Acupuncture for Heartburn Relief in Pregnancy
Monday June 29, 2009
Acupuncture may alleviate heartburn in pregnant women, suggests a new study.
Researchers focused on 42 pregnant women with indigestion, a condition that typically worsens as pregnancy progresses. After eight weeks, study members who underwent acupuncture once or twice weekly (in addition to taking antacids and undergoing dietary counseling) saw a 75 percent reduction in their heartburn. In comparison, less than half of women who received only antacids and dietary counseling saw a 50 percent drop in their heartburn.
Women in the acupuncture group also ended taking less medication than study members who didn't receive acupuncture. What's more, acupuncture appeared to help study members improve their eating habits and sleep more soundly.
Comments
I’ve heard several of my friends raving about the benefits of acupuncture, but have been too afraid to try it out myself.
I’ve been suffering from sleep apnea frequently, and I have tried other natural remedies and treatments, but nothing has worked thus far. But I would like to know first if acupuncture is, in fact, 100% foolproof, or if there are any instances where the doctor accidentally taps into the wrong areas, and what the implications are if this happens.
Hi there, I am an acupuncturist and I would recommend a few things:
Firstly, talk to the acupuncturist about the style of acupuncture that they use. I use a very gentle technique with no turning of needles etc so that even the most needle phobic of patients I’ve had have been able to go into a deep state of relaxation.
Secondly, acupuncture is safe and there are very few and mild side-effects reported such as bruising. If you go to someone who is properly trained and is part of a regulating body you should have no problem at all.
Be sure to tell the acupuncturist that you are needle phobic. When I use acupuncture I do not go more than a millimetre into the surface of the skin and still get the same benefits.
Good luck