Efficacy of Acupuncture/Acupressure in the Prevention and Treatment of Nausea and Vomiting Across Multiple Patient Populations: Implications for Practice

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting are complex symptoms related to many disease processes. With many pharmacologic interventions noted to have adverse effects, many patients are turning to alternative therapies, including acupuncture and acupressure. Their efficacy has been proven for nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy, in patients receiving chemotherapy, and in postoperative, pediatric, and female patients. There are minimal to no side effects with the use of acupuncture and acupressure for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. Providers should be encouraged to discuss the efficacy, benefits, and side-effect profile of acupuncture and acupressure with patients who suffer from nausea and vomiting.

Keywords: Acupressure; Acupuncture; Nausea; Postoperative; Pregnancy; Vomiting.