This study was funded by a grant from the Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

All procedures of this study were conducted by clinical trial registration and were approved by the ethical institution of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Filing No. 2022SL-015). All patients in this study were fully provided with informed consent and consented to the investigators&#39; use of data, images, and related video filming during the trial. Eligible patients were recruited (from January 2023 to April 2023) through leaflets, word communication, and doctors&#39; reco...

Managing Gestational Vomiting with Ear Plaster Therapy

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Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Psychological+Nursing+of+Hyperemesis+gravidarum.">Psychological Nursing of Hyperemesis gravidarum.</a> World's Latest Medical Information Abstract. 7 (02), 57-59 (2015).</li><li>Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ACOG+Practice+Bulletin+No.189:nausea+and+vomiting+of+pregnancy.">ACOG Practice Bulletin No.189:nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.</a> Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. 131 (1), e15-e30 (2018).</li><li>Tan, J. Y., Molassiotis, A., Suen, L. K. P., Liu, J., Wang, T., Huang, H. 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S., Varaei, S., Jalalinia, S. F., Samimi, M. A., Sa'Atchi, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+auricular+acupressure+on+nausea+and+vomiting+caused+by+chemotherapy+among+breast+cancer+patients.+Complementary+Therapies+in+Clinical+Practice.">The effect of auricular acupressure on nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy among breast cancer patients. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.</a> Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 24, 189-194 (2016).</li><li>Morali, G. A., Braverman, D. Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Abnormal+liver+enzymes+and+ketonuria+in+hyperemesis+gravidarum.+A+retrospective+review+of+80+patients.">Abnormal liver enzymes and ketonuria in hyperemesis gravidarum. A retrospective review of 80 patients.</a> Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 12 (3), 303-305 (1990).</li><li>Quinlan, J. D., Hill, D. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nausea+and+vomiting+of+pregnancy.">Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.</a> American Family Physician. 68 (1), 121-128 (2003).</li><li>Koren, G., Cohen, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+the+severity+of+nausea+and+vomiting+of+pregnancy;+a+20-year+perspective+on+the+use+of+the+pregnancy-unique+quantification+of+emesis+(PUQE).">Measuring the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy; a 20-year perspective on the use of the pregnancy-unique quantification of emesis (PUQE).</a> Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 41 (3), 335-339 (2021).</li><li>Cowan, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hyperemesis+gravidarum:+implications+for+home+care+and+infusion+therapies.">Hyperemesis gravidarum: implications for home care and infusion therapies.</a> Journal of Intravenous Nursing. 19 (1), 46-58 (1996).</li><li>American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Practice Bulletin No. 153: nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. 126, e12-e24 (2015).</li><li>Li, Z. X., Zhou, R. S., Cao, Z. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Observation+on+the+therapeutic+effect+of+acupoint+application+combined+with+magnesium+aluminate+carbonate+and+fluid+replacement+on+hyperemesis+gravidarum.">Observation on the therapeutic effect of acupoint application combined with magnesium aluminate carbonate and fluid replacement on hyperemesis gravidarum.</a> Journal of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 42 (01), 59-63 (2023).</li><li>Giugale, L. E., Young, O. M., Sreltman, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ltrogenic+Wernicke+ecepalpatly+in+a+patient+with+severe+hyperemesis+gravidarum.">ltrogenic Wernicke ecepalpatly in a patient with severe hyperemesis gravidarum.</a> Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. 125, 1150-1152 (2015).</li><li>General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China, National Standardization Administration of China. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> National Standard of the People's Republic of China (GB/T 13734 2008): Ear acupoint names and positioning [S]. , (2008).</li><li>Braude, D., Crandall, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ondansetron+versus+promethazine+to+treat+acute+undifferentiated+nausea+in+the+emergency+department:+a+randomized,+double-blind,+noninferiority+trial.">Ondansetron versus promethazine to treat acute undifferentiated nausea in the emergency department: a randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial.</a> Academic Emergency Medicine. 15, 209-215 (2008).</li><li>Deruelle, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expert+consensus+from+the+College+of+French+Gynecologists+and+Obstetricians:+Management+of+nausea+and+vomiting+of+pregnancy+and+hyperemesis+gravidarum.">Expert consensus from the College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians: Management of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum.</a> French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. S2468-7189 (22), 00261-002666 (2022).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is a common condition that can pose risks to the health of pregnant women, even leading to complications despite terminating pregnancies. Clinical drugs often used for antiemetic/antinauseant effects, such as ondansetron and promethazine, carry potential risks for pregnant women, including dystonia, sedation, and lowered seizure thresholds22. Consequently, pharmacological treatments come with their own set of dangers. On the other hand, the symptom-centered t...

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) are common, affecting approximately 50%-80% of pregnant women to varying degrees1. When NVP progresses to moderate or severe levels, it increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, early intervention for NVP may be beneficial in preventing the development of hyperemesis gravidarum2. The exact cause of NVP is not well understood in modern biomedicine, but it is believed to be associated with factors such as changes in the serum level of human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy and deficiencies of certain vitamins3. Current treatments for NVP include fasting, fluid infusion, and correction of electrolyte imbalances, but none of these approaches are considered reliable4. Consequently, finding an effective treatment that does not impact the development of the embryo or fetus is a significant clinical challenge.
Ear plaster therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment method that involves the use of small, rounded objects, typically the seeds of cowherb, to stimulate specific points on the ear for disease prevention and treatment5. The dried and mature seeds of Vaccaria hispanica, also known as cowherb, are used in this therapy as they are believed to regulate blood and channels, enhance blood circulation, and promote lactation. The auricle (outer part of the ear) is rich in nerves, containing numerous acupuncture and sensitive points6. By stimulating these points, the soft tissues of the ear may produce localized aseptic inflammation, which in turn may regulate the neuroendocrine system, including the pituitary-adrenal cortex and sympathetic-adrenal cortical glands. Additionally, this therapy can potentially invigorate the body's non-specific immune response, leading to therapeutic effects7. Ear plaster therapy effectively treats NVP by targeting specific points on the ear that primarily regulate autonomic dysfunction, reduce gastrointestinal responses, and alleviate the sensation of vomiting. It can also increase the level of Motilin, a hormone that promotes intestinal motility8, and restore the appetite of pregnant women. Moreover, some previous studies suggest that ear plaster therapy may have a favorable impact on NVP-related mood disturbances9, as it exhibits similar actions to sedatives in relieving anxiety.
Ear plaster therapy is a simple and easily administered treatment method. It can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments to alleviate the symptoms of NVP while minimizing the potential risks associated with medication use for both the mother and the fetus. This protocol provides detailed instructions on how to perform this therapy and what to consider during the process. We hope ear plaster therapy will receive increased attention and be promoted and utilized in clinical practice.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Alcohol cotton ball</td>
			<td>Yangzhou Longhu Medical Instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>20172142183</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cowherb seeds</td>
			<td>Anhui Kangyunnuo Biotechnology Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>SC10334161107893</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable tweezers</td>
			<td>Yangzhou Guilong Medical Instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>20182010440</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose Injection</td>
			<td>Jichuan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H32024826</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Omnifilm</td>
			<td>Paul Hartmann AG</td>
			<td>20210605</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium Aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate Injection</td>
			<td>Hangzhou Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H33020038</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Potassium Chloride Injection</td>
			<td>Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H20153283</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissor</td>
			<td>BERNAL DENTAS</td>
			<td>20190961</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium Chloride Injection</td>
			<td>Chenxin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H20056758</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Swab</td>
			<td>Bicon,LLC</td>
			<td>20151479</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitamin B1 Injection</td>
			<td>Chengdu Beite Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H32021525</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitamin B6 Tablets</td>
			<td>Gansu Chengji Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H62020314</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitamin C Tablets</td>
			<td>Xinxiang Changle Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>H41021516</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

ear plaster therapy as a safe and effective treatment for gestational vomiting

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) are common symptoms that often complicate early pregnancy for many women. While clinical treatments such as fasting, fluid infusion, and nutritional support are conventionally applied to manage NVP, their effectiveness varies. However, traditional ear plaster therapy offers a promising alternative that effectively relieves symptoms and poses no known risk to the development of embryos or fetuses. This therapy is known for its ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and favorable outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of combining ear plaster therapy with conventional treatments in alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, surpassing the results achieved with conventional treatment alone. The protocol presented herein describes a method to relieve NVP using round, smooth, and hard cowherb seeds applied to specific ear points. These seeds are gently rubbed onto the surface of the ear, utilizing the principles of acupressure. By stimulating the designated ear points, this procedure aims to regulate the body's energy flow and restore balance, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of NVP. The application of cowherb seeds on specific ear points is a straightforward technique that healthcare professionals can easily implement or self-administered by pregnant women under appropriate guidance. Overall, ear plaster therapy presents a safe, effective, and economical approach for managing gestational vomiting, offering women a potential solution to alleviate their discomfort during pregnancy.

Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture 

Ear Plaster Therapy as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Gestational Vomiting

All twenty participants in this clinical study successfully completed the trial. Four patients met the discharge criteria and were discharged on day 5, while the remaining 16 patients met the discharge criteria and were discharged within 2 weeks of hospitalization.
During the trial, the control group received a controlled diet and intravenous drips, which included the following components: vitamin C 2g + 0.9% sodium chloride injection 500 mL, vitamin B6 0.2 g + 0.9% sodium chloride injection 5...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture at JoVE.com

The presented protocol describes a traditional Chinese medicine treatment procedure known for its safety and effectiveness in managing gestational vomiting.

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) are common symptoms that often complicate early pregnancy for many women. While clinical treatments such as ...

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Unit 1

Drugs for Nausea and Vomiting

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Preparation for Ear Plaster Therapy to Treat Pregnancy Vomiting

Begin by preparing the ear plasters for ear plaster therapy. To do so, cut a medical adhesive tape into squares, each measuring 0.6 by 0.6 square centimeters. Then position one or two smooth cow herb seeds at the center of each tape square.Next, instruct the patient to assume a comfortable seated position. Examine the skin on the patient's ear to ensure that it is intact and free from any abnormalities before selecting the acupoints. To locate the potential acupoints, stabilize the ear oracle by pinching and lifting the ear helix backward and upward using the thumb and index finger of one hand, making sure the area is fully exposed.Then, using the sterile probe in the other hand, gently examine the patient's ear to identify sensitive pressure points near the six auricular points. The stomach or CO4, cardia or CO3, belly or AH8, shenmen or TF4, subcortex or AT4, and liver or CO12.

Ear Plaster Therapy for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

To begin, ensure the patient's ear auricle area has dried after disinfecting it with 75%alcohol, Then stabilize the auricle by pinching the ear helix with the thumb and index finger of one hand and lifting it backward and upward. Next, use the forceps to pick up the prepared ear plaster and place it onto the selected acupoint in the patient's ear, such that the cow herb seeds in the center of the plaster touches the selected point. Ask for the patient's assurance that the seed placement aligns with a sensitive or sore spot.Positioning the thumb and index finger in front of and behind the auricle. Apply moderate and tolerable pressure with rhythmic, pressing and relaxing motion to stimulate the cow herb seeds at the auricular site. Continue the rhythmic press and release at each site for three to five minutes, maintaining an even pace.Monitor the patient's overall condition for 15 minutes post-treatment. Instruct the patient or their family to stimulate the seeds by rubbing the concerned area three times a day, in the morning, at midday, and in the evening. After three days, remove the ear plaster and repeat the procedure on the opposite ear, alternating treatment between both ears.Compared to the control group, the experimental group, which received ear plaster therapy, had a significantly shorter average hospital stay and also required a significantly lower time for ketone bodies to turn negative. These suggested that ear plaster therapy can effectively reduce the treatment time for gestational vomiting. Prior to treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in PUQE scores between the experimental and control groups.However, after five days of treatment, both showed a significant reduction in the scores. But the score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group.

875 Views.  Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  The presented protocol describes a traditional Chinese medicine treatment procedure known for its safety and effectiveness in managing gestational vomiting.

Managing Gestational Vomiting with Ear Plaster Therapy

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