Acupuncture for Pregnancy-Related Problems
Acupuncture is a very good medical option for addressing several uncomfortable issues and conditions related with being pregnant.
Lack of breast milk
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture – when given combined with a Guinness beer each day can result in moderate to good effects in the enhancement of the production of milk.
Mastitis (Blocked milk duct)
When given at the earliest possible time, acupuncture combined with herbal compresses and vigorous self-massage can help accelerate the healing process of a woman suffering from a mastitis infection. This kind of infection quickly develops and so one should not procrastinate in getting treatment and should likewise proactively address this condition at home.
Induced Labor
A lot of women quickly progress into active labor even after just a single session of acupuncture. Occasionally two or three sessions in a week may be needed post due date.
Cervical Ripening or Labor Preparation
Around the 37th to the 40th week of pregnancy, acupuncture performed once a week can help prepare a woman for labor by strengthening and increasing her vital energy and helping the smooth flow of blood and emotions during the process. When a woman undergoes cervical ripening acupuncture protocol, induction may not be needed.
Breech Presentation
Clinical trials have revealed that moxibustion can help turn a baby who is manifesting breech. Moxibustion is ideal if it is performed everyday for 10 to 14 days between the 34th and 36th week of pregnancy.
Back pain
Acupuncture is a fundamental treatment for any type of body pain, including back pain. It is simply one of the best, if not the best, choices humans have for alleviating pain of any kind. Moxibustion and cupping can also be given when back pain is burdening a woman that is pregnant.
Restless legs
Studies have revealed that acupuncture can help relieve the occasional agonizing frustration related with restless legs. Combined with acupuncture should be the addition of more calcium in your diet for this condition.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can be caused by certain hormones released by the adrenal glands. These two emotions can impact the amount of blood and nutrients the embryo receives during pregnancy. And so, the removal of stress or utilizing stress-releasing techniques such as acupuncture is imperative.
Depression
When the emotions are balanced, the pregnant woman and her unborn child can both enjoy good health during the entire term of the woman’s pregnancy. Some acupuncturists may even combine acupuncture therapy with singing lessons conducted by a singing teacher skilled in proper breathing techniques to treat pregnancy and/or post-partum related depression.
Headaches
A lot of women may develop headaches during the end of their first trimester. For the relief of body pain and headaches, acupuncture can be given them during those periods. For anyone getting headaches that may not be related to fatigue or dehydration, acupuncture can be a good choice of treatment.
Morning sickness or Nausea
One to five sessions of acupuncture per week may be needed based on the degree of your nausea to bring back your ability to eat and restore your quality of life. Acupuncture is always a very good medical option for this condition, especially if you keep your blood sugar levels at a safe level.
Sub-Chorionic Hematoma or Spotting
Moxibustion and acupuncture can help eliminate or lessen uterine bleeding
Prevent miscarriage
Sessions of acupuncture one to two times a week can help prevent early pregnancy loss or miscarriage by increasing circulation the embryo, eliminating stress and decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity.
Scott Paglia is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist in Bellingham, WA and provides master level pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in Whatcom County, WA.