ACUPUNCTURE AND PREGNANCY
Acupuncture is particularly effective during pregnancy for relieving emotional symptoms such as stress, anxiety and insomnia. It can also help to relieve physical symptoms such as sciatica, constipation, haemorrhoids, lower back pain, excess saliva, asthenia, morning sickness and vomiting. During labour, acupuncture can help reduce labour time, relieve pain, stimulate the descent of the foetus, regulate contractions and reduce the risk of a caesarean section.
Nausea, haemorrhoids, back pain… When should you have acupuncture during pregnancy? What are the benefits?
Acupuncture has many uses during pregnancy: smoking cessation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, haemorrhoids, etc. But also stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Acupuncture is also useful for more significant symptoms. In particular, it is a valuable alternative to anti-inflammatories, which are prohibited during pregnancy, for relieving back pain (lumbago, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, pubic symphysis pain). It is also used in cases of intrauterine growth retardation or the threat of premature labour. Finally, when a baby is in the sitting position, acupuncture can be used to rotate the baby.
Can acupuncture be used in preparation for childbirth?
Of course. In general, acupuncture before childbirth allows for a more harmonious delivery, with regular labour and less pain. It is also useful for preparing and accompanying a delivery where an epidural cannot be administered, or in the case of a history of post-term labour, or when giving birth to a large baby. The number of sessions varies according to the acupuncturist, on average, there are 3 sessions and support in the delivery room if necessary.
An acupuncture session always begins with a discussion between the practitioner and the mother-to-be. This allows her to talk about her pain, her concerns and also her medical history. The practitioner then places the needles on certain specific points, depending on the objective of the session. They generally remain in place for around twenty minutes.
One or two acupuncture sessions are normally enough to treat minor pregnancy ailments. There is usually a gap of about ten days between sessions. But be warned: the effects of acupuncture are not instantaneous! Improvement is seen three to four days later, and then continues to increase.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No, it doesn’t hurt, you just feel a little tingling. However, some points – especially on the feet – can be a little more uncomfortable. But in general, it’s not a painful procedure. And the needles are fine!
Acupuncture can be a valuable ally in treating minor pregnancy ailments.
Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese medicine. Its aim is to work on the body’s energy flow by inserting needles into certain parts of the body.
Acupuncture is basically a form of preventive medicine. Its aim is to rebalance the organs before they fail.
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Pregnancy is a period of profound transformation in a woman’s life. The body undergoes considerable physiological and hormonal changes to support the growth and development of the foetus. Unfortunately, with these changes sometimes come symptoms that we could do without! Nausea, fatigue, lower back pain, acid reflux… In this context, more and more pregnant women are turning to alternative methods, including acupuncture. Let’s take a look at this increasingly popular form of alternative medicine. Discover the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy.
