A morning sickness band is an acupressure band worn on the wrist to combat the nausea and vomiting often associated with pregnancy. Morning sickness, which is believed to be caused, at least in part, by hormonal changes during pregnancy, can strike at any time of the day and last anywhere from a few days to several months. Acupressure bands can be made of various types of materials, including plastic or fabric. Some reasons that they are a popular morning sickness remedy include their low cost and the fact that they are drug-free. Since they often prefer not to take unnecessary medications, many pregnant women seek natural or home remedies for morning sickness. Different studies have shown acupressure bands to be as effective as ginger or vitamin B6 for morning sickness.
Acupressure is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is derived from acupuncture, and that utilizes one’s hands rather than needles. In it, the fingers are placed on pressure points corresponding to various channels, or meridians, within the body that control certain aspects of health. The P6 meridian, also called the Nei-Kuan point, is an acupuncture point on the wrist associated with nausea and vomiting. It is located approximately where one would normally wear a wristwatch. A morning sickness band applies continuous pressure to this point, to relieve the wearer’s nausea.
There are different types of morning sickness bands, so most people should be able to find one that suits their preferences. Some have an internal pressure point, while others have an external bead. A morning sickness band contains no medication, so pregnant women usually need not worry about adverse side effects. The bands usually begin working quickly, generally within 30 minutes of putting them on one’s wrists. They can be worn continuously or off and on as morning sickness symptoms appear.
One advantage of a morning sickness band is that it is relatively inexpensive. It is also reusable, and not just for morning sickness. The bands can also be worn for nausea caused by motion sickness or chemotherapy, for example. Some brands are sold in pairs, but wearing one band at a time is typically just as effective. Some are adjustable for size and pressure, and many doctors advise that the right amount of pressure must be applied in order for the band to work correctly. Furthermore, many are water-resistant and made of durable materials. Various brands can be found online and in pharmacies and grocery stores.
