Prenatal Care
Acupuncture
has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment
of pregnancy related symptoms including:
Morning Sickness
Emotional
Changes
Constipation
Hip Pain
Anxiety | Hemorrhoids
Back Pain
Sciatica
Breech Baby
Minor Leg Swelling |
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy,
and can be very soothing to both mother and baby. Although
there are contraindications, all licensed acupuncturists are
fully trained in the use of appropriate points for pregnancy,
and which points to avoid.
At Root & Branch, we are extremely
cautious with conditions which may not be appropriate for
us to treat, and are well educated in pregnancy related conditions
which require medical attention. Although many Chinese Herbs
are totally safe to take during pregnancy, we do not advocate
their use unless you are completely comfortable with this
choice. We are here to support your pregnancy and your choices
and will not recommend any therapy with which you are not
comfortable.
Labor Induction
With Acupuncture
Acupuncture
can be successfully used to induce labor for many women. It
is most effective when a pregnant woman presents without complications,
is at or past their due date, and is showing at least some
signs of “ripeness” (i.e., some cervical effacement,
some
dilation, cramping or Braxton Hicks contractions).
Acupuncture can cause contractions
to begin during the treatment, especially if there has been
some intermittent contractions already, but most commonly
will initiate labor somewhere between 12 and 72 hours after
the treatment. It is recommended that women present with at
least a few days cushion prior to a medical induction date,
in order to give the treatment a chance to work, and to minimize
the tension in the mother of the impending medical induction.
If you know that your doctor wants to induce you, and you
are hoping to avoid that, you may want to try acupuncture
as early as a week prior, and if necessary return for a follow-up
prior to the induction date.
A typical labor induction treatment
involves stimulating points on the feet, lower legs, hands,
shoulders, and lower back, which have the combined effect
of creating movement in the pelvis and uterus, and encouraging
dilation of the cervix. We may also use ear points with “press
balls”, tiny stainless steel balls on clear tape that
are used to stimulate points that relate directly to the uterus,
calming the nervous system, and causing a downward energy
to encourage the baby to move down and out.
Although the initial stimulation may
feel a little stronger than we may normally use, the treatment
is typically very relaxing, and during the treatment the body
often is able to allow for a progression of dilation due to
the increased relaxation and decreased resistance from the
body. |
|
 |
