Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide a safe, effective alternative for many of the health complications that may arise before, during and after pregnancy. A growing number of women are choosing acupuncture to use throughout their pregnancy and as an optional treatment for an overdue or difficult labor.

INFERTILITY

Acupuncture has shown promise in treating many conditions, ranging from asthma to headaches. Now some couples are trying the popular form of Chinese medicine to address infertility. Research suggests acupuncture may improve sperm quality, improve blood flow to the uterus, normalize ovulation, and boost IVF success rates.

DURING PREGNANCY
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can play a vital role in the comfort of a pregnant woman. There is strong evidence to support that acupuncture is highly effective at treating some of the most common problems experienced during pregnancy including morning sickness, heartburn, insomnia, water retention and sciatica.

Here is a list of some of the problems that an acupuncturist often treats during pregnancy:

Nausea and Vomiting

Heartburn

Constipation

Hemorrhoids

Edema and Swelling

Urinary Tract Infection

Pelvic Pain

Neck and Back Pain

Sciatica

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Leg Cramps

Fatigue and Exhaustion

Insomnia

Anxiety and Depression

BREECH PRESENTATION

A fascinating use of Chinese Medicine in pregnancy is its role in turning a fetus that is presenting breech, i.e., feet first. The technique is most effective between the 28th and 34th week, up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. The optimal time for effectiveness is 32-34 weeks. Past the 36th week there is usually not enough room for the fetus to turn around.
 
The treatment uses the herb mugwort called "moxa' in Chinese. Moxibustion is the burning of the herb moxa and the application of the generated heat to certain acupoints. For turning the fetus we primarily use a point located on the outside corner of the nail on the little toe.
 
Using a Moxa stick, a tight roll of powdered herb that resembles a large cigar, an acupuncturist holds the smoldering, non-toxic stick a half inch away from the point on the foot. The procedure is repeated on the opposite foot and continued for 15-20 minutes, alternating between the right and left foot.
 
Although it is ideal to have a therapist or partner apply the stick, a woman can apply the Moxa stick herself. The whole procedure (either with the Moxa stick or the needle) should be repeated twice a day for a maximum of ten days, yet most babies turn within three days.
 
Once turned into the appropriate headfirst position, patients should stop using the technique, as it could cause the baby to turn back to breech.

INDUCE LABOR

While there are acupuncture points that can provide natural pain relief during labor, acupuncture is more commonly used to induce labor. There are several points that stimulate contractions and influence cervical ripening. There is also an acupuncture point that has been found to turn a breech baby.

POSTPARTUM
Many women feel depleted after the birth experience. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help the transition of those first few months after birth to ensure a quick recovery. Postpartum care focuses on the physical, emotional and psychological recovery of the mother from the effects of pregnancy and labor, as well as encouraging breast feeding.

Here are some of the postpartum disorders that can be treated with acupuncture:

                 Fatigue

                 Postpartum Depression

                 Mastitis

                 Insufficient or Excessive Lactation

                 Post Operative Healing

                 Night Sweats

Talk to your acupuncturist for more information.