Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Acupuncture enhances and regulates the way the body functions in many respects, so it’s unsurprising how widespread its use has become. Its ability to improve the overall quality of life encompasses many facets of public health, from aiding athletes in their recovery time from minor injuries to relieving the woes of a troublesome migraine.
However, when we think of the benefits of acupuncture, the same benefits usually come to mind while others get overlooked.
One such benefit that you may not know about is acupuncture’s ability to mitigate many pregnancy-induced problems. Our bodies have ongoing chemical reactions that are always looking for equilibrium; balancing this equilibrium will, no doubt, improve the lives of those conceiving a child.
Whether you plan to have a child of your own or are just interested in learning something new, here is a list of 5 ways acupuncture helps avoid pregnancy problems you may have never heard of!
Treating Lower back pain with Acupuncture
Back pain is a common complaint of pregnant women. An estimated 50% of pregnant women experience low-back pain during or after pregnancy. Taking over the counter medicine is not advised while carrying a child; therefore, alternative forms of treatment such as acupuncture can be substituted.
For example, acupuncture has been shown in a recent study to be “more effective than drugs” for patients who experience lower back pain.
Aids pain and swelling
Many women experience swelling and pain in their hands, feet, and ankles during pregnancy. This usually takes place towards the end of a pregnancy, but it may also occur during any other time. Swelling is a fluid metabolism issue in which acupuncture is effective since it improves the body’s ability to release it through urination. It is also extremely useful in regards to blood pressure problems in which pain and swelling may take place.
Lowers the risk of miscarriage
Acupuncture helps support both you and your baby’s development. Most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, making it essential to treat this issue with acupuncture. Acupuncture helps your body adapt to its pregnant state, regulates vital functions such as ovarian and thyroid health, and establishes the perfect environment for your baby.
Helps with labor preparation
For women who would like to have a calm and natural delivery without drastic medical intervention, but know that they are over-term, acupuncture can be advantageous. Utilizing acupuncture when preparing for labor has been shown, in many cases, to balance the required hormones necessary to safely and successfully induce labor.
Assists with maternity and fertility difficulties
Many women who suffer from infertility issues decide to get fertility restoration treatments through the use of drugs. Others decide to go through surgery or receive reproductive assistance. These practices are high risk and the use of acupuncture can help fix these issues without adding the stress of high-risk options. Acupuncture has been proven to balance hormones such as prolactin and progesterone (two of the major hormones that promote fertility), thus allowing conception to be more successful.
What do public health organizations have to say?
The WHO and NIH have acknowledged acupuncture’s ability to safely improve the lives of pregnant women. These organizations maintain that acupuncture improves fertility and relieves some of the pain associated with being pregnant, among many other benefits. Though acupuncture has been around for roughly 2,500 years, large public organizations are finally starting to give it the recognition it deserves. As this trend undoubtedly continues, acupuncture’s medicinal abilities are starting to be fully understood, including its ability to aid in pregnancy.
