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Acupuncture for morning sickness offers a, drug-free option for those experiencing one of the most common discomforts in early pregnancy. Between half to two thirds of pregnant women experience some form of nausea and/or vomiting. Despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night, though it’s often worse in the morning. For most women, it typically begins around week 4 of pregnancy and often subsides by week 14. Unfortunately, morning sickness at the least be very unpleasant, and can significantly affect your daily functioning and wellbeing. In more severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, dehydration and weight loss may occur, requiring medical support. Consider exploring acupuncture for morning sickness as a potential relief option.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
The medical profession is unsure what causes morning sickness, but some theories suggest:
- Hormonal changes—particularly the rapid rise of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes to the digestive function, slowed gut motility, and increased sensitivity to smells and tastes and changes in your ability to digest carbohydrates
- Significant physical changes during pregnancy
Causes according to Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, morning sickness is often seen as a disharmony – like many other conditions that may happen due to imbalances. Throughout the body there are many channels or meridians that connect to one another. The uterus is connected with the stomach through a channel known as the Penetrating Vessel or Chong Mai. The Penetrating Vessel is put under strain during pregnancy, as it needs to work harder to provide nutrients and energy (Qi) to support your pregnancy. This may disrupt the normal flow of Qi, especially the downward action of the Stomach*. This leads to rebellious Qi rising upward—resulting in nausea or vomiting.
*Stomach as in the Chinese Medical term,
Medical Treatments
In more persistent cases, anti-nausea medications such as doxylamine-pyridoxine may be prescribed. However, not all medications are suitable during pregnancy, and some individuals prefer to seek natural or complementary approaches.
Lifestyle or natual options
Lifestyle adjustments, eating small frequent meals and avoiding triggers may assist.
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help
Chinese medicine for morning sickness including acupuncture and acupressure, offers effective and gentle support to help ease symptoms. These therapies aim to restore harmony, regulate Qi and encourage the Stomach’s* ability to descend Qi and prevent rebellious energy (and food) rising up.
*Stomach as in the Chinese Medical term,
One of the most studied and widely used acupuncture points for nausea is Nei Guan (Pericardium 6 or PC6), and is usually selected when using acupuncture for morning sickness. This point is located on the inner forearm, about two finger-widths above the wrist crease. Stimulation of this point — either through acupuncture needles, special acupuncture stickers/tacks, or acupressure wristbands — may help calm the Stomach and relieve nausea.
Research
A 2023 Randomised Control Study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine (PubMed ID: 11843784) found that women who used PC6 acupressure wristbands reported significant reductions in nausea and vomiting compared to a control group. More recently, a 2024 systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine further supported the use of acupuncture and acupressure for managing morning sickness.
In a Chinese medicine consultation, treatment may also include dietary advice tailored to the individual, herbal formulas (prescribed with caution in pregnancy), eating ginger and lifestyle suggestions to support digestion and emotional balance. When the Liver* is involved—as in cases where nausea is aggravated by stress or frustration—soothing the Liver* Qi may also be part of the treatment.
*Liver as in the Chinese Medical term,
PC6 Acupressure at Home
You can also try acupressure at home. To locate PC6, place three fingers just above the wrist crease on the inside of your arm. The point lies between the two tendons you can feel under the skin. Using your thumb, apply gentle, steady pressure for a few minutes while breathing deeply. Wristbands designed for nausea relief may also provide continuous pressure on this point throughout the day.
PC6 location
Morning sickness can be incredibly challenging, especially when trying to manage daily tasks, work or care for other children. Chinese medicine for morning sickness offers a gentle, holistic approach to support the body’s natural balance during pregnancy. If you’re experiencing morning sickness and looking for safe, drug-free relief, acupuncture and Chinese medicine may offer the support you need.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how acupuncture can help you achieve greater well-being.
