Portland Oregon Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Pregnancy

The world has already recognized the significant effects of acupuncture in treating individuals particularly women. Health issues, female disorders as well as pregnancy have all been shown to benefit from the traditional and modern modalities of the treatment. Find out how important and useful the approach can be in improving pregnancy possibilities and prenatal care.

For Fertility

Traditional acupuncture uses meridians and acupuncture points that correlate to major organs and systems in the body in order to restore health, minimize risk for disease and improve energy flow for wellness. The reproductive, immune and endocrine systems have been shown to significantly improve in function thereby posing a great possibility for treating infertility problems.

Acupuncture has been proven to improve blood flow to the ovaries and endometrium thereby enhancing the capability of women to bear and delivery babies successfully. Follicular function is improved as well as the lining and protection needed to support a growing fetus for months.

Acupuncture is used as an alternative form of treatment, complimentary treatment for medical fertility methods or stand alone. Functional problems seem to benefit more compared to structural problems. For example, if the infertility is caused by irregular ovulation or lack of follicle stimulating hormone or FSH production, acupuncture can treat it better by improving hormone levels.

Structural problems, such as damaged ovaries or sperm duct constriction may be more difficult to treat. Chinese herbs are usually indicated to enhance the stimulating effects. Some of the proven scientific benefits include higher testosterone levels and sperm count in men as well as regular ovulation and healthier egg cells in women.

For Healthier Moms

Women experience a lot of mental and physical problems and symptoms during pregnancy. Acupuncture was discovered to alleviate several of these by boosting energy and strength as well as improving an overall level of functioning and wellness.

Fatigue is commonly observed among moms as the growing fetus continues to use up calories and resources from the mother. Qi flowing right into different organs and systems will help maintain balance even if mothers are deprived of rest, nutrients and physical activity. Morning sickness is also commonly described as feelings of dizziness, nausea with vomiting and irritability.

Acupuncture will ensure that other systems will not be affected such as the stomach, spleen and kidneys. Extra weight can start to take its toll during the 2nd trimester so fatigue, strength energy levels and sleep disturbances can improve by needle application.

Specific organs have been considered essential in certain aspects of pregnancy and delivery. The spleen is stated to produce blood essential for better digestion and food absorption by both the mother and baby. The liver is vital for storing and circulating blood thereby balancing emotions and feelings. The kidneys store prenatal essence needed to support growth, development and reproduction.

For Healthier Babies

Several problems can stress the baby during pregnancy such as fluid imbalances in the amniotic sac, nutrient deficiencies, exposure of the mother to toxins and chemicals, stress and uncomfortable positions. Acupuncture usually incorporates the mugwort herb in an approach called moxibustion.

Several beneficial results will arise such as increased fetal activity, protection of the baby against infection, assumption of normal fetal presentation, reduction of stress, a more favorable fetal environment from uterine relaxation and increased blood flow and nutrients to the umbilical cord.

Better Labor and Delivery

Studies show that pregnant women who have undergone acupuncture treatments are more comfortable and less traumatized during childbirth. Babies also are more physically and mentally ready for the occasion due to adequate nutrients, normal stress levels and a healthy overall condition. Acupuncture is shown to diminish weak contractions while facilitating proper breathing techniques for the mother for a speedy and easier delivery. The approach can work very well with anesthetic procedures to reduce pain.

Women also report less side effects and adverse symptoms before, during and after delivery such as migraines, confusion, irritability, fatigue, bleeding, postpartum depression, postpartum bleeding, postpartum vaginal discharge, insufficient or excessive lactation and mastitis. Women who have undergone C-sections report less pain and quicker recovery time.

There are certain points forbidden access among pregnant women. Patients should ask their doctors first about taking treatments to ensure that they have no underlying medical conditions that might aggravate symptoms or endanger the baby’s health.