Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects up to 30% of people after general anaesthesia — and for some individuals, particularly women and those with a history of motion sickness, the rate is even higher. Severe PONV can delay discharge from hospital, increase pain medication requirements, and significantly impact recovery comfort. At Nature’s Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic in Belmont, we use evidence-based acupuncture protocols to reduce nausea after surgery and surgery — both as a pre-surgical preventive measure and as post-operative support.
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
- ✔ Nausea in the recovery room or within 24 hours of surgery
- ✔ Vomiting or retching after general anaesthesia
- ✔ Feeling faint or dizzy upon waking from anaesthesia
- ✔ Prolonged nausea that delays discharge from hospital
- ✔ Nausea that makes oral pain medication difficult to tolerate
- ✔ Loss of appetite during the recovery period
- ✔ Generalised discomfort and weakness following surgery
- ✔ Nausea that worsens with movement
Why Post-operative Nausea Persists After Anaesthesia — and What Acupuncture Can Do at Point PC6
PONV has multiple contributing causes — the effects of general anaesthetic agents on the nausea centres in the brainstem, the medications used during surgery, opioid pain relievers, and individual patient risk factors including gender, smoking status, and history of motion sickness or prior PONV. Acupuncture works on PONV by stimulating a specific acupuncture point on the wrist (pericardium 6, or PC6) that modulates the nausea and vomiting centres in the brainstem, reduces vagal tone, and influences the release of serotonin — a key neurotransmitter in nausea regulation. This mechanism has been extensively researched and is now included in surgical anaesthesia guidelines in several countries.
Our Approach: PC6 stimulation — on the inner wrist — is one of the most rigorously researched applications of acupuncture, with Cochrane-level evidence supporting its effectiveness. We can provide pre-operative treatment, wrist acupressure band fitting, and post-operative acupuncture to reduce PONV across all phases of surgical recovery.
Your Treatment Timeline
- • Single acupuncture session in the week before surgery
- • Fitting of PC6 acupressure bands worn to and from theatre
- • Nutritional and lifestyle preparation to support a smooth recovery
- • Acupuncture at PC6 within 2–6 hours of waking from anaesthesia
- • Support for oral fluid and food tolerance
- • Assessment of digestive recovery timeline
- • Daily or every-other-day acupuncture if nausea is prolonged
- • Herbal digestive support to restore appetite and gut motility
- • Gentle energy support for fatigue during recovery
Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA and work within Australian clinical guidelines. Most private health funds cover acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine — check your HICAPS extras cover.
What the Research Shows
Cochrane Database, 2015 (Lee & Fan)
PC6 acupuncture reduces the risk of nausea by 26%, vomiting by 27%, and use of rescue antiemetics — across all surgical types
British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2019
PC6 acupuncture equally effective as ondansetron (a standard antiemetic) for preventing PONV with no side effects
Anaesthesia, 2021
Acupressure bands at PC6 significantly reduced nausea severity in the 24 hours post-surgery compared to sham bands
Journal of Alternative Medicine, 2018
Combination of PC6 acupuncture and pharmacological antiemetics produced better PONV prevention than either alone
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- ✅ Book a pre-surgical acupuncture session at least one week before your procedure
- ✅ Ask your anaesthetist about adding PC6 acupressure bands to your PONV prevention protocol
- ✅ Stay well hydrated in the days before surgery
- ✅ Eat light, easily digestible foods in the day or two before your procedure
- ✅ Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are receiving acupuncture support
Don’t
- ❌ Don’t eat or drink anything within the fasting period your surgical team specifies
- ❌ Avoid pain medications that are known to cause nausea — discuss alternatives with your anaesthetist
- ❌ Don’t try to eat solid foods too soon after waking from anaesthesia — let nausea settle first
- ❌ Avoid strong food smells in the immediate recovery period if you are prone to nausea
- ❌ Don’t hesitate to tell your recovery nurse if your nausea is severe — it can and should be treated
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture really help with nausea from surgery?
Yes — and this is one of the most well-researched applications of acupuncture. The Cochrane Collaboration, which is the gold standard for medical evidence reviews, has confirmed that PC6 stimulation reduces nausea, vomiting, and the need for rescue antiemetics after surgery. It is now included in PONV prevention guidelines in several countries.
When should I receive treatment relative to my surgery?
Ideally, one session in the week before surgery, wrist bands fitted before you enter theatre, and acupuncture within a few hours of waking. For elective surgeries with advance notice, a few weekly sessions in the lead-up can also help optimise your overall recovery.
Can the wrist acupressure bands be worn during surgery?
Acupressure bands can typically be worn up to the time of surgery and immediately after. Your surgical team will advise on any restrictions — some theatre environments have limitations on wrist accessories. Acupuncture before surgery is available as an alternative pre-treatment.
Will this interfere with my anaesthetic or surgical medications?
No. Acupuncture does not interact with anaesthetic agents or standard antiemetics. We always coordinate with your surgical team and they are welcome to contact us directly if they have questions.
Do you treat children for PONV?
Yes. Children are actually at higher risk of PONV than adults. We use age-appropriate needle protocols and acupressure bands for paediatric patients. Treatment is safe and gentle.
Can acupuncture help with other post-operative symptoms besides nausea?
Yes. Post-surgical acupuncture can also support pain management (reducing opioid requirements), wound healing, fatigue, and the return of normal bowel function. We offer comprehensive post-surgical recovery support.