In this article, I’ll be discussing a topic surrounded by excitement, fear and the list of do’s and don’ts that can be more than a little overwhelming. I’m talking about those 40 weeks in a woman’s life that change everything. I’m talking about pregnancy. More specifically, I will be discussing pregnancy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
The number one question I get from expectant mothers and women trying to conceive is “Is acupuncture and Chinese medicine safe during pregnancy?” The answer is yes and very much so. Acupuncture is one of the safest and most effective therapies to help a woman with her health throughout conception, pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Acupuncture in Orlando is completely safe throughout all stages of pregnancy and it works without introducing chemicals or any other foreign substances to alter the natural function of our bodies. It also has no negative side effects. Acupuncture works by enhancing and harmonizing the natural state of the body. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are effective for the treatment of:
- Morning sickness
- Fatigue
- Excessive or insufficient weight gain
- Pain
- Emotional problems
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Breech baby
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Edema
- And many more.
Acupuncture is also used to promote labor. This treatment is usually more effective when the mother has been receiving regular care with Chinese medicine throughout her entire pregnancy; however, that’s not required. What about Chinese herbs? The great majority of Chinese herbs are completely safe for use before and during pregnancy as well as during breast-feeding.
However, I would not recommend the use of Chinese herbs and formulas without the guidance and direction of a qualified doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. I also do not recommend the use of single herbs on their own even when not pregnant. Herbal formulas are balanced and harmonized groups of herbs put together for maximum therapeutic effect and safety.
The benefits of using herbs is that they work faster and stronger than acupuncture in most cases. In Chinese medicine, every month of pregnancy is associated with a different internal organ. In the mother and during that month, the well-being of the mother and baby dependent on the strength of that organ system.
Knowing these associations is a useful tool in the prevention of problems that may occur during pregnancy based on the pre-existing constitution of the mother. For example, if we know the mother to have a weakness in the lung energy, we can be proactive in use herbs and acupuncture to boost the lungs before, during and after that month where the lungs are under the greatest strain during pregnancy.
Organ associated by month
- 1 – Liver
- 2 – Gallbladder
- 3 – Pericardium
- 4 – Triple Energizer
- 5 – Spleen
- 6 – Stomach
- 7 – Lungs
- 8 – Large Intestine
- 9 – Kidney
- 10 – Urinary Bladder
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not only used for the treatment of problems during pregnancy but also for the promotion of general health and wellness in both the mother and the growing fetus. By promoting optimal health throughout conception, pregnancy and postpartum, we can potentially prevent complications and health problems for both the mother and baby from occurring.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Creating a new life is an exciting time for any woman and is also taxing on her body’s energy reserves. Therefore, it is important during this time to eat nutritious foods and to engage in appropriate exercise throughout your pregnancy.