A study entitled "Comparison Between Effects of Acupuncture and Metoclopramide on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Gynaecological Laparoscopy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial," reveals some very positive results regarding the use of acupuncture. The trial appeared in the medical journal Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine in 2017.
Researchers conducted a double-blind trial with 122 women, all of whom underwent a gynecological laparoscopy. The study participants were all between the ages of 19 and 46 years old. They were divided up into three main groups.
The acupuncture group consisted of 40 people. Those in the group receiving the anti-emetic drug metoclopramide were 41 in number. In the control group, there were 41 participants.
Women in the acupuncture group received a needle at a point called Pericardium 6, located near the wrist, on the inner arm. Insertion occurred at the same time as the anesthesia was given to the patient. The needle was taken out during extubation. This is the last step in relieving a patient from mechanical ventilation at the completion of an operation.
Each patient was observed and questioned while convalescing in the post-op recovery room for a minimum of one hour. The acupuncture group experienced a statistically significant drop in nausea as compared to the metoclopramide group.
The acupuncture group and the metoclopramide group both did equally as well in their ability to reduce vomiting. The acupuncture group, when compared to the control group, demonstrated an outstanding capacity to reduce both nausea and vomiting.
In conclusion, researchers determined that given the evidence, acupuncture at Pericardium 6 is an effective method to treat post-operative nausea and vomiting.
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Source:
Albooghobeish M., Mohtadi A, et al. (2017). Comparison Between Effects of Acupuncture and Metoclopramide on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Gynaecological Laparoscopy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. Retrieved from http://anesthpain.com/en/articles/12876.html
About the Author: Vanessa Vogel Batt, L.Ac., MSTOM, studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and practiced acupuncture and Oriental medicine in New York for several years. Vanessa enjoys traveling the world, and has published articles on acupuncture and Oriental medicine and related health topics for websites and publications in both the U.S. and abroad.
