Are you pregnant and struggling with the symptoms morning sickness? Then you might like to try ginger and acupressure, according to new research.
Specifically, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), UK, study found that applying ginger or acupressure to the wrist could alleviate mild morning sickness symptoms.
As this BBC article reports, "[The organisation's] guidance suggests these therapies could offer alternatives to women who want to avoid medication."
Given that morning sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting affects around 80 percent of pregnant women, finding natural alternatives to popping pills is surely a welcomed development.
Acupressure for morning sickness
Acupressure, like acupuncture, works on pressure points throughout the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe there are many underlying causes for feeling nauseated, including imbalances and disharmonies in the body.
Applying pressure to the wrist allows the release of tension in the muscle, as well as qi (pronounced "chi"), the vital life force or energy, to flow freely. The mind and body then return to balance, providing almost immediate relief.
You can visit an acupressure practitioner, or wear an acupressure bracelet on your wrist to see if it works in alleviating your morning sickness.
Ginger for morning sickness
Ginger has also been found, over the course of numerous studies, to ease nausea. Whether it's ginger tea, fresh ginger, or even ginger biscuits, the natural ingredient prompts the body to secrete digestive enzymes to neutralise stomach acid.
Lead author Dr Manjeet Shehmar offered these insights:
"Women with persistent nausea can often feel that there is a lack of understanding of their condition. They may be unable to eat healthily, have to take time off work and feel a sense of grief or loss for what they perceive to be a normal pregnancy."
"It is therefore vital that women with this condition are given the right information and support and are made aware of the therapeutic and alternative therapies available to help them cope."
Originally published on Jul 01, 2016
