oh my aching pregnant back
Congratulations! You are pregnant! There are many ways in which acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help a woman feel well throughout her pregnancy. During the first three months a woman’s body goes through the biggest changes. The woman’s blood and “essence” go towards nourishing the fetal development and its major organ systems. The hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone increase to help maintain the uterine wall – this rapid increase in hormonal production is also often the cause of “morning sickness” or severe nausea during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Chinese medicine views this as a type of “rebellious qi” where the energy moves opposite to its normal flow. Usually by the 4th month, most women begin to feel better, although for some the nausea can continue throughout pregnancy. Acupuncture combined with herbal teas such as ginger and red raspberry leaf and salty snacks (i.e. crackers, pretzels, etc) can be helpful in alleviating digestive upsets.
Later in pregnancy as the baby continues to grow, the woman’s center of balance begins to shift with the excess weight she’s now carrying. The physical strain on the back muscles will often develop into low back pain and/or sciatic nerve pain. This can create great discomfort when sitting, standing or walking. An increase in general aches and pains is often seen as the body stretches to accommodate the growing fetus. Acupuncture treatments can greatly improve if not completely eliminate this type of discomfort.
As a woman approaches the final weeks of her pregnancy, the position of the baby becomes more important. Usually between weeks 32-36 of the pregnancy most babies settle into head down position (vertex) which is the optimal position for a vaginal delivery. Sometimes the baby will be breech (feet down), or transverse (lying horizontally, buttocks down). Acupuncture and Moxa (heat therapy) are very effective and safe methods for shifting the baby into the correct position for delivery.
These are just a few of the more common discomforts a woman may experience during her pregnancy. Chinese medicine also addresses: constipation, edema (swelling) and is helpful in preparing the body for an easier and more relaxed delivery.
If you would like to include acupuncture in your prenatal care, please call Kathleen Kenneally at Kenneally Acupuncture and Healing Light Center, (661) 252-4100. 27225 Camp Plenty Road, Suite 4 in Canyon Country.
blogger bio
Kathleen received her B.A. from U.C.L.A. in 1988 and her Masters degree in Oriental Sciences from Samra University of Oriental Medicine in 1999. She has completed advanced training in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) and is a Reiki Master practitioner. She is a California State Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbologist. Kathleen comes from a family of Doctors and medical professionals and has been involved with many areas of health care for the past 25 years.
Kathleen has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 20 years and has been in practice here for almost 10 years. She has been voted “Best Acupuncturist” in SCV for the past 5 years.
Kathleen’s objective as a practitioner is to facilitate health and well being through treating the whole person versus just their individual symptoms. In her practice she incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine with other aspects of her training to create a treatment plan specific to the individual’s needs. Her specialties include but are not limited to: allergies, infertility/women’s issues, chronic/acute pain and stress relief.
Contact information for Kathleen:
Kenneally Acupuncture & Healing Light Center
661-252-4100
acudoctr@sbcglobal.net
www.kenneallyacupuncture.com
