A pregnant woman might be curious about the effectiveness of acupuncture during pregnancy if they are looking for relief from morning sickness, back pain, or other pregnancy-related problems. Despite the conflicting scientific evidence, there is some indication that this traditional practice may aid in labor pain relief and assist in managing some of the most prevalent pregnant discomforts. Asian societies and medical systems have embraced acupuncture as a traditional remedy for thousands of years. In the US and elsewhere, it has also grown in favor of supplemental therapy.
Advantages of acupuncture during pregnancy
Acupuncture helps in resolving several pregnancy problems. This has been performed for many years to aid several pregnancy conditions in women.
Labor pain
Numerous kinds of research have revealed that acupuncture may help reduce labor pain securely and efficiently. It is challenging to determine which particular acupuncture procedures are the most efficient because the acupuncture techniques used in these studies vary widely.
Back and pelvic pain
Hormone relaxin aids in loosening the joints during pregnancy. As the body gains weight, one experiences back pain in the second and third trimesters. Studies revealed that acupuncture during pregnancy helped women in getting rid of pelvic and back pain.
Vomiting and nausea
The amount of food that women could eat rose thanks to acupuncture, which also reduced nausea and vomiting. It also reduced the number of miscarriages and the length of hospital stays.
Depression
Antepartum depression happens in 15 percent of pregnant women. Acupuncturists have used this method for treating depression in women. The treatment was for a short time that will last for 8 weeks. A study published in 2020 revealed that acupuncture helps treat depression during pregnancies.
Breech Babies
When a baby is breech, acupuncture may also be a wonderful first option to explore. Researchers say that between 32 and 35 weeks, activating the acupuncture sites BL67 and SI1 may assist in flipping newborns so they present headfirst. In this instance, moxibustion, another kind of traditional Chinese medicine, was paired with treatments that lasted 30 minutes each for three days in a row.
Which pressure points must be avoided?
One can use acupuncture to ease pregnancy conditions, but there are some pressure points in the body that one must avoid during this time. Acupuncturists refer to these points as forbidden points. Some of such points that acupuncturists believe must be avoided before 37 weeks of pregnancy are as follows:
- SP6 (spleen channel)
- BL60 (bladder channel)
- LI4 (large intestine channel)
- GB21 (gall bladder channel)
- LU7 (lung channel)
- BL27-BL34 (sacral region)
- CV3-CV7 (lower abdomen)
- BL67 (bladder channel)
What are the risks of acupuncture?
Risk factors associated with acupuncture include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Pain or redness at the points where the needles are inserted
- Infection at the insertion points
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
For the majority of pregnancies, acupuncture is generally safe, and serious reactions or consequences are uncommon. A pregnant woman might encounter short-lived, minor problems, such as temporary soreness or swelling where the needle was inserted.
There is substantial debate regarding whether acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy because they could have negative effects. The research that is currently available, however, demonstrates that the prevalence of problems including miscarriage, preterm labor, and early rupture of membranes is essentially the same as in groups who did not undergo acupuncture.
Acupuncture is helpful for pregnant women. However, more studies have to be conducted for understanding the benefits and safety during pregnancy.
Conclusion.
If you’re considering trying acupuncture to ease pregnancy-related worries or for your general well-being, talk to your doctor first.
Your doctor might be able to suggest local acupuncturists who specialize in pregnancy for you (from conception through postpartum).
Although the dangers seem to be minimal, more research is required on the safety and advantages of acupuncture during pregnancy.
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