Acupuncture and Pregnancy Care

Acupuncture in prenatal care can be a very helpful tool to manage all different phases of pregnancy, from morning sickness to back pain. In fact, scientific research has found that both acupuncture and acupressure may help ease some common aches and discomforts of pregnancy (Mayo Clinic, Acupuncture, October 2023.)

Morning Sickness

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, morning sickness is due to the reverse flow of qi. This means that the Stomach qi is supposed to take in food and decend that food into the intestines. But when we get pregnant, the normal downward flow of menstruation stops and can create a lack of previously normal circulation downward. This can cause the the Stomach to back up, leading to burping, nausea and vomiting. We can use acupuncture to gently help pull the Stomach qi down and creating a harmonious flow of qi in the middle of the body.

Back Pain

One of the most common complaints of pregnancy is back pain. Eventually, the added pressure of the growing baby can cause middle and lower back pain, as well as hip pain and sciatica. All these conditions can be improved and relieved with acupressure and acupuncture, often in a side lying position on the massage table.

Preparing for Labor

As we near the end of our pregnancy, it’s time to get ready for birth. The body has been working so hard to keep the baby up and it’s time for the body to reverse the flow of qi from holding up, to relaxing and ‘letting the baby down’. Weekly acupuncture in the last month can help increase circulation in the body, resulting in a smoother and quicker labor and delivery.

Inducing Labor

Finally, it’s time for the baby to come! At the very end of pregnancy, acupuncture can be used to help dilate the cervix and start contractions. This kind of acupuncture is called ‘inducing labor’ but it is actually a support to help assist the body’s natural relaxing and releasing process. The more relaxed a woman is, the easier it is for her body to get into a natural labor flow. Acupuncture has the ability to regulate the nervous system- helping to get us out of “Fight or Flight” and into “Rest and Digest”. Because of this, we can deeply relax, get out of our heads and get ready for the downward flow that is required to give birth.

PostPartum Care

Commonly the most overlooked part of Pregnancy Care. The baby is here, we are all overjoyed except that we have just gone through the most trying experience of our lives. The period after birth is considered a delicate time in Chinese Medicine. They say that before birth we are full of fire and after birth, we are full of ice. The body has lost it’s precious blood, gone through a marathon of energy output and we are on the spot to begin immediate care for our infant. This time is best supplemented with warm soups and tea and careful planning. The best medicine is food, and after that, we use special Chinese Herbs at this time, to nourish the blood and appropriately circulate the blood flow in the uterus. This can help with the discharge of lochia after birth and help with efficient bleeding.

Mother Warming

This is a very ancient and common technique, used a few days after birth by applying a warming herb with acupuncture on the lower abdomen. This helps to warm the body and restore normal circulation.

Nursing Support

Many of us assume that breast feeding will come naturally, and for many, it does. But all women have to take care to make sure their milk supply is ample. In Chinese Medicine, we see breast milk as the extension of our blood. So when the supply wanes, we look to how nourished the mother is. We can use acupuncture and careful postpartum care- to make sure the milk supply stays steady.

When I first came to Maui in 2008, I had the great honor of studying under Tina Garzero- saint and legendary midwife. I was able to expand on my specialty in Gynecology to include Obstetrics while attending 40 births with her, over 4 years. I had the great opportunity to treat women with acupuncture prenatally, during labor and in the post partum period. Since then, I have had 2 daughters, and the chance to meet and care for hundreds of women. I feel so grateful to get to be a part of a woman’s pregnancy and birth journey. Tina always used to say, “ A pregnant woman is in a state of Grace.” I am honored to work with the Maui midwives and doulas on island still, and look forward to helping you have the healthiest life in all ways. Mahalo!