I have been helping women during pregnancy through acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbs for over 20 years. Even though we know pregnancy is a natural state of being, not an illness, we do know that many pregnant women experience some physical discomfort and emotional changes during this time.
Because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on prevention, and maintenance of good health, it can offer many benefits to women during pregnancy, as well as before and after. For example, it can help with morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, back pain, sciatica, and fatigue. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment method for many of these conditions. When you come for an acupuncture treatment you will be able to relax deeply and get back in tune with your body-mind.
Even in cases of breech position babies a technique which has been shown to have 88% efficacy is used This entails you carrying out the simple method at home, which can be demonstrated to you in clinic, and provide you with the necessary tools.
Speaking of home treatment, as an acupuncturist at Bondi Health Space, I can show you pressure points to help you with various conditions, particularly during labour (these days it is not uncommon for midwives and doulas to be trained in this, but your partner can help too!) Plus I can provide you with handouts with diagrams to take home. The optimal time to prepare for labour is from 35 weeks, that is: 4 weekly treatments.
If baby has not arrived by its due date, labour can be induced by acupuncture, rather than having to resort to more aggressive intervention. This usually needs to be repeated 3 or 4 times, at least twice within one week.
If possible I suggest sessions after giving birth, to help diminish your fatigue and replenish your energy stores. Regular acupuncture treatments and herbs appropriate to your energy pattern, can nourish your blood and strengthen your tendons. For example, if you suffer from ‘abdominal separation’ I can assist in its healing (along with advice given to wear a supportive band).
In conclusion, thousands of years of observation and practice has ensured that TCM can definitely assist mothers before, during and after birth. I look forward to chatting with you about this to see if this might work for you.
