Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.

This session can be used for:

• Fertility acupuncture
• During pregnancy acupuncture
• Breech Presentation acupuncture
• Labor induction acupuncture
• Post-Partum Recovery acupuncture

Acupuncture for fertility

Chinese medicine can help increase fertility in women by:

• Establishing a regular menstrual cycle
• Increasing blood flow to the uterus to improve the chances of ovum implantation
• Reducing anxiety and stress that may significantly decrease fertility
• Increasing the libido
• Normalizing the hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation
• Positively affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that plays a key role in fertility
• Increasing endometrial lining
• Increasing and regulating beneficial cervical fluid
• Strengthening the immune system

Acupuncture during Pregnancy

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective way to address many of the physical discomforts and complains that occur during pregnancy. Prenatal acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help patients support a healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. Regular acupuncture during pregnancy sets the foundation for a healthy mother and baby.
Some of the conditions that acupuncture can treat are:

• Morning sickness, Nausea
• Insomnia
• Low energy
• Anxiety/depression
• Constipation
• Back pain and sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Edema
• Certain types of threatened miscarriage
• breech presentation
• Labor pain
• Delayed labor
• Postpartum depression
• Lactation problems

Treatment Plan for Pregnancy

First Trimester- Acupuncture during the first trimester focuses on setting the foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Treatments are given to prevent miscarriage and to address any early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue.

Second Trimester- Acupuncture during the second trimester aims to maintain balance and offer relief from many of the common complaints of pregnancy. Patients may come one to two times per month if the pregnancy is uncomplicated and there are no complaints. If addressing a certain issue, patients may need to come more frequently.

Third Trimester- Acupuncture during the third trimester prepares the body for labor and delivery. Treatment is given for breech presentation between weeks 32-36. Treatment for labor induction can be given any time after week 39 if there are no complications with the pregnancy.

Breech Presentation

Acupuncture treatment for breech presentation has been used for thousands of years and carries no risk to the mother or baby. It is generally done between weeks 32-36, when there is still enough room for the baby to turn.

Labor Induction

Acupuncture for labor induction is safe for both the mother and baby. It is most effective starting the week of the baby’s due date.

Labor induction with acupuncture stimulates uterine contractions and softens the cervix. The treatment starts a hormonal process which stimulates the mother’s body to release prostaglandins and oxytocin, the natural hormone that Pitocin mimics. As a result, it is a much more gentle and natural process than Western induction. Because of this, the effects are not instantaneous, as they are in Western induction. Depending on how far into pre-labor the mother’s body is determines the number of treatments needed. Some women only need one or two treatments, while others may need several treatments for real labor to start.

Post-partum recovery

A new mother loses energy during the process of childbirth. This session helps to regain her energy, strength and vitality.

After birth, few women have the opportunity to rest and fully heal from birth experience, making Oriental medicine invaluable for Post-Partum recovery.

In addition to returning the body to a state of balance and health, acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy treat post-partum conditions as:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Insufficient lactation
• Mastitis
• Night sweats
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Urinary difficulty or incontinence