Acupuncture for pregnancy and childbirth

Acupuncture for morning sickness

2008-08-08T02:38:00.000-07:00

Today I treated Lou for morning sickness. It was Lou¨s first ever experience of acupuncture, so she was a little nervous. With this in mind, and because Lou is only about seven weeks pregnant, I chose to do an extremely minimaL and gentle treatment . As you will see I used a minimum of points with a very superficial puncture, an even technique, and a short treatment time of about ten minutes.
According to the TCM theory of fetal organ development, at week seven the unborn child is being fed through the liver and gall bladder channels, so all points on these meridians must be avoided at this time.
From the moment of conception great changes take place in the Penetrating vessel, Chong Mai, as menstruation is no longer occurring and the blood and jing of Chong Mai are now being used to nourish the unborn child. Chong Mai is also the link between pre and post heaven qi. Chong Mai, due to its trajectory, has a close relationship with the uterus and the stomach channel ( it emerges at St 30). Disorders of this meridian can therefore result in rebellious qi which interferes with the descending action of the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting.
The best treatment for morning sickness is therefore to harmonise the Penetrating vessel in combination with points chosen according to the differentiation of patterns.

Points could include: Shufu Kid-27, Youmen Kid-21 and Zhaohai Kid-6 bilaterally. Qichong St-30 canbe added if the nausea is severe and persistent.

Point discussion:

Kid-27: An end point on the penetrating vessel used calm morning sickness. Be careful!!! Deep needling can puncture the lung, and in any case, one should never deep needle a pregnant woman unless performing an induction.

Kid-21; Ditto Kid-27. Again be careful, as the liver is very close by!

St-30; Meeting point of the Stomach channel with the penetrating vessel. Point of the sea of water and grain. Regulates stomach qi, regulates the Penetrating vessel.

Now lets take a look at Lily´s particular needs:
She has been suffering from piles since before the pregnancy, and has a history of urinary tract problems. She has long term digestive problems, with alternating constipation and diarrhea, possibly mild IBS.Appendectomy aged 10,. swollen abdomen, bowel pain. Red tongue, yellow coat.
Initially things point to a kidney deficiency causing Spleen deficiency and damp heat in the lower burner.
I added Kid-6 and Du-20 and Bl-58 to Kid-27.. Du-20 and Bl-58 directly treat haemerrhoids. I decided not to resolve damp in this first treatment until I have spent some time working out her underlying pattern!

2008-08-08T01:40:00.000-07:00

HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method

DO YOU WANT A MORE COMFORTABLE BIRTH WITHOUT FEAR?

As featured in Pregnancy & Birth, Practical Parenting, Prima Baby, Mother & Baby, Image, Closer, Daily Express, The Times and more...
taking the birthing world by Calm

What is HypnoBirthing®?
HypnoBirthing is a philosophy and practice which empowers parents to have a stress free, comfortable, and natural birth. Through the use of special breathing techniques, relaxation, and visualisation a mother and her companion are given the tools to have a birth that is natural for both the mother and baby.
This method was developed by Marie F. Mongan based on the concepts of natural birth of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, an English obstetrician.
HypnoBirthing teaches you that in the absence of fear and tension, you can have a natural birth without the scary pain you may have been taught to expect.

What are the advantages to HypnoBirthing®?
HypnoBirthing eliminates the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome before, during, and after birthing.
Eliminates or greatly reduces the need for chemical painkillers.
Shortens the first stage of labour by several hours.
Eliminates fatigue during labour, leaving mother calm, awake, and with energy for actualy birthing her baby.
Eliminates the risk of hyperventilation from "shallow" breathing methods.
Promotes special bonding of mother, baby, and birthing companion.
Faster postnatal recovery.
Returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful experience nature always intended.
Dads and birthing companions at last have a real role to play and really feel part of the whole experience.
Will I be asleep or unconscious when giving birth using HypnoBirthing®?
NO. You will be fully alert and awake .
You may experience a state that is similar to daydreaming.
You will be totally relaxed, comfortable, and happy to be experiencing the birth!
You will always be in control and no one will be able to make you do anything you would not want to do!

What will I learn in a HypnoBirthing® Class?
Relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to eliminate the fear and tension that cause long labour and pain - replacing it with confidence, calm, and comfort.
Other techniques to produce a shorter, more comfortable birth.
The creation and control of the body's own natural anesthesia.
The source of the myth that pain must accompany normal birthing.
Why women in other cultures have birthings almost entirely free of discomfort.
How the mother's body is designed to work in neuro-muscular harmony with nature throughout the birthing process - once you know it all makes perfect sense!
Deep relaxation during and between uterine surges.
The importance of prenatal and perinatal bonding.

Course Description:
The course consists of five classes amounting to a total of around 12.5 hrs over a period of 5 weeks - however some flexibility is possible.
You will receive handouts, two CDs and the HypnoBirthing manual.
See videos of HypnoBirthing Mum's and Companions during the birthing.
Learn positions and techniques for relaxing, comfortable birthing.
Follow up email and telephone support
See video of HypnoBirthing in action.

Course Details:
Group courses are run according to demand with the venue usually being Barcelona. Please contact for booking details.
Private classes are offered in the comfort of your own home to fit in with you and your partner. These courses cater perfectly for couples who find it hard to attend set course dates/times
Course Days:
By Arrangement
Course Fee's
Group Session Course: 320 euros
Private Courses: 440 euros per couple
I'd hate for money to be an issue if you want to attend a class , but if this a problem for you, please contact me and I'm sure we can work out a payment plan to spread the cost.
Includes all required course material: book, handouts,CD and telephone supervision.
If you would like to discuss HypnoBirthing further, have any questions or wish to book your place, please ring me on: 93 319 7414 or 654986735.
The offical UK website at HypnoBirthing® UK - self hypnosis for labour and childbirth.
The HypnoBirthing® Institute website can be found at www.hypnobirthing.com. There's lots more information, and some photos and stories and birthing stories.
Zoe Prendergast. BA Hons (London) M.Phil(cantab) Dip Ac.
Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner
Zoeprendergast@gmail.com.

2008-08-08T01:27:00.001-07:00

ACUPUNCTURE FOR PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH.
Pregnancy is a special time for every woman.
A time of joy and expectancy, but also of worry and anxiety when complications arise, as they frequently do.
It is often during pregnancy that many women turn to natural and holistic therapies for the first time, when their doctors and midwives are unable to offer solutions to some of the most common health problems that women experience.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and safest systems of medicine available. It can be used safely and effectively alongside orthodox care.
It is commonly thought of as fine needles inserted into the skin, but this is only one aspect of the treatment. It is actually an entire system of holistic medicine that can bring balance to body, mind and spirit.
In Chinese medicine there is a wealth of knowledge accumulated over thousands of years, including dietary advice and lifestyle insights that can improve the quality of health of mother and baby before and after to birth, ensuring your baby the best possible start in life, and enabling you to embrace your new role as a mother in a healthful, empowered way.
Acupuncture provides a flexible and tailored healthcare approach which allows you to be in control of your own experience and to follow your body´s own needs, making pregnancy and childbirth a much happier and more comfortable experience.

HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP YOU?
DURING PREGNANCY:
Relieve nausea and sickness.
Boost energy levels and help with tiredness
Ease digestive problems
Resolve insomnia
relieve pain and discomfort
prevent miscarriage
Treat the side effects of becoming a non smoker
Correct breech position of baby
Promote calm and confidence
Prepare the body for an easier, shorter, more comfortable birthing experience
Induce labour if necessary.
CHILDBIRTH.
Promote a calmer birthing experience
Increase efficiency of contractions
Decrease pain
Calm anxiety and distress
Boost energy
Induce placenta delivery
Stop excess blood loss
POST-PARTUM.
Promote milk production
Ease breast distention and pain
Help with mood swings
Alleviate post-natal depression
Reduce tiredness,boost energy
Encourage the healing process.

2008-08-08T01:18:00.000-07:00