Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy is an
amazing time in a woman's life. Many women report feeling healthier than
they have ever felt before; however, the physical growth of the baby and
changes in hormone levels can bring about pain, discomfort and a variety of
health problems.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative
for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and
after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use
throughout their pregnancy and as an optional treatment for an overdue or
difficult labor.
Planning for a Healthy Baby
Healthy parents produce healthy babies. With acupuncture and Oriental
medicine, parents can improve their health to create the most optimal
environment for their unborn child. In addition to their ability to
strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, acupuncture
and Oriental medicine are an effective treatment for regulating menstruation
and hormone levels, reducing stress and addressing any pre-existing medical
conditions or concerns that a woman may have.
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play a vital role in the comfort of a
pregnant woman. There is strong evidence to support that acupuncture is
highly effective at treating some of the most common problems experienced
during pregnancy including morning sickness, heartburn, insomnia, water
retention and sciatica.
Here is a list of some of the problems that an acupuncturist often
treats during pregnancy:
* Nausea and Vomiting
* Heartburn
* Constipation
* Hemorrhoids
* Edema and Swelling
* Urinary Tract Infection
* Pelvic Pain
* Neck and Back Pain
* Sciatica
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Leg Cramps
* Fatigue and Exhaustion
* Insomnia
* Anxiety and Depression
Acupuncture for Childbirth
While there are acupuncture points that can provide natural pain relief
during labor, acupuncture is more commonly used to induce labor. There are
several points that stimulate contractions and influence cervical ripening.
There is also an acupuncture point that has been found to turn a breech
baby.
Acupuncture Postpartum
Many women feel depleted after the birth experience. Acupuncture and
Oriental medicine can help the transition of those first few months after
birth to ensure a quick recovery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical,
emotional and psychological recovery of the mother from the effects of
pregnancy and labor, as well as encouraging breast feeding.
Here are some of the postpartum disorders that can be treated with
acupuncture:
* Fatigue
* Postpartum Depression
* Mastitis
* Insufficient or Excessive Lactation
* Post Operative Healing
* Night Sweats
If you would like to know more how acupuncture and Oriental medicine
ease discomfort and facilitate pregnancy, please call for more information.
UB 67 for Turning Breech Babies
An acupuncture point on the small toe of the foot
(Urinary Bladder 67) has been found to effectively revolve fetuses in
breech presentation.
In an Italian study, 240 women at 33-35 weeks of gestation carrying a fetus
in breech presentation were randomized to receive acupuncture plus
moxibustion (an herb used to apply heat to an acupuncture point) or to be
assigned to the observation group. At delivery, the proportion of babies
that had turned from breech position to vertex (head-down) position was
53.6 % in the group treated with acupuncture while the proportion of babies
that had turned from breech position to vertex position in the observation
group was 36.7%.
Source: J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2004 Apr;15(4):247-52
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In This Issue
·
Acupuncture
in Pregnancy & Childbirth
·
UB 67 for
Turning Breech Babies
·
Safety of
Acupuncture While Pregnant
·
Common
Acupuncture Points used During Pregnancy
Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant
Acupuncture is
safe to use while you are pregnant; however, there are some points that can
cause contractions and should NOT be needled during pregnancy or should be
used with extreme caution.
Acupuncture Points to Avoid During Pregnancy
* Large Intestine 4
* Spleen 6
* Gallbladder 21
* Points on the sacrum
* Point on the lower abdomen
* Point on the low back
There are also many herbal remedies that are contraindicated during
pregnancy. Always err on the side of caution with all herbs and medications
while you are expecting.
Common Acupuncture Points used During Pregnancy
Zhubin (K 9) – 'beautiful baby point'
Location: Above the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone), right below
the calf muscle.
Function: Calms the mind, builds or tonifies blood.
Indication: Good for hypertension, fear, anxiety, nightmares, and
mental disorders.
Zusanli (St 36)
Location: Four fingers below the knee cap, on the outer edge of the
tibia.
Function: Strengthens overall constitution, builds blood and Qi,
resolves edema, and harmonizes meridians that control digestive functions.
Indication: Great point for diarrhea, constipation, gastric pain and
indigestion. Also helps with insomnia, edema (water retention), and
increases energy level.
Neiguan (P6) – 'morning sickness and motion sickness point'
Location: Two fingers above the inner wrist.
Function: Calms the mind, harmonizes the stomach.
Indication: This is THE point for nausea and vomiting. It is also
one of the most relaxing acupuncture points and is used for both insomnia
and anxiety.
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