Shrewsbury and Red Bank New Jersey Acupuncturist Treats Nausea from Chemotherapy

Acupuncture has long been regarded as a useful option to assist with the reduction of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments.  Some physicians believe that the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy is caused by the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from the small intestine.  The released serotonin then stimulates the vomiting center in the medulla of the brain and the vomiting reflex is initiated.  In biomedicine, drugs which use serotonin receptor antagonists are prescribed to help to control the nausea.  Unfortunately these drugs do not work with all patients and some chemotherapy patients are hospitalized for dehydration due to the many bouts of vomiting that they endure to continue the chemotherapy treatments. 

Acupuncture has been used to treat the nausea of pregnancy-often with a single acupuncture point in studies.  As well, acupuncture has been used to assist with post-operative nausea.  The mechanisms of action by which acupuncture can assist to decrease or eliminate the vomiting are discussed in the evidence based literature.  There are several protocols for the combination of acupuncture points which have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling chemotherapy vomiting.  Conclusions to one study by Dr. Maria del Guerra stated that acupuncture may be an effective tool for helping to alleviate chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in patients who have not helped by medications.

The acupuncture point that is most used to treat any nausea and vomiting is Pericardium 6 whose Chinese name is nei guan.  This point is found on the inner wrist about 2 inches toward the elbow from the wrist crease.  This point is used for its additional actions reason besides the reduction nausea and vomiting.  The actions include treatment of cardiac pain, heart palpitations felt by the patient, stuffy chest, pain in the area of the chest just below the rib cage, hiccups, mental disorders, epilepsy, and insomnia.  The traditional action of harmonizing the stomach is the main reason to use this point for nausea and vomiting but the point is also used to calm mental upset and regulate the heart’s actions which may also contribute to the intensity and length of the vomiting.

Acupuncture Point PC6 (Pericardium 6), also known as "nei guan"

If you are suffering from any kind of symptoms – or specifically nausea from chemotherapy – please contact our Shrewsbury and Red Bank New Jersey acupuncture office today.  Along with acupuncture, our facility also offers chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

Contributed by Dr. Diane Milhan

P 732.542.1272 | F 732.542.2315 | Email Dr. Milhan

http://www.marronwellness.com