2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture, specifically acupuncture of the Pericardium 6 (PC6)
acupoint in the wrist during surgery, is another evidence-backed alter-
native therapy to prevent PONV. A Cochrane review of 59 randomized
control trials (updated in 2015) involving more than 7,500 patients
found that the use of acupuncture on the PC6 acupoint — found
between the tendons about 3 finger widths below the wrist — was
comparable to traditional antiemetics in preventing PONV. Before or
after surgery, either a licensed acupuncturist or an anesthesiologist
with an acupuncture certification places the needles after the patient
is under anesthesia.
When PC6 acupoint stimulation was compared to 6 traditional
antiemetic drugs (metoclopramide, cyclizine, prochlorperazine, droperi-
dol, ondansetron and dexamethasone) in preventing PONV, there was
no difference between the methods. In other words, "acupuncture was
just as effective as medication with the medication side effects," says
Francoise Adan, MD, the medical director for University Hospitals
Connor Integrative Health Network in Ohio. And without the added
expense.
3. Acupressure
Acupressure, which is similar to acupuncture, is another potential
prevention tactic for PONV. While both acupuncture and acupressure
involve acupoints such as the PC6, acupressure uses a firm pressure
to "massage" those points, whereas acupuncture involves using hair-
thin needles to "stimulate" them.
Although there is less research on acupressure preventing PONV,
studies are underway. What's more, there are several advantages to at
least putting this technique out there as an option for patients. One big
one: You can teach patients or their family members to use this tech-
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