Chinese medicine and acupuncture’s primary purpose is to facilitate regulation, restore balance and nourish the system. The following outline briefly describes aspects of pregnancy and childbirth that are very well addressed:
Menstruation: Yes, we must start here! Keeping the menstrual cycle running as smoothly as possible is great for all women at any stage, and absolutely important when considering fertility. Keeping a Basal Body Temperature chart is very helpful. The acupuncturist will look at the BBT chart and decipher the pattern and tailor treatments according to your specific needs. Color, amount and consistency of menstrual blood is as equally important as regularity (between 27 and 32 days). Pain, cramping, digestive upset, headaches and extreme emotional moods can be addressed so that menstruation is a welcome event.
Pregnancy: The first three months are exhausting and can also be challenging, especially for new mothers. Acupuncture, herbs and eating certain foods can help with digestive upset, nausea, vomiting, fear and anxiety. Although we know that rest is important for everyone, please keep in mind that during the first trimester, women expend roughly the same amount of energy one would while climbing a mountain – every day. As mother’s body grows and stretches, acupuncture and massage work well to help ease discomfort, especially the back and hips. Keeping Mama as happy and healthy as possible is good for the whole family; a growing fetus experiences anxiety and stress when the mother does, and so it is important for the mother to feel her best, emotionally and physically, during pregnancy.
Labor There are acupuncture techniques that naturally increase prostaglandins
and assist in getting prolonged labor started. Also, there are seeds that can be placed on points located on the ear that can help endure the pain of delivery. The seeds can stay on for a week or more with sticky tape.
Post Partum: Conditions after childbirth such as recovery, proper blood flow, nursing and breast health, including lactation and mastitis can be addressed as well!
* One thing sternly suggested by my midwives after delivery was that women are NOT supposed to get up often, and especially avoid walking up and down stairs. After childbirth, the ligaments holding the uterus are very slack, and too much activity can then cause uterine prolapse later.*
In addition to the delicate balance that exist in humans, women’s systems are further complicated by a regular influx of a variety of hormones. Women do not have to live with discomfort, pain and unanswered questions, and deserve to be clearly heard by their health care provider(s) in order to receive proper and thorough care. Let’s genuinely be there for each other as well, in support of our sisters, mothers, wives and friends.