual needs and stage of pregnancy in mind.
Supporting Morning Sickness Between Treatments
Alongside acupuncture, some simple lifestyle strategies may help make nausea easier to manage.
You may find it helpful to:
- Eat smaller meals more frequently
- Avoid allowing your stomach to become empty
- Keep simple snacks nearby
- Drink fluids regularly
- Identify and avoid strong smells that trigger nausea
- Choose foods that feel easier to tolerate
- Get enough rest
- Consider ginger if it is suitable for you
What works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and discuss persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Acupuncture for Morning Sickness in Auckland
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but persistent nausea can make the early weeks difficult.
At Ponsonby Wellness Centre in Auckland, we provide acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine support for women throughout different stages of pregnancy. Treatment is individually tailored and can be used alongside your existing maternity and medical care.
If morning sickness is affecting your daily life, acupuncture may be one option to consider as part of your pregnancy wellbeing plan.
Looking for acupuncture for morning sickness in Auckland? Contact Ponsonby Wellness Centre to discuss whether acupuncture may be suitable for you.
Contact us:
phone number: 021 2159963
email address: ponsonbywellness@gmail.com
57 Sussex St,
Ponsonby
Auckland 1021
