Abstract
Acupuncture resolves persistent nausea. This case study examines the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative therapeutic intervention for resolving persistent nausea. The patient, a 42-year-old female, had been experiencing debilitating nausea for six months, which had not responded to conventional medical treatments. We implemented a comprehensive acupuncture protocol over eight weeks, resulting in a significant reduction in nausea intensity and frequency. This case study sheds light on the potential of acupuncture in addressing chronic nausea. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrative approaches to healthcare.
Introduction – Persistent Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom associated with various medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and post-operative nausea. However, in some cases, persistent and intractable nausea can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life. Conventional treatments may not always provide satisfactory relief. In such instances, alternative therapies like acupuncture present a promising avenue for exploration.
Case Presentation – Acupuncture Resolves Persistent Nausea
Patient Profile
The subject of this case study was a 42-year-old female with no significant medical history except for mild hypertension controlled by medication. She reported experiencing persistent nausea for the past six months, which had not responded to antiemetic medications, dietary modifications, or lifestyle changes. The severity of nausea was rated 8/10 on a visual analog scale (VAS), with ten being the most severe.
Initial Assessment
Upon initial assessment, the patient exhibited no signs of other gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, laboratory tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and abdominal ultrasound, were within normal limits. Given the lack of organic pathology, her doctor had given her the diagnosis of functional nausea.
Acupuncture Treatment for Persistent Nausea
Acupuncture Intervention
The practitioner designed an individualized acupuncture protocol based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles. They targeted specific acupuncture points to regulate gastrointestinal function, alleviate nausea, and restore the balance of Qi (energy flow). Acupuncture resolves persistent nausea by redirecting “rebellious stomach Qi” down toward the intestines instead of upward toward the upper stomach and esophagus.
The treatment plan consisted of one session per week for eight weeks, totaling eight treatments. The selected acupuncture points included P6 (Neiguan), SP4 (Gong Sun), ST36 (Zusanli), CV12 (Zhongwan), and CV6 (Qihai), among others, tailored to the patient’s specific constitution.
The practitioner elicited a “deQi” sensation on PC6 and ST36 to strengthen the treatment. The patient felt a dull, achy sensation at the site of the needle, which lasted just momentarily, assuring maximum benefit. Once the Qi is active, it sends a message to the organs, in this case, to the stomach.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
In addition to acupuncture, the practitioner provided the patient with dietary and lifestyle recommendations to complement the treatment. These included dietary modifications such as eating small, frequent meals and incorporating ginger and mint in her diet, both known for their antiemetic properties.
Furthermore, the practitioner advised the patient to avoid cold, raw foods (like smoothies) and steer toward warm, cooked foods instead (like stews and stir-fried vegetables). The stomach prefers warm and cooked foods, as these properties enable the stomach to function more efficiently.
Progress and Outcomes
Short-Term Effects
After the second acupuncture session, the patient reported a noticeable reduction in the intensity of her nausea, with the VAS score decreasing from 8/10 to 4/10. She also had fewer episodes of nausea per day and an overall improvement in her ability to perform daily activities.
Long-Term Effects
As the treatment progressed, the patient continued to experience significant improvement. By the end of the eight-week intervention, her VAS score for nausea had reduced to 1/10, signifying a remarkable reduction in symptom severity. The frequency of nausea episodes had also decreased to an average of once per week.
Discussion: Nausea Case Study
This case study demonstrates that acupuncture resolves persistent nausea. The details of this case highlight the efficacy of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for resolving persistent nausea. The patient had previously been unresponsive to conventional treatment. Therefore, the observed improvement in the patient’s condition suggests that acupuncture is a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal for patients with functional nausea.
From a Western medicine perspective, the mechanism of action underlying acupuncture’s effectiveness may be attributed to its ability to modulate autonomic function. In addition, acupuncture regulates neuroendocrine pathways and promotes the release of endogenous opioids. The goal of acupuncture is to restore homeostasis to the body. In this case, when the stomach’s normal descending function was reestablished, the nausea was resolved.
Conclusion
This case study underscores acupuncture’s effectiveness in resolving persistent nausea. The positive outcomes observed in the patient’s case warrant further research and encourage the integration of acupuncture into comprehensive treatment plans for patients with intractable nausea. This study advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of considering alternative therapies in cases where conventional treatments fall short.
Next Steps
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What our Clients are Saying
I can’t express enough gratitude for the positive impact acupuncture has had on my life. For years, I struggled with debilitating gastroparesis symptoms that left me feeling trapped in a cycle of pain and discomfort. Traditional medical treatments provided limited relief, leaving me searching for alternative therapies. That’s when I discovered Raleigh Acupuncture. From my first session, I felt a significant relief. As I continued regular acupuncture sessions, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my gastroparesis symptoms. The chronic nausea, bloating, and stomach pain that once plagued me began to reduce, allowing me to reclaim control over my body and my life. Acupuncture not only provided relief from my symptoms but also helped me feel more balanced and relaxed. I had more energy and focus. Today, thanks to Raleigh Acupuncture, my life is fuller and more vibrant and my gastroparesis is completely manageable. I strongly recommend acupuncture to anyone struggling with similar challenges. It truly is a holistic healing medicine.
My first pregnancy went so easy. So I was surprised when I got so nauseous with my second one. Every smell made me sick and I didn’t want to eat anything. My mom found Raleigh Acupuncture. The practitioner told me it generally took 3 to 6 treatments to stop the nausea. She was right. After 6 treatments I wasn’t nauseous anymore and could eat again without trouble. I’m very pleased and would recommend them to any pregnant woman suffering from nausea.
When I was pregnant 6 weeks I got terrible nausea and vomiting. I could not hold anything down. I started losing weight after two weeks and my doctor put me on medications. But I was still vomiting every day and felt awful. I found Raleigh Acupuncture and they treated me three times. It totally stopped the nausea and vomiting. I stopped my medications, and the rest of my pregnancy had no problems. They said this was an easy thing to treat. I wish I had known about it from the beginning of my pregnancy.
I came back from a trip to the Caribbean with a terrible case of vertigo and nausea. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t work, couldn’t walk straight. I had this throbbing headache all day long. It was driving me crazy. I tried acupuncture and in three sessions was completely cured! I was so impressed that I had them treat my back pain next. I only wish insurance covered the treatments.