Fab Fridays | Acupuncture in Pregnancy | Cicuto Acupuncture
August 9, 2013
“Acupuncture is a collection of procedures involving penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points on the body. In its classical form it is a characteristic component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a form of alternative medicine, and one of the oldest healing practices in the world. According to traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating specific acupuncture points corrects imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known as meridians. Scientific investigation has not found any histological or physiological correlates for traditional Chinese concepts such as qi, meridians, and acupuncture points, and some contemporary practitioners use acupuncture without following the traditional Chinese approach.” -Wikipedia
I have always been intrigued by acupuncture, and I wish I hadn’t waited 30 years to try it because it has changed my life! When I met Denise about a year ago, I was in serious pain; my right shoulder, arm, and wrist had to be in a brace most of the time, and I was losing feeling and strength in my hand. Needless to say I was in trouble… a photographer who can’t use her shooting hand/arm or a computer due to pain isn’t going to be very good at her job. So, when I met my acupuncturist Denise at the networking group we are part of and felt her calm, caregiving energy, I knew it was time to try it. I was blown away after the first session! I was beginning to think I would need surgery for my carpel tunnel syndrome, but instead I started seeing Denise regularly, and within weeks I was back to 100%. AMAZING!!! I can’t say enough wonderful things about her: she is my go-to person whenever I start feeling pain, and 90% of the time she can make it go away.
In her post, Denise is gonna talk specifically about acupuncture during pregnancy. I know that when the day comes that we choose to have children, Denise will be play a huge role in my pregnancy.
Thank you for changing my life!!!
P.S. Did you know that in Chinese medicine they can tell your current general health just by looking at your tongue…AMAZING!!!!
Acupuncture in pregnancy
by: Denise Cicuto
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are trained to know what acupuncture points and herbs are safe to do and which should be avoided during pregnancy.
What about fertility? Can acupuncture help me get pregnant?
Yes. Acupuncture alone or combined with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments can help women get pregnant. Once you are pregnant, regular acupuncture sessions can help make sure you have a healthy pregnancy.
What other conditions can acupuncture help with during pregnancy?
Acupuncture can help with conditions such as morning sickness, back pain, premature cervical ripening, preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension), fatigue, heartburn, constipation and gestational diabetes.
When it’s almost time for the baby to make his or her appearance in the world, acupuncture can help prepare the mom for labor and delivery. Some acupuncturists are available to do acupuncture or acupressure in the delivery room (depending on whether it’s allowed in the hospital).
What about care after pregnancy?
Acupuncture as after-care for new moms is really important. Fatigue and depression are two of the common things that happen after delivery. Regular acupuncture and moxibustion are great to help moms recover and get stronger. Some acupuncturists make house calls for women during the first month after pregnancy.
Denise Cicuto is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist specializing in Women’s Health and in Immunity. She has offices in San Francisco’s Richmond district and in the East Bay on Alameda.
415.404.6109
Cheers to your happy, healthy pregnancy!!!!
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