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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