This article will discuss three cases where acupuncture resolved nausea. They address nausea induced by chemotherapy, morning sickness, and vertigo. Each of the three nausea acupuncture case study patients had different triggers, and acupuncture delivered excellent results.
Nausea from Chemotherapy
Our patient was a 45-year-old woman undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. The medication was making her severely nauseous all the time. She had 12 rounds of chemo set up and was overwhelmed with how she would make it through. Her intake exam identified key areas in her health that were out of balance. In addition to nausea, she was exhausted, was having night sweats, and had severe mental fog.
Her tongue was swollen, with a thick white coating and scalloped edged, and her pulse was weak. This tongue presentation indicated Spleen qi deficiency, which means that her digestive system was not working correctly. Instead of generating energy from the food she was eating, she was producing phlegm. And the chemo meds were creating a condition in Chinese medicine called Rebellious Stomach Qi. Stomach energy naturally descends, but when agitated, it reverses upward, causing nausea. The medications were disturbing the stomach. A weak pulse indicates that food is not digesting effectively, resulting in low energy.
Treatment consisted of strengthening the Spleen qi and harmonizing the stomach to stop its upward rebellion. After the first treatment, our patient was feeling 20 percent relief. Treatments continued once a week for the next six weeks, at which time she was feeling 80% better. She was able to finish her course of chemo treatment and has been in remission ever since.
Nausea from Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
The second patient in this nausea acupuncture case study was a 28-year-old woman in her first pregnancy. She came to our clinic in her seventh week of pregnancy
. Debilitating nausea had started the previous week, and her doctor suggested she try acupuncture. Nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy is due to rebellious stomach qi, as described above. In this case, the stomach senses a growing fetus below and diverts it’s energy upward to protect the fetus, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
Treatment focuses on harmonizing the stomach, in essence, reassuring the stomach that it can safely still descend its energy without damaging the fetus. The body makes this adjustment on its own typically by week 13 of pregnancy. Acupuncture can accomplish this much quicker, usually within three or four treatments.
In this case, acupuncture resolved 60 percent of her nausea after the first two treatments. Our patient received two more treatments, which restored normal stomach function and no nausea. A bonus to her treatment was that we added points that nourished her Kidneys, which are primarily responsible for fetus development. Many women receive acupuncture during pregnancy just for the benefit of their kidneys.
Nausea from Vertigo
The third patient in this nausea acupuncture case study was a 54-year-old man who had been suffering from vertigo and nausea for years. In the past, he had taken strong Western medications, but the side effects were almost as harmful as the original condition. Again, it was his doctor who suggested that he try acupuncture.
Interestingly, vertigo also involves Spleen qi deficiency, in this case leading to excess dampness and phlegm lodged in the head. This phlegm blocks the orifices of the ears, leading to dizziness and nausea. Our patient presented with a red face, a loud, powerful voice, great strength, and a strong, slippery pulse. In addition to Spleen deficiency, he had Liver Fire, which generated a great deal of internal heat. His tongue was red, with a thick, yellow coating.
Acupuncture strengthened his Spleen qi and cleared his Liver fire. After the first two treatments, his vertigo and nausea were 50 percent reduced. He continued treatment for another seven weeks, during which time his symptoms resolved. In the months that followed, he found monthly tune-ups helpful as vertigo preventative.
Nausea Case Study
This nausea acupuncture case study demonstrates the effectiveness of acupuncture to resolve many types of nausea. Treatments are natural, with no adverse side effects. They are safe, as we use sterile, single-use, hair-thin needles. Sessions are relaxing, and many of our patients fall asleep during their treatment.
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Nausea Resolved With Acupuncture
Whatever the cause of your nausea, it is likely that acupuncture can help. Acupuncture harmonizes the stomach, helping it return to normal functioning. This nausea acupuncture case study describes three conditions where acupuncture helped resolve nausea. If you have nausea due to pregnancy, vertigo, chemotherapy, or any other cause, give acupuncture a try.


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.

