Acupuncture after giving birth

Jul 20

postpartum acupunctureAcupuncture and Oriental Medicine have considerable value in helping a woman nourish herself after pregnancy and childbirth.  Treating a new mom in the postpartum time is important for the whole family. In Chinese Medicine theory we employ a five-phase model where we use the mother to treat the child. This takes on a whole new meaning when applied to real women and their children. Women who feel better are more present for themselves and the newborn.

During pregnancy, a woman is giving her resources to her growing child. Then the reserves of qi (lifeforce) and blood are further expended during childbirth. From a Chinese perspective, because her body has been taxed and emptied through the birthing process a new mother is more vulnerable to wind, cold or damp invasions. On the positive side, it is a prime time to rebuild and presents an opportunity to reset her constitution if she takes care to nurture herself along with her new child.

Postpartum treatment focuses on warming and tonifying the new mother.  Think of it as relighting the pilot light. The optimal time to start reintroducing heat is five to seven days after birth as long as there is no infection.  The name for this is mother warming and can also be referred to as mother roasting.  In many cultures warming techniques are used as routine care after birth.  This may include hot stones, water bottles, warm oils or fires.

In Chinese Medicine, moxa, also known as mugwort, is burned above the belly and low back to reintroduce substance into the lower abdomen.  Moxa is very tonifying as it has the ability to reach into all the acupuncture channels and meridians.

Mother warming is a one time nourishing treatment to give woman the substance to start to heal.  Don’t miss an amazing opportunity to start your new motherhood strong.

Please direct questions about postpartum acupuncture to theblossomclinic@gmail.com or call 503.287.0886.