Revitalize and Recharge: Postpartum Care from Acupuncture and TCM

After giving birth, a woman needs support not only in taking care of her newborn but also in taking care of herself. The rigorous months of pregnancy followed by giving birth would definitely disrupt a woman's body and well-being. How can traditional Chinese medicine aid mothers in their recovery postpartum? As TCM is a holistic approach, proper nutrition and physical activities for mothers are also not overlooked. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy body and mind through food and exercise:

Eat foods rich in iron such as red meat and green leafy vegetables. This is for you to replenish the blood loss you had from giving birth. It will also be beneficial for your breastfed baby.
Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as eggs, dairy, and salmon can help sleep-deprived mothers to be more mentally focused. It also lowers inflammation.
For the first few weeks after giving birth, do gentle stretches to avoid body aches.
Having a few minutes of meditation is good for your mental health to reduce anxiety.
After the first month of giving birth, you may start picking up some light housework but do not overdo it. You can start strengthening your pelvic floor muscles by kegel exercises as well as strengthening your abdominals and lower back.

Childbirth is a physically demanding process and many new mothers experience discomfort and pain in their bodies as they recover. Different traditional Chinese medicine treatment techniques can help to alleviate physical symptoms by stimulating specific points in the body to reduce pain and promote healing. Post-partum physical conditions that can be treated with acupuncture, cupping, massage, and moxibustion include the following:

Perineal pain and discomfort
Lower back pain
Fatigue and exhaustion
Insomnia
Headaches
Constipation

Post-partum is also a time of intense emotional change, with many new mothers experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Acupuncture can help to balance the emotions and support a healthy mental state. It can also help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep, which are all essential for a new mother's well-being.

Breastfeeding is an important part of post-partum care, and many new mothers struggle with low milk supply or other difficulties. Acupuncture has been shown to increase lactation and improve the quantity and quality of breast milk. It can also help to relieve the pain and discomfort that can sometimes accompany breastfeeding. Herbs can also be prescribed by your practitioner to further stimulate the production of breast milk.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of care for new mothers. It does not have the same side effects as many medications, making it an ideal choice for those who are breastfeeding. Make sure that acupuncture and other TCM techniques are performed by licensed practitioners who have received specialized training and are knowledgeable about the effects of pregnancy and childbirth on the body. If you are interested in trying acupuncture for post-partum care, Dr. Ting Wu is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who has years of experience with women's health, fertility, and post-partum care.

Contact NYC Acupuncture + Wellness at (646)-883-8321 to book an appointment with Dr. Ting Wu.