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Queasy relief: acupuncture outshines modern drugs for post-operative nausea and pain

Natural Health, March, 2005 by Marisa Lowenstein

THE ANCIENT ART of acupuncture controls post-operative stomach upsets more effectively than ondansetron (Zofran), the popular anti-nausea drug. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., followed women undergoing major breast surgery. Two hours post-op, 77 percent of the subjects who received the acupuncture experienced no nausea or vomiting, while only 64 percent of those who took Zofran had no symptoms.

An additional benefit of the acupuncture was a reduction in general pain. "Acupuncture has minimal side effects "observes anesthesiologist Tong Joo Gan, M.D., who led the trial. "And patients love it because they're more satisfied with the nausea and vomiting management, and they had less pain.

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Using electro-acupuncture devices that delivered an electrical pulse, doctors were able to stimulate acupuncture point Pericardium 6--found below the wrist without breaking the skin. Because there are no needles this method of application is more convenient for operating-room use, says Gan.

When traditional needles are applied to P6, they also help trigger calming emotions and treat general nausea and other symptoms, says Eugene Iwasa, L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist in Santa Monica. Calif. For mild nausea, Iwasa encourages applying pressure to this point; it's not as powerful as acupuncture, but it's still effective, he says.

With your palm facing up, bend your wrist toward you. Slide the thumb of your other hand down to a point about 1 1/2 inches below your wrist crease, and use it to apply steady pressure between the two tendons that connect the lower arm to the wrist. Support the treated arm with the fingers of the other hand.

Queasy relief: acupuncture outshines modern drugs for post-operative nausea and pain

Natural Health, March, 2005 by Marisa Lowenstein

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