Arguably, the most popular form of Chinese medicine in the world, acupuncture is 4,000 thousand years old and works by using needles stuck into energy meridians and about a thousand pressure points in the human body. The needles used in this treatment are disposable and as thin as a strand of hair in your scalp. They’re inserted just below the surface of the skin in order to stimulate the energy meridians in the body. The treatment does not generate pain and the worst a patient can experience during the treatment is a sensation of slight burning, heaviness, or tingling on the site where the needle is inserted.
One of the most important benefits of acupuncture for pregnant women in Palm Harbor is its ability to address conditions related to their pregnancy without the need for drugs. A qualified practitioner can help a pregnant patient by stimulating predetermined acupoints on the body by ripening the cervix to hasten labor.
According to a Harvard University study, there are more than five million Americans who avail themselves of acupuncture treatment each year. Supporting this claim is the NIH (National Institutes of Health) who stated that more and more dentists and Western physicians refer their patients to acupuncturists for treatment and for prevention.
Some of the common uses of acupuncture are for the alleviation from chemotherapy side effects, digestion conditions, arthritis, allergies, and headaches. During each phase of pregnancy and even after pregnancy, acupuncture has benefits that are scientifically proven and time-tested not just for the mother but also for her baby. Since babies, while in their mothers’ womb, can be seriously affected by toxins coming from the body of their mothers, those toxins may bring about skin sensitivity and irritations, frequent pediatric illnesses and high fevers. By balancing therapies given regularly during all phases of pregnancy, acupuncturists can boost the woman’s health, positively influence the development of her baby, and prevent pregnancy complications.
Migraines, Bleeding, Nausea, Morning Sickness – First Trimester
There is some controversy on whether acupuncture treatment can lead to first trimester early contractions, fetal movement, or spontaneous abortion. However, research in the UK using acupuncture treatment on 600 women on their first trimester of pregnancy showed that these patients did not experience any type of negative side effects. They experienced less bleeding, bloating, migraines, and fatigue. These patients likewise showed less serious incidences and frequency of nausea.
One very important thing to note if you are considering acupuncture treatment, more so if you are pregnant, is that you should only avail of the services of an experienced and qualified (licensed) acupuncturist. The health of the pregnant woman and her baby are in good hands under the care of a highly experienced acupuncturist; even better if the acupuncturist has a Chinese herbology certificate, as his/her knowledge of the whole system of Chinese medicine system is definitely superior. During the first trimester, the woman can be treated with acupressure (acupuncture without needles) and/or ear acupuncture to lessen the likelihood of complication.
Stress, Hemorrhoids, and Heartburn – Second Trimester
Besides stress, hemorrhoids, and heartburn experienced during the second-trimester, acupuncturists can also treat excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, and edema. However, you also need to talk to your doctor if you are suffering any of these problems.
Pelvic Girdle and Back Pain – Third Trimester
Undergoing acupuncture during the third trimester is universally deemed to be the safest time during pregnancy. The treatment during this stage can be used for the healing of pelvic girdle pain, carpal tunnel, back pain, and sciatica as well as back pain, which about three quarters of pregnant women during the third trimester suffer from. The Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica observed that acupuncture produces even much better results than exercise, heat, and massage.
The BBC has reported that a third of pregnant women in their third trimester suffer from pelvic girdle pain. A study done in the UK involved dividing 386 pregnant women into three groups with each group being given a different type of treatment. One group was treated with a specific regimen; another underwent acupuncture and exercise; the last group did conventional home exercise programs. The acupuncture and exercise group manifested the least pain. The Royal College of General Practitioners vice chairman, Dr. Graham Archard says that “Women who are pregnant need to stay away from drugs, in order to benefit from acupuncture, which is a treatment that releases natural painkilling chemicals in the body.”
Increase of Energy, Reduction of Pain During Labor
Besides helping induce labor with overdue babies, acupuncture can also be used to reposition a breech fetus. The Journal of American Medical Association recommended one other form of Chinese medicine known as moxibustion which can be added to acupuncture treatment to turn a breech position into head-first delivery. Besides that, acupuncture treatment during labor has proven to boost vitality and energy and lessen pain. The therapy assists women suffering post-birth extensive bleeding to cease their hemorrhage.
Depression Prevention and Recuperation – Post Partum
Acupuncture can bring pain relief after C-section, or vaginal birth delivery. For post partum depression, the treatment can prevent the rise of severe postpartum depression by restoring a woman’s normal recuperative cycle. Stress and feelings of depression can be naturally alleviated as acupuncture helps bring back the body into balance. The treatment also leads to a lower rate of postpartum depression among pregnant women.
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