Acupuncture is such a powerful tool of traditional Chinese medicine and I swear by it, especially during pregnancy. It has helped me with nausea, sleep, balancing my emotions and so many other little symptoms that come up during that delicate time. My weekly appointments are my sacred hours of rest and relaxation and it truly helps me to feel more grounded overall. A lot of fellow mamas and mamas to be I talk to however are not familiar with acupuncture as a tool during pregnancy or for balancing hormones and fertility but since it has helped me so much I feel called to share this. My acupuncturist, Eden Alexander from Goldenacupuncture in Zurich kindly answered all questions surrounding acupuncture and pregnancy for us.
How does acupuncture work?
The Chinese concept behind acupuncture is a bit more complex and therefore hard to accurately describe, as the ancient practice isn’t exactly based in traditional science and medicine. Essentially, they had the idea that the body was occupied and animated by an invisible life giving energy force which they called QI. It was believed that when the qi was flowing right then a person would experience good mental and physical health. When the qi was not flowing correctly or blocked, then illness would result . A modern take on this might be that acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways , which when a needle is inserted into specific points, nerves are stimulated. The nerve then sends signals to the brain , and the brain releases hormones such as endorphins. This then increases the patients pain threshold and they then feel less pain.
How can acupuncture help balance hormones and fertility?
Many women have been using birth control for many years, once the stop with the intention to get pregnant, only then to they realize that their hormones are out of balance. Acupuncture can help to regulate their cycles, help to alleviate any issues with their menstruation, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation and enhance the functions of the reproductive organs.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is safe for pregnancy, we do however only use a limited amount of points and are careful not to stimulate too much.
What kind of pregnancy symptoms can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture can help with an array of pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, low energy, edema, anxiety, constipation, back pains and sleep issues.
How can acupuncture help in preparation for birth?
Acupuncture begins helping by freeing up the energy (qi) and thereby helping the body to relax, to calm the nerves, and increase the mothers vital energy (which she will most certainly need) Acupuncture also can help ensure the position of your baby , and there are even points used to turn a baby if it’s not headed in the right direction. Once acupuncture has balanced the Qi, the birth preparation points can begin. These points are done in the last weeks of pregnancy and work as signals to your body to get labour moving. These points are said to help ripen the cervix, stimulate the uterus, and if you are already in pre labour , there are points that help strengthen and regulate your contractions and help to reduce pain.
When do you recommend starting regular acupuncture sessions during pregnancy?
Commonly we begin around 36 weeks, I have many women however who choose to come regularly throughout their pregnancy.
How can acupuncture be beneficial during postnatal recovery?
Often times many women suffer from postnatal depression after giving birth. In Chinese medicine this can be due to a lack of blood and qi and acupuncture and herbs can help greatly to restore energy and nourish blood, which can help bring the new mother back into an optimal state of being. Acupuncture can also help heal c-section scars, increase milk production, decrease breast inflammation, and help to balance out the hormones.
You work with essential oils a lot, do you recommend using them during pregnancy?
I don’t actually recommend using them during pregnancy or while breast feeding. Occasional use of certain oils is ok., but for the most part I think it’s better to avoid them.
What books would you recommend for pregnant women?
I think the basic book by Heidi Murkoff What to Expect When You Are Expecting is a helpful go to for all the questions that may be running through mothers to be heads. My favourite book however is The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou. This book speaks about the importance of rest and recovery for the new mother, and has great recipes and advice.
