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:

  • Electro-acupuncture at the P6 acupuncture point (known for its anti-nausea applications)

  • Ondansetron, a commonly prescribed antiemetic medication

  • Sham treatment, where electrodes were placed but not stimulated (placebo)

Results at 2 Hours Post-Op

  • 77% of the electro-acupuncture group were free of nausea and vomiting

  • 64% of the ondansetron group

  • 42% of the placebo group

Results at 24 Hours Post-Op

  • 73% of the electro-acupuncture group remained free of nausea and vomiting

  • 52% of the ondansetron group

  • 38% of the placebo group

Rescue Medication Use

  • Required by 19% of the electro-acupuncture group

  • 28% of the ondansetron group

  • 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.