Traditional Chinese acupuncture and Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) massage have been shown to have positive effects on a woman’s most common worries during pregnancy. These include heartburn, swollen legs, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and nausea. From a Chinese traditional medical perspective, the development of a new life in a woman’s uterus does not bring about a considerable change as the mother and foetus are seen as one. TKM believes that a woman’s health should still be balanced according to the Yin Yang philosophy except for specific herbs and treatment points that we know can pose risks. These are, of course, avoided. The imbalances that the woman experiences are thus treated traditionally but strongly focus on the foetus’ continued well-being.
When Can You Get Acupuncture During Pregnancy?
In general, acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy. However, the treatment itself and the safety measures taken vary according to the woman’s perceived symptoms and the stage of the pregnancy she is in.
Can Acupuncture Relieve the First Unpleasant Symptoms?
In short, yes. Scientific studies have proven that weekly treatments can help pregnant women relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia and headaches, and help the body get used to the new hormonal balance in the body and satisfy the foetus with nutrition.
How Can Acupuncture Help?
First and foremost, acupuncture helps maintain a woman’s energy balance, which is considered a sign of good health in Traditional Korean Medicine. Through this balance, pain and other worries are relieved, and the immune system is raised. From a scientific perspective, the insertion of needles into the skin releases more significant amounts of endorphins and other hormones that help relieve pain and balance the nervous system. Acupuncture can also be used to treat various ailments associated with pregnancy and/or prepare the body for childbirth. Possible uses where acupuncture can help include:
- Relief of nausea and vomiting
- Relief of pain during childbirth
- Relief of pain after caesarean section
- Relief of panic attacks, stress and depression during pregnancy
- Help with general pain and discomfort caused by pregnancy
- Help to induce labour
- Help women get pregnant, both naturally and through fertility treatments such as IVF
- Correct the position of the baby in the womb if a change of seat occurs
- Relieve breast tenderness
- Reduce fatigue
- Relieves headaches
- Relieve heartburn
- Relieve pelvic floor problems
- Treat constipation and haemorrhoids
- Treat pain in the sciatica
Is Acupuncture Helpful Before Childbirth?
Acupuncture helps to maintain the body’s strength and prepare it to produce enough nutrients to recover quickly after childbirth. This method also helps to create stable milk production, release tension in the breasts and middle back, reduce tension in the breasts, and reduce potential mammary glands. Good to know maybe that acupuncture also generally improves breast health and thus can prevent any future mammary gland problems. Finally, acupuncture can also be helpful during the birth itself to relieve pain, release tension and help relax and stretch muscles. This contributes to a more compliant delivery and faster recovery.
And After the Birth?
The acupuncture you received before the birth will also have a positive effect afterwards. First and foremost, it will facilitate recovery so that symptoms can be alleviated or prevented. These symptoms include fatigue, muscle recovery, recovery of the uterus, normalization of the menstrual cycle, and postpartum depression. After childbirth, acupuncture can also restore energy/blood balance in the body and improve milk production. As no substances are used during the insertion of needles, there is no risk of anything harmful being transferred to breast milk.
Have you considered preparing your mind and body for birth with the help of acupuncture? If not, chances are you haven’t heard about the benefits. Change that today and begin your journey to parenthood by contacting the experts at Fertile Seeds of Life! They give couples worldwide access to the knowledge, care and support they need to prepare for their future child.
