Health Brief

ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES NAUSEA AND VOMITING CAUSED BY ANESTHESIA

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According to a recent report published in New Scientist, Acupuncture is effective in relieving post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Researchers reviewed 26 trials to determine the effect Acupuncture had on relieving the nausea and vomiting that often follows the use of anesthesia.

Patients either received Acupuncture to the wrist or placebo treatment. Those who received treatment to the wrist were 28% less likely to experience nausea and 24% less likely to request drugs to relieve sickness.

Researchers noted that Acupuncture is not only as effective as drug treatment, but is also cheaper and has fewer side effects.

Researchers also noted that four of five people given anesthesia suffer from nausea and vomiting following an operation.

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SOURCE: New Scientist, www.newscientist.com, July 30, 2004; The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004.