Obstetric Support

Nurturing New Life: A Complementary Approach to Obstetric Support.

(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).​

Pregnancy and childbirth are momentous events in a woman’s life. Western medicine offers many tools to support and manage the various physical and emotional changes that occur during this time. Obstetricians and midwives work together to monitor the health of the mother and the growing fetus, offer interventions as necessary, and provide care during labor and delivery. This approach includes a range of medical options, including pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions, to address various challenges that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth.

In Chinese medicine, the focus is on maintaining balance and promoting overall health and well-being, rather than treating specific symptoms or conditions. Cinese Medicine obstetrics has been documented as far back as the Song Dynasty around 800 AD). This approach acknowledges the complex interplay between physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that influence health and views pregnancy and childbirth as a natural part of the reproductive cycle. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a range of tools and approaches to support women during pregnancy and childbirth, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other lifestyle interventions. With such vast history it would be a good reason to onoy trust a Registered Chinese Medicine herbalist to subscribe Chinese Herbs and a Registered Acupuncturist to insert needles. there are many restrictions in the use of herbs and several forbidden acupuncture points, and hence, should you consider Chinese Medicine during your pregnancy, ensure that you seek a trusted Chinese Medicine Practitioner.

One key concept in TCM is the Five Elements, which are five basic qualities or energies that are believed to be present in all aspects of nature, including the human body. Each element is associated with a specific organ system and has a unique set of characteristics and functions. By assessing the balance of the Five Elements in an individual, TCM practitioners can identify patterns of disharmony and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore balance and promote health.

Another important concept in TCM is the idea of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is often translated as “life force” or “vital energy.” Qi flows through the body along a network of channels or meridians, and disruptions or blockages in this flow can lead to physical and emotional symptoms. TCM practitioners use acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other techniques to regulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.

TCM also recognizes the importance of Blood in maintaining health and well-being. Blood is believed to nourish the body and support the organs and tissues, and deficiencies or imbalances in Blood can lead to a variety of symptoms and conditions. TCM practitioners use herbal medicine and dietary therapy to support Blood production and circulation.

In addition to these foundational concepts, TCM also includes specific approaches to managing symptoms and conditions that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, TCM recognizes the importance of the Kidney system in supporting the health of the reproductive system, and practitioners may use herbal formulas or acupuncture to support Kidney function during pregnancy. TCM also recognizes the importance of proper nourishment and digestion, and dietary therapy may be used to support the digestive system and address common digestive complaints such as nausea and constipation.

It is important to note that TCM does not offer a cure or treatment for any Western-defined condition. Instead, TCM offers an approach to managing symptoms and supporting overall health and well-being. When used in conjunction with Western medical care, TCM can provide a complementary approach to obstetric support that addresses the complex interplay of physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that influence health.

In summary, pregnancy and childbirth are complex and transformative experiences that require a holistic approach to support and care. While Western medicine offers a range of interventions to manage specific symptoms and conditions, TCM offers a complementary approach to promote overall health and well-being. By working together, obstetricians, midwives, and TCM practitioners can provide comprehensive care that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of women during this transformative time.

References:

Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., & Zhu, X. (2018). Acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(8). This systematic review analyzes 22 randomized controlled trials and concludes that acupuncture and acupressure may be effective in inducing labor, reducing the need for medical interventions, and improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Cho, S. H., Lee, H., Ernst, E. (2010). Acupuncture for treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: a systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 202(5), 1-9. This systematic review analyzed 8 randomized controlled trials and concluded that acupuncture may be effective in reducing pelvic and back pain during pregnancy, with no serious adverse effects.

Maciocia, G. (2011). Obstetrics and gynecology in Chinese medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Flaws, B. (2012). Obstetrics & gynecology in Chinese medicine. Churchill Livingstone.

Maciocia, G. (2011). Obstetrics and gynecology in Chinese medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., & Zhu, X. (2018). Acupuncture for women’s reproductive and obstetric health: an overview of systematic reviews. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(4), 125-137. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.06.002

Yelland, A., & Smith, C. A. (2011). Acupuncture for miscarriage prevention. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(2), 133-140. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0048