‘Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside.’ – Rita Rudner
There is little doubt that pregnancy can be the most wondrous, rewarding journey in life. But for many, if not for most, it is not quite as idyllically simple as that. For some, getting pregnant in the first place is no straightforward matter; and make no bones about it – pregnancy itself places unprecedented stresses and strains on the female body and mind. Acupuncture can provide relief and improve outcomes for a range of pregnancy and fertility related issues, through from conception to labour and beyond. Used for thousands of years to aid the journey to parenthood, acupuncture is now recognized by modern western medicine as offering an effective, natural solution to many of the difficulties that pregnancy can bring. Here is an outline of some of the treatments that we offer here at triyoga through each stage of pregnancy;
Thinking of getting pregnant?
Acupuncture can aid fertility, both for those who are at the start of their journey and need some help to regulate their cycle, and for those who are undergoing forms of assisted reproduction, such as IVF. A recent study concluded that acupuncture increased the odds of IVF pregnancy by 65% (the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington).
More pregnancy gloom than glow?
Acupuncture is a safe form of treatment and can provide quick results for a range of pregnancy related ailments:
– Relief for aches and pain, for example chronic pelvic pain and lower back pain (recent studies have found acupuncture to be more effective than physiotherapy, e.g. 2005, Institute for the health of Women and Children, Sahlgrenska Academy Gothernburg, Sweden).
– For morning sickness, acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (2002, Adelaide University).
– Acupuncture can help to turn breech babies, and early studies show an 80% success rate in helping to ensure babies are in the optimal position for birth.
– Inducing labour for those 75% of women who go past their due date.
During Labour
Acupuncture and acupressure can help to alleviate labour pains, which in turn can help to facilitate relaxation and so the expansion of muscle and tissue and hence reduce delivery time (2002, Skilnand). My wife swears by it after delivering our second daughter drug free. There are a few simple points that can be easily taught so that partners can take an active role in labour.
Post labour
Acupuncture can help with the baby blues – for example 70% of women responded positively to treatment with acupuncture for depression during and after pregnancy. (2004, Stanford University)
Tom is a qualified acupuncturist and qigong instructor who has been working with triyoga since 2012. He lives in North London with his wife and two daughters and operates a busy practice across a number of locations. His skill is matched by his empathy and care for his patients. He has great respect for, and gets great enjoyment from, the simplicity and effectiveness of acupuncture for 21st century Londoners.
Tom works at triyoga Camden + Soho. For his schedule and more information, please click here.
