Motherhood: How Acupuncture Can Support You

How acupuncture supports the process of motherhoodnnIn this time of winter we can look at pregnancy and fertility as an expression of the energetic of the season. Just as a bulb in the ground needs to have darkness and incubation before blossoming into a flower, a baby needs the same. If we delve even deeper into the theories of Chinese medicine we will see that the Kidneys, which are one of the organs of the winter, are in part responsible for the growth and development of the fetus and for allowing the mother to be fertile. The Kidneys store our DNA, our jing, our essence, the blue print of who we are which is passed on to the next generations. n nAs a woman prepares for pregnancy and later conceives, stillness and relaxation are imperative to the health of momma and baby. How are we to conceive, hold and deliver a health baby if we are in a fight or flight state? Are adrenals are pumping, cortisol is flowing and everything is telling us to be in survival mode. The body will not allow you to conceive or hold a baby in this state as a protection to yourself. This is why relaxation, working less hours, creating a time of stillness and contemplation is imperative to the process of conception and pregnancy.nnDiet is another important step. The fuel you take in will support your pregnancy and chances of becoming pregnant. Eating warming nourishing foods, such as soups and stews, organic fruits and vegetables, good fats and oils, free range meats and eggs will support the Spleens function of building blood to support the uterus, fetus and nourish the baby. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fast food, sugars, diet sodas, and cold, raw foods as this will impair the function of the Spleen. Chinese herbal medicine can also support the Spleens function in preparation for conception. nnHow can acupuncture help? One of the main affect of acupuncture is a state of relaxation. In order for the body to heal you must be in a relaxed state, acupuncture promotes this state. Acupuncture can bring more blood flow and circulation to the uterus and help to boost the Kidney Qi and support the functioning of the Spleen. Once you have conceived acupuncture supports the process of pregnancy by helping with morning sickness, abdominal pain, edema, preclampsia, mood swings, back pain, insomnia, and keeping you well and health through out the pregnancy. nnSupport through the birthing process is available with acupuncture. There are specific acupuncture points that can help to bring on labor or assist in the process of birthing. There points can even be massaged during labor to help aid in pain relief. If the baby is breach there are ways of inviting the baby turn using acupuncture.nnAcupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is extremely supportive after birthing. During the process of birthing the mother loses blood, Qi, yin, and essence. This can make momma very depleted and weak which intern can lead to some of the symptoms associated with postpartum depression. There are many ways of supporting the mother after birthing to rebuild blood, Qi and yin. Mother roasting is an application of heat to the lower abdomen and lower back to bring Qi and blood back to the uterus. Herbal soups can be prepared and taking immediately after birth to rebuild the mothers Qi and blood and may even aid in the production of breast milk.nnWhat I have found in my own clinic is that using acupuncture as a support through the entire process of motherhood is what is most effective. Patients who come before pregnancy, during and after pregnancy have an easier time. Creating balance with in the body before conception, keeping the mother healthy and well through pregnancy, assisting with birthing as needed, and supporting the mother with herbs and acupuncture postpartum helps to create a healthy baby and a healthy momma.nnAs you begin the process of conception I invite you to ask yourself these questions. What do I see for the future generation? What wisdom will I pass on to the children of the future? How will I raise a child to create a better future for my grandchildren? n