Struggling with unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy? Our acupuncture clinic in Brisbane may be able to help

Morning sickness is a common and challenging aspect of pregnancy, affecting 70 – 80% of all women. While in many cases it is limited to the first trimester, others may experience more prolonged nausea and vomiting which can make everyday life extremely difficult.

Severe and extended cases of vomiting may be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – which impacts 1-2% of pregnancies and can carry significant long-term health risks to both mother and baby if left untreated. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a holistic approach to relieving the symptoms of morning sickness – with acupuncture being a popular treatment option. At Balance Acupuncture, we’re particularly passionate about offering this service for expectant mothers. We understand how debilitating morning sickness can be, and it shouldn’t have to be that way!

There are varying opinions on exactly what causes morning sickness, such as rapid hormonal changes or fluctuations in blood pressure, triggering a nausea response in the brain. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, morning sickness is viewed as an imbalance in the body’s energy (Qi) and fluids. This imbalance may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. According to TCM, the spleen and stomach are key organs involved in digestion and energy transformation. When these organs are disrupted, it can result in morning sickness.

Acupuncture for morning sickness aims to restore balance by stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles, to regulate the flow of Qi and support the body’s natural healing processes. In particular, acupuncture on pressure point P-6, found on the inner arm just below the wrist, may be effective in reducing nausea and dry retching in early pregnancy (1).

Research also indicates acupuncture may help with the symptoms associated with hyperemesis gravidarum – with one study observing vomiting relief occurred within just minutes of stimulation (2)!

Acupuncture may also assist with other common pregnancy symptoms, such as:

• Reducing stress and anxiety (3)
• Reducing pain and headaches (4)
• Relieving insomnia (4)
• Improving energy levels (5)

When performed by our highly experienced practitioners, acupuncture for hyperemesis and morning sickness is considered a safe and effective treatment (7). All Chinese herbs prescribed are carefully selected for their specific healing properties and because they are safe to take during pregnancy.

At Balance Acupuncture, we have a special interest in helping women just like you be able to enjoy the experience of pregnancy. If you’re struggling with nausea and vomiting, we’d love the opportunity to meet with you. Book a consultation with our caring team today to see if acupuncture for morning sickness might be helpful for you.