Acupuncture & Pregnancy

Chinese Medicine is an age-old therapeutic approach that just about anyone can benefit from and pregnancy is an important time when you have very specific and unique needs. However, your needs will be different from anybody else and this is where Chinese medicine really comes in to its own. By being able to treat you as an individual is what makes Chinese medicine different from the 'one size fits all' model of western or modern medicine. This is also the reason that people keep coming back to Chinese medicine.

Why Chinese Medicine?

Techniques such as Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Dietary Advice & Chinese Exercise Therapy can be used throughout all stages of pregnancy. These are popular forms of therapy as no pharmaceuticals are involved. No matter what stage of pregnancy, a comfortable treatment is available for you. 

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What problems can Chinese Medicine address?

The following is a basic list of the main conditions often occurring during pregnancy. This is also a list of health issues that patients often complain of when coming in for treatment. No matter what the concern, Chinese medicine aims to bring balance back to your system.

• Morning Sickness

• Colds & flu 

• Reflux 

• Anxiety and stress 

• Lower back pain 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome 

• Pelvic instability/sacral/pubic symphysis pain 

• Breech Presentation 

• Pre-labour acupuncture 

• Post-birth care

What should I expect on my first visit?

Your practitioner will take your history and thoroughly assess your condition. As with most assessments, your practitioner will need to know information relating to your pregnancy and often your health before your pregnancy. 

Once the problem areas are identified, techniques such as Acupuncture, Cupping, Herbs, Exercise and Dietary Advice are given to help unblock trouble areas, restore balance and functionality. Once complete, the treatment will be assessed and a recommended treatment plan will be discussed.

How many treatments do I need?                       

As treatments are always customised, there is no definitive plan that suits everyone. Your practitioner will determine the best treatment plan according to your needs and preferences.

There’s nothing wrong with me, do I still need treatment?

Even though you may feel great through the first and second trimesters, by seeking preventative treatment early, many problems that occur later on can be avoided. Monthly check ups with your acupuncturist ensure things keeps going well.

During your first trimester treatments the focus is on ‘holding’, making sure your pregnancy is viable and stable. During the second trimester focus on ‘strengthening’ the base energy system, ensures your system is strong to nourish the growing baby. Third trimester treatments focus on ‘moving’, moving your baby downwards and into the correct position and encouraging the elasticity of tendons, ligaments and muscles is important at this time. Another benefit of having your monthly acupuncture session is having new problems dealt with quickly and effectively as they arise.

Does acupuncture hurt? 

There are many different styles of acupuncture, and depending on the reason it is being used different sensations can arise. Generally speaking, acupuncture for pregnancy uses the finest needles with little or no stimulation. Often you will not feel a thing but find the treatment very relaxing. At the end of your pregnancy, induction treatments and strong pain syndromes may require stronger techniques but rest assured that you would never be expected to endure a treatment that you are not comfortable with.

What herbal medicine is used?

Herbal medicine in the forms of pills and capsules are used so there is no mixing or cooking of herbs necessary. Only TGA approved herbal formulas are used and recommended.

What can I do to benefit my treatment?

• Arrive at your appointment a few minutes early; this will ensure you are nice and relaxed.

• Avoid overeating prior to your session. A full stomach may prevent you from relaxing.

• Try to wear loose clothing just for your own comfort and to make points more accessible.

• Ensure you follow any suggested exercises or dietary changes. This will increase the efficacy of the treatment and decrease the number of treatments you actually need.

• Acupuncture can leave you a little light headed after a treatment. Please ensure you sit for a few moments and have some water prior to getting in a car to drive home.

• Give yourself time to rest after a session, especially the first one. Try not to squeeze a treatment in on an otherwise busy day.

Remember to only see an acupuncturist that is registered with the government health regulator AHPRA and who is a member of AACMA.

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Call the clinic now to make your first appointment or to make a general enquiry.

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We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding acupuncture and any health concern you may have. Use the contact form or Enquiry button above.

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Ben Heathcote currently practices out of rooms at True Health, one of Melbourne's best complimentary health service providers, in the Bayside suburb of Ormond just 15 minutes from Melbourne.

Only see a fully qualified acupuncturist that is registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia as part of the Australian health regulatory body AHPRA; and a who is also a member of the Chinese medicine practitioner association AACMA.

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