Morning sickness is incredibly common, but that doesn’t make it any easier to live through. As a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, I support patients through nausea and vomiting during pregnancy using gentle, research-supported methods that help calm the stomach, soothe the nervous system, and restore balance. My approach to TCM treatment for morning sickness includes acupuncture, food therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, individualized herbal support. Every treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique presentation and stage of pregnancy.
Gentle Acupuncture for Nausea Relief
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used tools in TCM treatment for morning sickness. I use extremely gentle needling techniques on points that have been clinically shown to reduce nausea, regulate digestion, and calm the mind. These points also support the meridians involved in sleep, stress, and overall well-being, and I adjust treatment strategies depending on which trimester the patient is in. Most patients find the treatments deeply relaxing, and many experience noticeable improvement after just a few sessions.
Food Therapy: Nourishing and Settling the Stomach
Food therapy is a foundational part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it plays an important role in easing morning sickness. One of my favorite recommendations is Congee made in the crock pot with bone broth and ginger—a warm, simple dish that is easy to digest, comforting, and rich in nutrients. The mild flavor makes it more tolerable when nausea is intense, and ginger has well-researched anti-nausea benefits.
Crock Pot Congee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 8–10 cups bone broth (or broth + water combined)
- 3–4 slices fresh ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice until water runs clear.
- Add rice, broth, and ginger to the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until it reaches a porridge-like consistency.
- Add salt or toppings of choice: cooked fruit, cinnamon, soft vegetables, shredded chicken, eggs, tofu, or anything you can tolerate.
Congee can be adapted endlessly, making it one of the most useful meals during early pregnancy.
Eat Small, Frequent Snacks
For many people, an empty stomach worsens nausea. I encourage patients to snack frequently—ideally small amounts of protein, but truly whatever you can keep down. Keeping crackers by the bed can help if nausea hits during the night or first thing in the morning.
Herbal Support When Appropriate
For more severe nausea, there are classical TCM herbal formulas that may help. However, herbal medicine in pregnancy must be used very carefully. When I work with patients, I only recommend herbs after a thorough evaluation to determine which formula is both safe and appropriate for their specific presentation. No two bodies are the same, and personalization is essential.
A Note from My Own Experience
If you plan to breastfeed later on, I cannot emphasize this enough: prioritize hydration and nourishment early and throughout pregnancy. I made the mistake of under-hydrating, not eating enough, and failing to take pumping breaks when I returned to work. Your body is working incredibly hard, and nutrition matters more than you might imagine.
Also, become familiar with your state’s lactation laws. Many states require employers to provide breastfeeding breaks, lactation rooms, and protections for pumping parents. Advocacy begins with understanding your rights. I had very flexible hours and a private room – but I didn’t make it a priority to be consistent with my pump breaks. If I get the chance to do it again, you better believe I’m doing it differently.
What Matters Most
Please remember: you are doing your best, and your best is enough.
Eat what you can. Rest when possible. Hydrate as much as you can tolerate. Seek help even if you don’t think you need help.
Pregnancy is hard, especially if its your first pregnancy. It is easy to feel guilt for not doing everything “right”. What is “right” looks different for everyone. I used to think I’d just force myself to eat chicken and vegetables during the first trimester because I *knew* that protein, vitamins and minerals are essential for fetal development. Now I look back and laugh at myself because all I could eat was pears, cottage cheese, congee and those strawberry uncrustables.
As always, this information is for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Listen to your body and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have concerns. Severe nausea and hyperemesis gravidarum can be dangerous for you and baby, and dehydration should never be taken lightly.
