Acupuncture is a holistic tradition dating back to ancient China, based on the idea that there is an energy flow or “qi” through the body that travels along certain paths or “meridians”. Though not based on scientific method, acupuncture is used to treat various medical conditions, as well as being used therapeutically. The process involves inserting very thin needles of varying lengths into the meridians in order to treat illnesses and ailments situated elsewhere in the human body.
Healthy pregnant women who wish to pursue acupuncture will find that it is beneficial for both mother and unborn child to undergo this treatment. The acupuncture process aims to stimulate transmission of toxins between mother and child, improving the health of both of them. It also strengthens the mother’s “qi” or energy flow. Acupuncture for healthy mothers should be carried out once a month until the last month of pregnancy, when it should be done once a week until labor occurs.
Pregnant women can experience a variety of physical ailments, many of which they cannot take medication for without harming the child. Acupuncture treatment, however, allows women to undergo treatment without any risk of harming their unborn child. Women who experience back pain and sciatica have found that acupuncture soothes the pain without medication. Women experiencing fatigue have turned to acupuncture to remove blockages in the flow of their qi. Imbalances in the qi that cause morning sickness can also be rectified with acupuncture.
Acupuncture treatment does not need to stop before pregnancy. Women who are past their due date seek acupuncture to induce labor, which the acupuncturist achieves by applying needles to points that had been forbidden prior to the due date. The aim is to move energy flow towards the pelvis. Women also seek acupuncture during labor, many finding that it strengthens weak contractions and makes the delivery process shorter, less painful and less stressful. Many women have attested to the positive benefits of acupuncture during labor.
Acupuncture should be continued following delivery, as it is important for a new mother to restore her health following pregnancy. Post-pregnancy acupuncture can treat, among other things, fatigue, postpartum vaginal discharge, postpartum depression, mastitis, and insufficient or excessive lactation. In addition to that, it can assist the postoperative healing for women who have undergone caesarian sections. New mothers should take care using Chinese herbs while breastfeeding in order to avoid causing any harm to their baby. Whilst Chinese herbs are generally harmless, some side effects can be caused.
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