Pregnancy Acupuncture: Morning Sickness

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

TCM, Acupuncture, Crows Nest

Easing Morning Sickness Through Diet: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

Morning sickness—known for its nausea, queasiness, and in some cases vomiting—can be one of the earliest and most challenging parts of pregnancy. From a Western biomedical lens, it's often attributed to hormonal fluctuations, particularly a rise in hCG and oestrogen. But as an experienced practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I view morning sickness through a broader and more nuanced lens—one that considers not just hormones, but also the balance of Qi, digestive fire, emotional states, and constitutional factors unique to each woman.

In TCM, morning sickness is often understood as a disharmony in the key organs responsible for digestion. During pregnancy, the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), which is closely connected with the Stomach, becomes active and can disrupt the natural downward flow of Stomach Qi. When this Qi rebels and flows upward instead, symptoms like nausea and vomiting arise. Emotional stress, dietary choices, fatigue, and underlying deficiencies can all exacerbate this pattern. Pregnancy acupuncture

While acupuncture and herbal medicine are powerful tools for treating morning sickness, diet is the daily medicine that you control. When used mindfully, it can support your digestive system, calm rebellious Qi, and help you feel more grounded during early pregnancy.

1. Eat Small, Eat Frequently

In TCM, overburdening the Stomach leads to stagnation. When Qi stagnates, it’s more likely to rebel upward. I always recommend pregnant women avoid large, heavy meals—especially first thing in the morning or late at night. Instead, opt for small meals or snacks every 2–3 hours to keep the digestive fire (Spleen Yang) gently stoked.

Suggested foods:

• Steamed vegetables

• Bone broth with rice or noodles

• Soft-boiled eggs or lightly cooked tofu

• Plain congee (rice porridge) with ginger

  
  

2. Choose Warm, Cooked Foods Over Cold or Raw

Cold and raw foods—like salads, smoothies, or iced drinks—can weaken the Spleen Qi, which thrives on warmth. From a TCM standpoint, cold foods are too Yin in nature and require more digestive effort to process. During early pregnancy, when the body is already under stress, it’s better to eat foods that are cooked and warming.

Better options:

• Soups and stews

• Baked or steamed root vegetables

• Porridge made with oats, millet, or rice

• Ginger tea with a touch of honey

  
  

3. Use Ginger Wisely

Ginger (Sheng Jiang) is a classic TCM herb for warming the Stomach and stopping nausea. It gently encourages the downward movement of Stomach Qi. You can grate it fresh into soups or sip it as a tea. However, if you’re experiencing heat signs—such as thirst, bitter taste in the mouth, or a red tongue—it’s best to consult your practitioner, as too much ginger may exacerbate internal heat.

Recipe:

• Fresh ginger tea: Simmer a few slices of ginger in hot water for 10 minutes. Add honey and sip slowly.

  
  

4. Avoid Greasy, Spicy, and Rich Foods

In TCM, these types of foods can create Dampness or Heat in the Stomach, leading to even more nausea. Foods that are overly fried, spicy, or processed can disrupt the Spleen’s ability to transform food and transport nutrients.

Avoid:

• Fried takeaway meals

• Heavy sauces

• Overly spicy curries

• Sugary baked goods

  
  

Instead, favour gentle, bland foods that are easy to digest and grounding.

5. Include Foods that Nourish Blood and Qi

When a woman is Blood-deficient or Qi-deficient, symptoms of morning sickness may be more pronounced or prolonged. Supporting the body with foods that tonify Blood and Qi can reduce fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

Blood-nourishing foods:

• Black beans

• Dates

• Beetroot

• Lean red meat (in small amounts, if tolerated)

Qi-tonifying foods:

• Sweet potato

• Pumpkin

• Brown rice

• Lentils (well-cooked)

6. Address Emotional Stress

In TCM, the Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When emotions like frustration or anxiety arise, the Liver Qi can stagnate and overact on the Stomach, contributing to nausea. While food can’t resolve stress entirely, eating in a calm, unhurried environment, chewing slowly, and cultivating emotional peace can support your digestion.

Tip: Try deep breathing before meals, avoid screens while eating, and sit upright and still after food.

7. Specific TCM Diet Suggestions by Pattern

Every woman is different, and in clinic, we treat based on pattern diagnosis. Here are some common TCM patterns and dietary strategies:

Stomach Qi Rebellion with Cold

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting of clear fluids, feeling cold, pale tongueDiet: Warm, cooked foods; ginger tea; avoid raw and cold foods

Stomach Heat

Symptoms: Nausea with bad breath, thirst, red tongue, irritabilityDiet: Avoid spicy and greasy foods; eat more cooling foods like pears and mung bean soup

Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

Symptoms: Nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stoolsDiet: Rice porridge, cooked vegetables, small amounts of protein, warm herbal teas

Final Thoughts on Pregnancy Acupuncture for Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be challenging, but with the right dietary support and a TCM framework, many women find significant relief. Every bite you take during pregnancy can be a step toward balance—supporting both your health and the health of the little one growing inside.

As always, if your morning sickness is severe (e.g., constant vomiting, weight loss, or dehydration), it’s important to consult both your doctor and a qualified TCM practitioner to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique constitution and pattern.

Stay nourished, stay warm, and be gentle with yourself—this is sacred work your body is doing.

CALL Dr LUKE MCPHERSON (TCM)

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