Do you suffer from morning sickness or nausea during your pregnancy? If so, you may want to try acupressure. Acupressure is a form of massage that uses pressure on certain points of the body to relieve pain and other symptoms. It is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of acupressure for nausea in pregnancy and how to perform the massage yourself.
Acupressure For Nausea In Pregnancy
Acupressure is a holistic healing technique used to alleviate nausea during pregnancy. It involves applying firm pressure to certain points on the body, which are known to help relieve nausea.
Acupressure works by stimulating the body’s healing abilities, sending increased blood flow and oxygen supply to areas targeted with pressure, and opening up your energy channels, allowing for a better internal energy flow.
Regarding reducing nausea in pregnancy, acupressure primarily works by stimulating an acupoint located around 4 cm below your navel point, known as P6 or Neiguan, depending on where you look for information. This area is connected directly to the body’s digestive system. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for various gastrointestinal issues.
For optimal results, experts recommend using both hands in a circular motion when applying pressure at this acupressure point and repeating several times throughout the day until relief is obtained. For extra comfort, couples can even use warm compressions with their hands during application.
With its simple procedure and non-invasive nature, acupressure seems an excellent option for alleviating early pregnancy-related nausea without involving controlled clinical trials or other acupuncture treatments that could harm the mother or child.
Read More: Acupressure Points For Sciatica
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient Oriental healing technique that involves applying pressure on specific points of the body to alleviate pain, increase circulation and promote overall health and well-being.
Acupressure differs from acupuncture treatment in that no needles are used. Instead, acupressure practitioners use the fingers to apply pressure to specific body areas, including the palms, feet, soles, or even facial areas. This pressure stimulates energy pathways that bring balance and harmony to be physical and mental health.
By strategically placing your index finger/ thumb pads along either side of a particular muscle or nerve pathway, it has been said that this helps stimulate circulation and encourage natural healing processes within the body, promoting deep relaxation, particularly for tightness in muscles caused by overuse during exercises or stress.
Plus, each acupuncture point chosen can generate different physiological outcomes depending on what condition needs treating — examples could be reducing tension headaches and relieving stress from neck tightness from sitting at your computer all day.
Its strength weakened ligaments caused by running too far too fast! If used regularly and properly, acupressure can help reduce discomfort throughout your body.
Read More: Back Pressure Points Massage Guide
Five Benefits Of Acupressure For Nausea In Pregnancy
Pregnant women often suffer from a period of nausea due to the changes in their bodies, along with stress and anxiety. Acupressure is a holistic approach that relieves this sensation, especially during the first trimester. The effects of acupressure can be divided into five key areas.
Here are the five benefits Of Acupressure For Nausea In Pregnancy:
- Firstly, it relieves pressure on the digestive system by triggering points around the stomach which can provide an unhindered circulation of food.
- Secondly, acupressure brings balance back to a pregnant mother’s hormones by stimulating specific pressure points in the body.
- Thirdly, targeting muscular tension in areas such as hands, feet, and face can increase relaxation.
- Fourthly, increasing blood flow throughout various meridians promotes detoxification, encouraging a healthier pregnancy overall.
- Lastly, acupressure focuses on breathing techniques that decrease physical fatigue and overcome any morning sickness associated with pregnancy.
In sum, given its broad range of therapeutic benefits, it is no wonder why acupressure has become popular for treating postoperative nausea during pregnancy.
How to Perform Acupressure Massage on Yourself?
Taking time for yourself, especially during pregnancy, is important. Acupressure Massage allows you to do just that; it not only relaxes but can also assist in managing pain and stress.
To perform an acupressure massage, first, find the points along your body if desired, as there are many; however, this isn’t required as a lot of the effects come from firm pressure alone. Next, sit or lay down comfortably on a firm surface and take deep breaths to relax your mind.
Place your hands over certain areas of your body and begin using firm pressure with circular motions until the area feels warmer or softer than before. It’s important to not apply too much pressure because pregnancy often brings tenderness and sensitivity to any body part.
Concentrate on areas where you hold tension, like your neck, shoulders, or lower back, and focus less on areas that already feel more relaxed. As an added bonus, use oils such as lavender to add acupressure therapy sensations as you enjoy well-deserved relaxation! Acupressure massage can be a great way to provide relief before sleeping or after working out.
Read More: Liver Acupressure Points: Everything To Know
When To See Doctor For Morning Sickness?
Pregnancy can be a time of tremendous excitement but also uncertainty and worry. One common concern expectant parents have is morning sickness or nausea that can occur during pregnancy.
While feeling nauseous is often part of being pregnant, it could signify that you need extra support from a professional. When nausea persists, and other symptoms like vomiting are present, consulting with your medical provider can be beneficial.
They will assess both your physical and mental well-being, so they can put in place interventions that will help you manage any symptoms you’re experiencing and ensure that mother and baby remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Depending on your individual condition and needs, your healthcare professional may suggest lifestyle modifications such as regular meals and snacks throughout the day or additional supplements for nutritional support, so it’s worthwhile taking their advice.
Seeking help at this early stage can make a huge difference to how well you cope during pregnancy – having appropriate strategies to manage any sickness means you’re better equipped to enjoy what should be a truly special moment for you and your family.
Read More: 5 Ankle Pressure Points To Relieve Pain
Conclusion
Overall, acupressure is an effective, natural treatment for nausea in pregnancy. It can relieve discomfort and improve overall well-being with targeted massage techniques stimulating blood flow and oxygen to the body. Applying pressure on specific points or meridians of the body helps restore balance and harmony, which can be greatly beneficial during periods of stress and fatigue.
While acupressure is a safe form of treatment with clinical evidence, consulting your doctor before use is recommended if you have any existing medical conditions or special concerns about your pregnancy. If you’re looking for an alternative way to manage nausea during pregnancy, acupressure might be a viable option!
