Nausea during pregnancy is experienced by most pregnant women, but many do not take corresponding measures to relieve it. In fact, cupping can help relieve pregnancy nausea. Below are several diagrams showing cupping positions for relieving pregnancy nausea.
Diagram of Cupping Positions for Pregnancy Nausea
Da Zhui Acupoint
1. Location of Da Zhui Acupoint:
Da Zhui acupoint is located in the spinal area, on the midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. It can be accessed by tilting the head forward or lying face down.
2. Method of accessing Da Zhui Acupoint:
When accessing the acupoint, the patient should sit with their head lowered. Da Zhui acupoint is located on the midline of the back, at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, approximately level with the two shoulder peaks (or it can be located by sitting with the head lowered, pressing the highest point of the neck bone at the lower edge). If the protruding bone is not very obvious, have the patient move their neck. The immobile joint is the first thoracic vertebra, which is approximately level with the shoulders.
3. Effects of Da Zhui Acupoint:
Da Zhui acupoint strengthens qi and invigorates yang. It has the functions of expelling exterior pathogens and promoting yang, nourishing deficiency and calming the spirit, clearing heat and expelling exterior, and stopping convulsions.
Gan Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Gan Yu Acupoint:
Gan Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the ninth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side of the midline of the back.
2. Method of accessing Gan Yu Acupoint:
The patient should lie face down, and the acupoint is located below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches to the side (beside the Governing Vessel).
3. Effects of Gan Yu Acupoint:
Gan Yu acupoint disperses heat in the liver. It has the functions of clearing and benefiting the liver and gallbladder, calming the spirit and improving vision, nourishing blood and resolving stasis, promoting liver and gallbladder function, and regulating qi and improving vision.
Pi Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Pi Yu Acupoint:
Pi Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the eleventh thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side of the midline of the back.
2. Method of accessing Pi Yu Acupoint:
The patient should lie face down, and the acupoint is located on the back, below the eleventh thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side (two finger-widths) away.
3. Effects of Pi Yu Acupoint:
Pi Yu acupoint strengthens the spleen and transforms dampness, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and promotes the transformation of dampness and the rise of clear qi.
Shen Zhu Acupoint
1. Location of Shen Zhu Acupoint:
Shen Zhu acupoint is located on the back in the spinal area, on the midline of the back, below the third thoracic vertebra spinous process.
2. Method of accessing Shen Zhu Acupoint:
The patient should lie face down or lie face down, and the acupoint is accessed at the depression below the third thoracic vertebra spinous process on the midline of the back.
3. Effects of Shen Zhu Acupoint:
Shen Zhu acupoint tonifies qi and invigorates yang. It has the functions of dispersing lung heat, calming the spirit, clearing lung heat, and calming the cough.
Wei Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Wei Yu Acupoint:
Wei Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the twelfth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side. It is the back Yu acupoint of the stomach.
2. Method of accessing Wei Yu Acupoint:
The patient should lie face down to facilitate the corresponding acupoint therapy. Wei Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the twelfth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 inches to the side (about two finger-widths).
3. Effects of Wei Yu Acupoint:
Wei Yu acupoint regulates the stomach and middle burner, dispels dampness and resolves accumulations, tonifies the stomach and spleen, and regulates the middle burner and descends the counterflow.
Zhong Wan Acupoint
1. Location of Zhong Wan Acupoint:
Zhong Wan acupoint is located in the upper abdomen, on the midline of the front, 4 inches above the navel. It is one of the main acupoints on the Ren Meridian of the human body.
2. Method of accessing Zhong Wan Acupoint:
The patient can lie supine, and Zhong Wan acupoint is located on the upper abdomen, on the midline of the front, 4 inches above the navel. The specific method is as follows: the midpoint of the connection line between the lower end of the sternum and the umbilicus is the location of this acupoint.
3. Effects of Zhong Wan Acupoint:
Zhong Wan acupoint gathers and conducts fluids in the lower burner. It has the functions of regulating qi and the stomach, transforming dampness and descending counterflow, tonifying the stomach and spleen, and descending counterflow and promoting urination.
Zu San Li Acupoint
1. Location of Zu San Li Acupoint:
Zu San Li acupoint is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee, one horizontal finger width (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia.
2. Method of accessing Zu San Li Acupoint:
The patient should sit with their knees flexed, find the acupoint at the Duyin acupoint, and press with a feeling of soreness and distension when measuring 4 horizontal finger widths downward (about 3 inches).
3. Effects of Zu San Li Acupoint:
Zu San Li acupoint dries dampness in the spleen and generates stomach qi.
Cupping Method for Relieving Pregnancy Nausea
Take group ① acupoints and apply the pricking and cupping method. Use a triangular needle to lightly prick the acupoints, and then use flash cupping to place the cups on the acupoints. Leave the cups on for 10 minutes, once a day. Alternatively, before eating, apply cupping solely on the Zhong Wan acupoint (avoid excessive suction), and remove the cups after eating for 15-20 minutes. After using this method for several days, if the effectiveness decreases, use a cotton ball soaked in 75% alcohol or white wine to plug both ear holes, or apply cupping solely on the Zu San Li acupoint using the pricking and cupping method or ginger cupping method.
Diet to Relieve Pregnancy Nausea
1. Follow the principle of "eating small amounts frequently" and eat every 2-3 hours, avoiding eating too much at once. Choose foods rich in carbohydrates (such as soda crackers). Foods high in protein are preferred, and try to consume less soups and fluids.
2. Avoid fried, greasy, spicy, stimulating, or hard-to-digest foods.
3. Some pregnant women are sensitive to foods with special or strong flavors, which can easily trigger nausea and vomiting. It is best to avoid such foods.
4. Due to the low blood sugar in the morning, which can cause nausea and vomiting, it is recommended to eat something in bed first (such as soda crackers) before getting out of bed.
5. Consuming ginger can help improve nausea and vomiting.
6. Do not drink too much water at one time. Instead, drink in small amounts to avoid feeling nauseous.
7. Increase the intake of simple sugars, such as glucose and grape sugar.
Effects of Pregnancy Nausea on the Fetus
Effects on Fetal Development
The nutrition needed for the growth and development of the fetus in the mother's body is supplied entirely by the placenta. Therefore, the mother's nutrition directly affects the growth and development of the fetus in the uterus and the health of the baby after birth. The first three months of pregnancy are a critical period for the initial differentiation of the embryo, and the first peak period of brain development occurs between 10 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, a large amount of protein and nucleic acids are needed. If there is a lack of nutrition during this time, the number of brain cells will not multiply to the level of a normal person, leading to disastrous effects on intellectual development and resulting in intellectual disability. Severe malnutrition can also cause miscarriage, premature birth, malformed fetus, intrauterine growth restriction, and even fetal death.
Effects on the Fetus' Emotions
Severe pregnancy vomiting often causes pregnant women to have resistance and fear towards pregnancy, which can create a psychological state of anxiety and elevate the level of cortisol in their bodies. Cortisol molecules can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta.
If the fetus is exposed to high cortisol levels in the mother's body for a long time, the receptors in the fetal brain become less sensitive. As a result, when these children encounter emotions such as sadness and anxiety, the regulation of the adrenal cortex cortisol negative feedback loop in the brain will not be as precise and sensitive as in normal people, leading to timid and fragile children who are prone to emotional excitement and hesitant actions.
According to a large number of clinical investigations, excessive anxiety in pregnant women during weeks 7 to 10 of pregnancy may cause cleft lip or cleft palate in the fetus because the development of the fetal palate happens to occur during this period.
How to Relieve Pregnancy Nausea
Maintain a Good Mood
Pregnant women should maintain a stable mood and avoid negative psychological states such as tension, anxiety, and worry, as this can help alleviate the severity of pregnancy nausea. Family members should provide emotional comfort.
Distract Attention During Vomiting
The more afraid of vomiting, the more pronounced the symptoms become. Engaging in appropriate cultural and sports activities, reading books and newspapers, and having pleasant conversations with your spouse can help shift and distract attention from vomiting.
Adjust the Pregnant Woman's Diet
The diet should consist of small meals eaten frequently. Choose foods that are sour or salty, high in nutritional value, and easy to digest and absorb. This can help prevent vomiting.
Acupressure Massage for Relief
This is a simple therapy. When experiencing severe vomiting, pregnant women can use their fingers to alternately massage the Nei Guan acupoints on both sides (located on the palmar side of the forearm, four finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons) and the Zu San Li acupoint (located four finger-widths below the patella).
