A clinical study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia (October 2004) evaluated whether electro-acupuncture could help reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. The trial involved 75 women undergoing breast surgery under general anesthesia. Participants were randomized into three groups:
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Electro-acupuncture at the P6 acupuncture point (known for its anti-nausea applications)
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Ondansetron, a commonly prescribed antiemetic medication
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Sham treatment, where electrodes were placed but not stimulated (placebo)
Results at 2 Hours Post-Op
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77% of the electro-acupuncture group were free of nausea and vomiting
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64% of the ondansetron group
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42% of the placebo group
Results at 24 Hours Post-Op
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73% of the electro-acupuncture group remained free of nausea and vomiting
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52% of the ondansetron group
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38% of the placebo group
Rescue Medication Use
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Required by 19% of the electro-acupuncture group
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28% of the ondansetron group
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54% of the placebo group
An additional finding was that participants receiving electro-acupuncture reported less postoperative pain than those in the other two groups.
These results suggest that electro-acupuncture at the P6 point may support recovery by reducing postoperative nausea and decreasing the need for rescue antiemetic medication.
Related Articles
The following articles explore research on acupuncture in specific conditions:
Acupunctue and Blood Pressure: Small Study, Big Potential
Acupuncture and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Laser Acupuncture Can Stimulate the Brain
Acupuncture Creates Changes in the Brain
Electro Acupuncture for Post-Operative Nausea
How Acupuncture Brain Imaging Studies Reveal Pain and Mood Benefits
