Acupressure for Morning Sickness
There is nothing quite like morning sickness 🙁
Which is why today we are thrilled to share some amazing advice from Dr Amanda Waaldyk, a renowned Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
Many of us are familiar with the ancient Chinese art form of acupuncture, which involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin on acu-points. However the concept of acupressure may be a little unfamiliar, despite their similarities. Acupressure is an effective alternative to acupuncture, which stimulates the same acu-points through applied pressure.
Acupressure improves the body’s function and promotes natural self-healing by stimulating specific anatomical sites – the acu-points. Now, acupressure is leading the charge in providing a natural alternative to curing nausea and is proving to be a useful, natural alternative to morning sickness treatment. An example of this is Sea-Band’s acupressure wristbands, which are a safe, drug-free approach to nausea that is induced by pregnancy… the dreaded morning-sickness!
How does acupressure work?
The art of acupuncture, or the self-treatment of acupressure corrects the energetic imbalances and eliminates symptoms. In traditional Chinese medicine problems like headaches, lower back pain, insomnia, nausea and so on are deemed as symptoms associated with these energetic imbalances.
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing art that is gaining increasing popularity as a modern medical and therapeutic treatment. It has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and it can also be very useful when trying to conceive and increase fertility. Acupressure works by stimulating certain points on the body, known as acupoints, which helps regulate hormones and improve blood flow in order to promote conception.
Acupressure initiates the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture and acupressure’s effects on the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems.
After stimulating specific acu-points, the nervous system is activated and signals the brain to release certain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine or endorphins. These then block the other chemicals that cause the nausea and vomiting, reducing and eliminating the symptoms.
With reference to nausea the Nei Guan points or the pericardium 6 (P6), located on the wrists have been scientifically shown to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting induced by many causes, some we’ve already touched upon.
In order to find your Nei Guan point, place three fingers horizontally from the base of your wrist. The Nei Guan point lies just below the third finger between the two main tendons (essentially in the middle).
Can acupressure help with morning-sickness?
Now that we understand how it works, it’s not hard to see how it has such a positive impact on relieving you from experiencing nausea and vomiting. During pregnancy most women are hesitant to use traditional medication, as these pose risk to the baby. And for some, morning sickness can be experienced over a long period of time and a natural, non-toxic solution is usually preferred.
Using the Sea-Band as an example again, their acupressure wristbands can be worn at the onset of morning-sickness, with results seen in a matter of minutes! However, if you know that you are likely to experience the bands can be used as a preventative tool, worn before the onset of the nausea.
Acupressure and fertility
Studies have shown that acupressure can be beneficial in regulating hormones associated with hormonal imbalance, such as those responsible for the menstrual cycle. This regulation can ultimately improve the chances of conception by balancing reproductive hormones that are essential for ovulation and fertilization. It may also help reduce morning sickness associated with pregnancy, as well as improve sperm count and motility which can enhance a couple’s chances of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques.?
Everyone who wants to conceive will benefit by getting themselves in good physical and mental shape before trying for a baby. It’s important to live an active lifestyle incorporating good nutrition, exercise, yoga and adequate sleep. To release our mind of stress and negativity, practice meditation, mindfulness and self-care.
For more information on Dr Amanda Waaldyk visit http://angea.com.au
For more information of Sea-Band visit http://sea-band.com.au
Founder of Angea Acupuncture & Yoga. Dr of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Fertility.
