Nausea is a common symptom that individuals experience, often caused by a variety of reasons such as pregnancy, motion sickness, anxiety, stress, or a side effect of medication. It can be debilitating and significantly impact one’s quality of life.
While there are several nausea relief methods out there, mild electrotherapy is a new technique suggested by scientists.
What is mild electrotherapy?
Mild electrotherapy is a non-invasive technique that uses a device that delivers small electrical currents to specific areas of the body.
Also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrotherapy has been used for several years to relieve pain, stiffness, and promote healing.
The electrical currents delivered by the device are low-intensity and do not cause any harm to the body. They stimulate the nerves and muscles, easing pain, stiffness, and causing relaxation.
How does electrotherapy help in relieving nausea?
Several scientific studies have shown that electrotherapy can help alleviate nausea among individuals.
The device delivers electrical currents to certain acupuncture points on the body, which stimulate the nerves and result in pain relief and relaxation. Acupuncture points are specific points on the body that have been used for several years in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments, including nausea and vomiting.
The electrical currents released by the device activate the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, and improve blood circulation in the affected area.
This, in turn, helps in the relief of pain and inflammation, providing much-needed relief.
Is electrotherapy safe?
Electrotherapy is generally safe and does not cause any harm to the body. The electrical currents delivered by the device are low-intensity and do not cause any tissue damage.
However, individuals who have a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have any underlying medical conditions should consult a doctor before trying electrotherapy.
It is also advised not to use electrotherapy on broken skin, open wounds, and areas of the skin that have experienced tissue damage.
The device should be used under the guidance and supervision of a trained healthcare professional to prevent any adverse effects.
How effective is electrotherapy in relieving nausea?
Several scientific studies have shown that electrotherapy is effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting among individuals.
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, for example, showed that electrotherapy significantly reduced nausea and vomiting among pregnant women.
Another study published in Supportive Care in Cancer showed that electrotherapy was effective in reducing nausea among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
While more research is needed in this area, electrotherapy appears to be a promising non-invasive technique for the relief of nausea.
How to use electrotherapy for nausea relief?
Electrotherapy devices are available over-the-counter and can be purchased at drug stores or online. However, it is advised to use the device under the guidance and supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
The healthcare professional will advise on the points to target on the body and the intensity of the electrical currents to be delivered. The device should be applied to the skin, and the settings should be adjusted to the desired level of intensity.
Conclusion
Nausea is a common symptom that impacts millions of people worldwide. While there are several nausea relief methods out there, electrotherapy appears to be a promising non-invasive technique for the relief of nausea.
It is generally safe and has been proven to be effective in several scientific studies. However, individuals with pacemakers or underlying medical conditions should consult a doctor before trying electrotherapy.