PREGNANCY
Throughout the years in various countries, including the United States, acupuncture has become a valuable component in the pre and post natal care of women. During the nine months of pregnancy various conditions can arise which can be safely and effectively treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) herbs.
To have an optimum pregnancy it is advisable to prepare your body before conception e.g.; eat whole foods, stay active, get enough sleep. Once pregnant, it is still important to be well rested, follow a balanced diet and if possible don’t overwork.
To promote healthy fetal development and decrease fetal toxins acupuncture treatments at 3 and 6 months are recommended. In
Japan
thousands of women have “perfect baby” treatments to help improve the health of their babies, minimize congenital problems, decrease colic and build the strength of their babies.
Acupuncture and TCM have for centuries been effective in treating many of the health issues associated with pregnancy. Modern research centers such as Harvard Medical school have proven that it can be effective.
ACUPUNCTURE AND TCM
CAN EFFECTIVELY TREAT:
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE
If there is a prior history of miscarriage, acupuncture can help prevent it. Acupuncture causes the release and regulation of endorphins and other neuro-transmitters which relax the body and mind and help regulate hormonal shifts.
MORNING SICKNESS
Acupuncture is clinically proven to be effective in reducing and stopping both nausea and vomiting. Often nausea stops during the first few minutes of treatment.
INSOMNIA
With the huge shift in hormones, think of puberty, during pregnancy insomnia is a common side effect. Because acupuncture has a regulating effect on the body it can often resolve insomnia fairly quickly.
BACK PAIN
Very common in the latter stages of pregnancy and again can be markedly reduced with acupuncture. Back pain in the early stages of pregnancy may expose an underlying back problem which can also be treated but should be checked by your Midwife, or Osteopath for other causes.
HEADACHES
With sudden shifts in hormones and increase in body fluid, think inflammation, headaches are common in pregnancy. Acupuncture’s harmonizing and anti inflammatory effects can stop headaches quickly and safely.
MALPOSITION/BREECH OF FETUS
Acupuncture is proven, American Medical Association research, to be highly effective and safe in turning Breech babies between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
LABOR PREPARATION
Three weeks prior to expected delivery a treatment to prepare the pelvis and cervix is advised. This is followed by one treatment per week until labor commences. Research from
France
showed this protocol led to a faster active phase of labor and less complication in delivery.
LABOR STIMULATION
Acupuncture can provide a gentle inducement to labor if baby is late and can be an effective treatment prior to medication being used.
ACUPRESSURE IN LABOR
Acupressure can be used during labor for pain relief and to encourage efficient labor. Free Guide: acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/Acupressure.pdf
POSTPARTUM
Pregnancy and labor deplete your energy and blood, thus it is vitally important to build these after birth. Nourishing foods; such as chicken and ginger soup, acupuncture treatments and herbal tonics support your ability to recover, thrive and be fully present for your child. An example of an herbal preparation is the very aptly named “Women’s Precious Pills”.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Acupuncture and herbs treat the underlying energy exhaustion from pregnancy and labor while metabolically supporting a healthy mental and emotional state of mind.
ANXIETY AND FATIGUE
This arises as a complication of energy and blood depletion and responds well to acupuncture and herbal treatment.
URINARY INCONTINENCE
Acupuncture supports the healing process and decreases inflammation of the pelvic floor enabling a woman to return to normal much faster.
INSUFFICIENT LACTATION Acupuncture and herbs provide a very effective and safe treatment and many women notice positive results in a day.