Using acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting

Inpatient pain team

Many people experience nausea and vomiting which is unpleasant and can delay your recovery and going home from hospital. Up to 1 in every 2 people who have an operation will experience either nausea (feeling sick), or vomiting (being sick). For others, even if they are not having an operation, some drugs can cause nausea and/or vomiting. This is normally treated with anti-sickness medication, however, we can also offer treatment with an acupuncture pin called an Acupin.

This information explains what an Acupin is, how we use it and will answer some of the more common questions about the Acupin. If after reading this, you are still unsure, or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask one of the Nurses.

Are some people more likely to be sick than others?

Yes, if you were assigned female at birth, or are someone who suffers from travel sickness, you may also be more likely to experience nausea and vomiting after an operation.

Some of the more common causes of nausea and vomiting include:
•    certain types or lengths of operation
•    having a previous history of nausea and vomiting after having an operation
•    being on strong painkillers
•    being on some antibiotics

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on your body. It is known as a complimentary therapy and can be used to treat many different medical problems. Recently, research has shown that using a small pin (an Acupin) in your wrist area is very good at preventing nausea and vomiting after an operation, and can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by certain medications.

How does it work?

No one fully understands how the Acupin works to relieve nausea and vomiting, but it is believed that it works on the part of the brain that is responsible for causing nausea and vomiting.

How is the Acupin used?

The Acupin is normally used in combination with anti-sickness drugs.

What does having acupuncture involve?

A very small acupuncture pin called an Acupin, which looks like a small plaster, will be placed just above your wrist. If you are having an operation this will be put in place before you go to theatre. If you are not having an operation but feel sick, or are being sick, please tell the Nurse looking after you and we can arrange for you to have an Acupin.

The Acupin can stay in place for up to 3 days and must then be removed, or before you go home, whichever comes first. A Nurse or Healthcare Support Worker will remove the Acupin as it needs to go into a special bin for sharp objects.

What will I feel when the Acupin is put in?

Most people do not feel anything at all. Occasionally when the Acupin is first put in place, you may feel the following:
•    tingling
•    itching
•    warmth
•    aching

Please do not worry, these feelings are all normal for acupuncture and will usually only last a few minutes. If any of these sensations continue, please inform the Nurse.

Are there any risks involved in having an Acupin?

It is safe, simple and should not hurt. However, in rare cases, acupuncture can sometimes cause:
•    pain (around 1 in 100 people)
•    swelling
•    redness
•    numbness and persistent tingling in your fingers

If you have any of these, please tell the Nurse. The Acupin will need to be removed and these symptoms should get better over the next few hours. It will then be up to you if you would like to have another Acupin placed in your other wrist, or continue with anti-sickness drugs without having the Acupin.

Do I have to do anything?

Once the Acupin is put in, it will start to work by itself. However, if you do feel sick you should apply gentle pressure over the Acupin for a few seconds. There is no limit to the amount of times that you can apply pressure.

What do I do if I still feel sick?

If you feel that the pressure on the Acupin is not relieving your sickness, let the Nurse know and they can give you some anti-sickness drugs. It is safe to use both the Acupin and anti-sickness drugs at the same time. However, it is important to understand that we can’t always completely take away feelings of sickness.