Find out how you can experience a healthy pregnancy using acupuncture.
The most amazing, life-changing time for any woman happens when she becomes a mother. Whether it’s for the first time or for the seventh, every moment from the conception of a new child to the moment of birth is a magical journey, travelled together—mother and child. Nevertheless, all good adventures must have some tough passages, and this journey through the creation of life is no different.
A woman’s body is designed perfectly to be the best possible place for a little life to be created and grow to receive all it needs to become strong and independent. For a time, mom’s body learns to adjust to the ever-changing and growing needs of baby. That adjustment period can be very tough as hormone levels fluctuate, manifesting itself as morning sickness, depression, tiredness, headaches and constipation, to name a few. Later on, as the body adjusts to the hormonal shifts, other physical discomforts move in. Backaches, swelling, tendonitis, sleepless nights due to muscle pain, the constant need to urinate, and exhaustion are common symptoms.
Though it is often part of the journey, there are ways of making this time more comfortable for all involved. This also includes dad. Dads mostly get forgotten as all the focus is on the new mother, but they go through their share as well during pregnancy. There is what is called “pregnancy sympathy” symptoms. No kidding, studies have actually shown that male hormone levels fluctuate alongside those of the woman he supports. This, combined with elevated stress levels and responsibilities, can take their toll.
Healthy Pregnancy Using Acupuncture
When practised by a learned, licensed practitioner, Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture has shown great results in easing these symptoms and many more. Hair-thin needles are inserted at specific points along meridian lines, balancing energy so that the body can regulate itself. Chinese Medicine follows the belief that if the body’s “Qi” (life energy) and the Yin and Yang are flowing in harmony, there will never be illness. A fetus is pure Yang, and its new appearance can cause many disruptions in that precious balance. Acupuncture can help the mother adapt and adjust to restore free flow of baby and mother’s Qi together. It is also very effective in helping to reduce stress in all those involved in the adventure, to ensure a healthier and happier pregnancy.
Is it safe? Yes. There are very few side effects to acupuncture. The most common ones are minor bruising and fatigue directly after treatment. Acupuncture is merely a modality with which to restore natural flow and balance of energy, and it should never go against the individual’s natural rhythm. Acupuncture is also very effective at inducing labour once the pregnancy has reached full-term. There are certain points therefore that are contraindicated and strictly avoided until the 40th week of pregnancy. Those who have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine are very familiar with these points and will be able to treat the patient safety.
Forty weeks may seem like a long time, but it goes by quickly when the pregnancy goes well. It is important that this time—the first moments of bonding between parent and child—be experienced in the best possible manner, as it is just the magical beginning of the most amazing journey nature has to offer.
It is also important to know that there are ways to help smooth the ride of this journey in a safe and effective manner, so you can spend more time enjoying these precious moments.
If you’d like Gabrielle to come to your home, workplace, or hospital to help you ease the potential discomforts of pregnancy, optimize your health and that of your growing child, assist in preparing you for delivery, and allow you to experience a healthy pregnancy using acupuncture, contact us to book your time with her.