WellNews - Research Update

According to a 2009 review from The Cochrane Collaboration, an international not-for-profit and independent medical organization, stimulation of the acupuncture point P-6 (Pericardium-6) significantly reduces the symptoms of nausea and vomiting after surgery. The review was published in the second 2009 issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration. The review, led by Dr. Anna Lee of the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, is an update of a previous 2004 Cochrane review, which fostered similar results.

The 2009 review examined 40 separate international studies, which compared the effect of P-6 with a placebo in treating nausea and vomiting after surgery. The studies, which totaled 4,858 patients, used ten different methods of P-6 stimulation, including needle acupuncture, laser stimulation, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, and acupressure wristbands.

The review found that in comparison with a placebo, stimulating acupoint P-6 reduced nausea, vomiting and the need for conventional antiemetic (anti-nausea) drugs. It concluded, "The use of P-6 acupoint stimulation can reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery, with minimal side effects."

"In head-to-head comparisons with antiemetics," commented Dr. Anne Lee, "P-6 stimulation was as good at reducing the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting." Based on the findings, Dr. Lee asserts, "P-6 acupoint stimulation can be used as a suitable alternative or an addition to antiemetic therapy before, during or after surgery."

Of all the acupoints on the human body, this point is a very popular choice for study because of the mounting costs of conventional antiemetic drugs and the point's distinguished and internationally-affirmed history of treating the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

The Cochrane Collaboration
This international not-for-profit and independent organization is dedicated to disseminating cutting-edge and accurate information regarding all medical and healthcare findings. Considered to be the top source for up-to-date medical information, The Cochrane Collaboration currently has fifteen centers worldwide supporting fifty specialist Collaborative Review Groups (CRGs). Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing trials on a topic.

Pathways to Wellness provides home care for patients with post-operative pain and/or nausea.
Call 617-859-3036 for more information.