Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Hello all, it’s Dr. Kristen Zumberger again. Remember me? I’m a Chiropractor in Mason and recently wrote a blog post about Chiropractic during pregnancy and Chiropractic care for children. I actually just finished my certification in Acupuncture a month or so ago and wanted to share all of the different conditions I can now treat with Acupuncture during pregnancy.

Acupuncture is safe and effective during pregnancy—if it is performed by an Acupuncture certified practitioner who knows what points to simulate and what points not to stimulate during pregnancy.

Let’s dive into what exactly acupuncture does.

The old Chinese explanation:

You have channels of energy that run in regular patterns throughout the body. These energy channels called meridians are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy pathways backs up others and creates illness.  The meridians can be influenced by needling the specific acupuncture points. The needles unblock obstructions and reestablish the regular flow through meridians and improving overall function and health.

The new modern explanation:

                Needling specific acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system and the body to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.  Acupuncture points seem to be placed where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The stimulation increased blood flow, and triggers the activity of the body’s natural pain killers.

The definition we can all agree on:

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

So what does this mean during pregnancy?

                It means that along with Chiropractic, Acupuncture is a great way to encourage healthy, natural healing and to improve your body’s natural function. It is also a great tool for natural  pain relief anywhere.

Although Acupuncture can help a plethora of pregnancy musculoskeletal complaints including neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, headaches and much more. It also has many other benefits outside of the musculoskeletal realm including:

·         Is your baby transverse or breech positon?----There are specific points throughout the body that with moxibustion and needle stimulation are effective in helping nudge that little babe inside of you to correctly assume birthing position. It is most ideal that if baby is in transverse or breech at week 33 that acupuncture and moxa stimulation are deemed most beneficial.

·         Got Morning Sickness?-----Yes, there are specific points for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

·         Induce labor---Yup,  are you sitting at 39 weeks hoping that little babe is ready to make their arrival?—trying to avoid induction?—Acupuncture is a great tool to encourage your baby and your body to get ready for labor and delivery in a natural fashion.

·         Pain During labor---Although I wish I could be there during labor and delivery, I can pass along helpful points for your partners to perform during the process to aid in pain relief.

Yes, all of that you just read is true! If you have any questions about how I can help you during your pregnancy with either Chiropractic or Acupuncture I would be happy to talk with you.

 My email is dr.zumberger@everybodyshealth.net or you can call the office at 513-754-0050.