What are the Benefits of Acupuncture in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of those times in life when women are very tuned into their physical health. Pregnancy can come with a variety of symptoms, many of which can leave one feeling tired, achy, and uncomfortable. Often we revert to tried-and-true methods of pain relief, but many of these may not be the best for your pregnancy and your growing fetus’s overall health. This may be the ideal time to look beyond what you normally turn to, and try some alternative methods of healing.
Most people have heard of acupuncture as a health modality, however many may not have really considered it as a means for attending to an assortment of conditions and ailments--especially is pregnany. Acupuncture is a healing practice that originated in China thousands of years ago. In traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is viewed as two opposing forces: Yin and Yang. When these two sides become imbalanced, the flow of energy along our internal pathways can become blocked. During an acupuncture session, micro-thin needles are inserted in the skin at points along these pathways to correct imbalances and restore optimal health.
Benefits of Acupuncture in Pregnancy:
Heartburn, constipation, swelling, morning sickness, headaches, poor sleeping, symphysis pubic pain, and muscular discomfort are just a few of the many common complaints that acupuncture can help treat.
Speaking with Matraea’s resident Acupuncturist, Denise D’fantis indicates that moving into the third trimester, many women are afflicted by swollen and painful wrists and hands. “This discomfort, which can also cause numbness and tingling in the fingers, can be effectively treated with very simple acupuncture treatments. Pelvic pain and back pain are two additional common conditions affecting women during pregnancy, and acupuncture is very effective in minimizing this discomfort as well.” Recognizing that needles can make women feel nervous, she goes on, “A minimum number of needles and treatments are used to achieve lasting results”.
Acupuncture has long been hailed to be a very effective approach to initiating labour for those women whose due date has come and gone. In addition to assisting in getting things moving, acupuncture can have a calming effect—very helpful as women tend to get increasingly impatient as they wait for the big day to come.
If your pregnancy has increased stress levels, acupuncture may be an effective option for assisting in moving closer to your pregnancy zen. According to Denise, “Many individuals, especially pregnant women, report that they feel much calmer and relaxed following an acupuncture treatment, and that their quality of sleep improves”—always a good think when you are pregnant!
For more information about acupuncture in pregnancy visit www.cowichanvalleyacupuncture.com or contact Registered Acupuncturist Denise D’fantis at the Matraea Centre at 250-715-5649.