acupuncture for pregnancy and new mothers
Here are some frequently asked questions…
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? Can it harm the baby?
Acupuncture, like all forms of medicine, has precautions and contraindications. If acupuncture is performed properly and by adequately trained practitioners who have experience in treating pregnant women, acupuncture is an extremely safe procedure. There are virtually no potential complications nor side effects of having acupuncture during pregnancy.
Acupuncture, like all forms of medicine, has precautions and contraindications. If acupuncture is performed properly and by adequately trained practitioners who have experience in treating pregnant women, acupuncture is an extremely safe procedure. There are virtually no potential complications nor side effects of having acupuncture during pregnancy.
How can acupuncture help in pregnancy?
Acupuncture can alleviate many of the conditions experienced during pregnancy which are often considered "par for the course", and for which effective remedy is rarely offered by Western medical doctors. Common pregnancy-related conditions treated with acupuncture include, aches & pains (e.g. back, carpal tunnel, sciatica), nausea and vomiting, headaches (including migraines) fatigue, heartburn, and stress/anxiety.
Acupuncture can alleviate many of the conditions experienced during pregnancy which are often considered "par for the course", and for which effective remedy is rarely offered by Western medical doctors. Common pregnancy-related conditions treated with acupuncture include, aches & pains (e.g. back, carpal tunnel, sciatica), nausea and vomiting, headaches (including migraines) fatigue, heartburn, and stress/anxiety.
I have heard that moxibustion can turn breeched babies. Is it true and how successful is it? Yes, this is true. Studies confirm the effectiveness of moxibustion (greater than 70% success rate) to turn breech babies. This technique has been used for centuries in China. Moxibustion involves burning a herb close to the skin at specific points known to stimulate the baby's movement. It is most successful when performed from 32 to 34 weeks.
Can acupuncture be used to induce labor?
Acupuncture can be safely used to induce your baby, but it is advisable only when you have reached your due date and not before. It has been seen to be most effective seven to ten days after the due date. Treatment can be effective immediately and up to 60 hours after treatment.
Acupuncture can be safely used to induce your baby, but it is advisable only when you have reached your due date and not before. It has been seen to be most effective seven to ten days after the due date. Treatment can be effective immediately and up to 60 hours after treatment.
What conditions can acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help with after delivery?
Acupuncture can help to restore the mother's energy levels after the stress of the birth, and can help with postpartum fatigue, postpartum pain (backache or pain of the vaginal tissues), postpartum depression and anxiety, insufficient lactation or excessive milk production, hemorrhoids, and mastitis.
Acupuncture can help to restore the mother's energy levels after the stress of the birth, and can help with postpartum fatigue, postpartum pain (backache or pain of the vaginal tissues), postpartum depression and anxiety, insufficient lactation or excessive milk production, hemorrhoids, and mastitis.
Pregnancy and New Mother links:
Research articles on acupuncture and pregnancy: http://pregnancy.health-info.org/research-acupuncture-pregnancy.html
Baby Yoga: www.yogaworks.com
Pump Station (breastfeeding info./ lactation support): http://www.pumpstation.com