Well-loved Traditional Chinese Medicine therapist Maria Christofi offers some sage advice on self care during pregnancy. From foot soaks to nutrition tips, learn simple yet impactful ways to bring comfort and holistic health to your body during this time of great transition. Maria offers acupuncture for pregnancy, facial gua sha, online Chinese medical consultations and more. Click here for her full schedule.
Chinese medicine considers pregnancy to be one of the significant gateways in life where the overall health can be boosted with the right nurturing. Major changes occur in a very short space of time, so supporting the body through this is essential and can have a profound effect on the health of the baby too. Here are some tips for self care during pregnancy:
- Morning sickness – Absent to some, mild or a huge challenge to others, the effects of morning sickness can be reduced with the use of anti-sickness bands available online or at chemists. Place over the inner wrist about three fingers width up from the midline. This point is called Nei Guan and is a key point for treating nausea.Ginger is a commonly used remedy for morning sickness but it needs to prepared in a way that maximises its potency. High quality ginger tea bags are a convenient standby to carry around. I recommend the Pukka brand’s three ginger tea. For maximum potency, prepare an easy infusion by pouring boiling water over freshly peeled and grated ginger root, leave to brew for five minutes, strain and add honey.
- Foot soaking – Essential throughout each trimester of pregnancy, soaking the feet in a bowl of hot water boosts blood circulation relieving heavy legs as well as being incredibly soothing. Any pregnancy safe essential oils can be added as well as magnesium flakes for extra relaxation benefits. This is also a very good practice as due date approaches or to help induce labour where circulation really needs a kickstart.
- Nutrition – The phrase “eating for two” is commonly attributed to pregnancy but it’s the quality of the food that counts. Many women often instinctively shift their eating habits, for example eating meat or fish if vegetarian or craving warmer foods. The body knows what it needs but a few reminders are: easily digestible and bland foods such as white rice, mashed sweet potato if experiencing morning sickness as well as nutrient dense broths (bone broth or vegan) and good quality protein, especially if iron levels are low. I also recommend a good pregnancy supplement.
- Recommended reading: “The First 40 Days: the essential art of the new mother” by Heng Ou is an incredible book on how to support women during the postpartum phase of pregnancy.
To learn more about Maria’s treatments and to book your online or in centre session, please click here.
Maria has been practising Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage for 20 years. Her sessions are intuitive and a holistic blend of acupuncture, massage techniques, energy healing, Chinese dietary therapy and lifestyle advice. Specialising in women’s wellness, Maria has extensive experience supporting menstrual issues, fertility, pregnancy, digestive and stress related issues and beyond. As lead acupuncturist of the IVF clinic at Hammersmith Hospital, Maria has supported hundreds of women throughout their fertility and pregnancy journey.
