As we previously discussed in our Postpartum blogs ( https://www.2ndnatureacu.com/blog) Chinese Medicine has many uses in the world of women’s health. From menarache, the first period, through menopause, acupuncture and oriental medicine are known to help regulate every process. So when friends, family and patients ask if I can help with issues they are having from A-Z, I can say with confidence, “Yes, there’s a point for that !”.
Oriental medical treatment focuses on nourishing blood (to prevent anemia) and revitalizing the spleen to restore mom’s energy. These protocols can help reduce anxiety and depression, organ prolapse, hemorrhoids and make mom feel calm and happy in general.
Certain acupuncture points help to encourage lactation while others are great for stopping uterine bleeding.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs soothes pain after c-section and other obstetrical procedures.
Placenta Encapsulation is used to prevent Postpartum Depression.
Postpartum Recovery
During pregnancy, the spleen was responsible for keeping the baby up and holding the blood in place. After birth the spleen is depleted. It has kept up the baby and then forced to counter-flow downward to push the baby out. Therefore most Traditional Chinese methods for healing new moms target the spleen and help mom gradually back to health.
I can not stress enough that postpartum mothers need extra care, support and nourishment. The amount of energy and blood used to grow and then expel the baby which the body spent 10 months keeping up and holding is tremendous!
The mother might be experiencing:
Pain, anxiety, depression,
soreness, cramping,
hemorrhoids, Organ prolapse,
poor or difficult sleep
and pain associated with nursing (or not nursing).
Traumatic or unexpected delivery issues can also make a new mother feel disappointed or a “failure” (which of course she is not!).
In addition, she needs to cultivate attention and energy to keep the newborn (and siblings) alive. All of this is overwhelming at best. It can be devastatingly impossible and disastrous at worst. (One in eight postpartum mothers develop depression, a third of these have suicidal thoughts).
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine impact on Women’s Health
Acupuncture is one method of Oriental healing that consists of inserting hair-thin needles into the skin on areas called acu-points. Acu-points are located on channels or meridians which eventually, internally connect to organs. Traditional Chinese physiology differs from Western Medical physiology in that the organs hold holistic and multi-faceted roles.
Certain acupuncture points help to encourage lactation
Others acupuncture Points are great for stopping uterine bleeding.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs also sooth Pain after c-section and other obstetrical procedures
The Stomach & The Spleen: Prevention of Organ Prolapse and Hemorrhage !!!
Traditional Chinese medicine views the stomach and spleen as a cooking pot that breaks down the food that is eaten and turns it into energy and blood for the body.
The stomach is the cauldron and the spleen is the digestive fire that warms up the pot. The stomach cooks and breaks down the food, sending the pure part of the food to the spleen to be distributed to the rest of the body and eliminating the waste as feces and urine. It is important to maintain this digestive fire, however too many cold and raw foods can put out the digestive fire, weakening and slowing the digestive system.
The Spleen is the gateway to the body’s physical energy. The spleen is responsible for muscle tone, preventing organ and tissue prolapse and keeping the blood contained. Therefore issues of prolonged bleeding are said to be a weakness in the spleen. Chronic muscle aches and tiredness are also signs of spleen deficiency.
Placenta Encapsulation Therapy: Prevention Depression
Placenta Encapsulation is an Ancient Science. The placenta capsules are full of nutrients and hormones.
Most commonly reported benefits from Placenta Encapsulation Therapy are:
Prevention postpartum depression.
Increased milk production
Faster return to health after birth
Decreased chance of iron deficiency
Aiding restful sleep
Helps cope with postpartum cramping and surgical pain .
Placenta Encapsulation process needs to be put in place during pregnancy so it is important to plan ahead.
Diet and Postpartum Recovery
The ideal postpartum diet according to Chinese medicine consists of cooked or lightly steamed food to nourish the spleen and help rebuild blood.
Great foods for the new mom are:
Lean red meats
Salmon
Red beans
Lentils
Oatmeal
Sweet potatoes and other cooked foods/
Carefully avoid, when possible,
Dairy products,
Greasy ingredients
Cold or Raw foods (even salads!) as these foods slow digestion because they require more energy to digest.
Healthy Life Style, Rest and Postpartum Recovery
The mother needs extra care during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Through 3 months she should be focusing on getting enough rest and proper nourishment and making sure to not overburden herself with work, social responsibilities etc. At 6 months postpartum mom should still be having a nap (even a short one) every day.
The family model in our community is built on big families. Baruch Hashem, having babies close together in age is the norm however Traditional Chinese medical texts discuss the importance for the mother to regain strength between pregnancies. Some girls might be expected (self or imposed) to turn into super mom overnight and might think that her self rest and care is not that important to making her home perfect. However, ensuring a new mother is healthy will no doubt increase the health of the new born. Proper care at this critical time lays a foundation for a positive maternal situation for the next possible pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience.
Feel free to view or share our Postpartum blogs:
Esther Hornstein is a New York State licensed acupuncturist and diplomat in acupuncture.
In her Therapeutic Holistic approach, she addresses Pediatric ailments, Men & Women’s health, Pain management and overall Wellness.
Her private practice is in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel.
To make an appointment you may:
call or WhatsApp : 054-719-9600
e-mail : e0547199600@gmail.com
2nd Nature Healing Center offers the Following Quality Holistic Services
Acupuncture - For Men, Women and Children by Esther Hornstein and Dr David Rose Chinese Herbal Medicine - For Men, Women and Children by Dr David Rose
Chiropractic - For Men, Women and Children By Dr Zach Weiser
Diagnostic Reflexology -For Women and Children by Rochel Rubinoff Massage - For Men By Moshe Lepon Massage - For Women By Rochel Rubinoff
Placenta Encapsulation by Esther Hornstein
Reflexology - For Women and Children by Rochel Rubinoff
Comments