Acupuncture – during and after pregnancy
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used to treat many conditions in women during and after pregnancy. Chinese medicine identifies more than 361 acupuncture points which relate to meridians that regulate vital energy or chi throughout the body. Illness or symptoms are associated with an imbalance of this vital energy. In acupuncture, very thin disposable needles are used to stimulate specific areas associated with organ functions to restore balance and maintain health. Following conditions get benefited when acupuncture is used during and after pregnancy.
Morning sickness: Morning sickness refer to degree of nausea and vomiting experienced by some women during the first trimester of pregnancy. In mild cases, symptoms are limited to mild nausea and some vomiting, usually in the morning. Additional manifestations may include poor appetite and unusual food preferences. Morning sickness normally ends with the first trimester and does not require treatment. However, in severe cases, called hyperemesis gravidarum, should be treated. In these cases, vomiting is frequent or persistent and the patient may be unable to keep down any liquids or solids. Vomit may contain gall bile, in addition to food and mucus. General manifestations include lassitude, emaciation, palpitation, shortness of breath and impairment of hepatic and renal function. The cause of morning sickness is still not clear, but it may be related to high levels of chronic gonadotropin, nervous, psychological factors, or hypovitaminosis. Acupuncture is helpful in all these conditions.
- Heart burn and Pain: A few issues such as heart burn, back pain, sciatica, and joint pains are very common during second and third trimester of pregnancy. Many clinical reports say that Acupuncture is very safe to use during second trimester to help these conditions, where use of painkiller is not advisable.
- Stress and Depression: Some women notice stress and depression during pregnancy. Acupuncture is very safe to use during pregnancy time. It is an effective treatment that could reduce the severity of stress and depression in pregnant women. Moxibustion is another safe simple and effective treatment for stress and depression. Therefore, Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies are helpful to those women who want to be drug free for prenatal and postnatal mental health wellbeing.
- Induced Labour: Acupuncture is used to induce labour pain and increase energy level. Some researchers have found that Acupuncture may help prepare pregnant women for labour by increasing the readiness of the cervix. It can also help to stimulate contractions without the use of drugs.
- After Labour: Acupuncture is even used after birth. It restores the mother’s energy levels and alleviates depression, stress, and anxiety. It also reduces backpain and body ache which is related to prolong labour.
If you would like to know more information about any of these above conditions then please contact Dr Kusum Lata on (03) 98038718 or write email on info@acuayur.com.au
