Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest gifts. But, along with the anticipation of that little bundle of joy, often comes some physical challenges and discomfort that can make for a long nine months.

Did you know that Acupuncture has been shown to address several issues that come up during pregnancy? Here’s what to know about the benefits of Acupuncture during pregnancy and what the research actually says is true.

Morning Sickness

One of the most difficult aspects of Pregnancy for many women is morning sickness. For some women, it can be severe and last throughout the day. The medical term for this severe form of nausea and vomiting is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

A 2021 review of 16 previously published studies concluded that acupuncture was effective in dealing with severe nausea during pregnancy. A quick search of PubMed will bring up a host of different studies detailing how acupuncture can help with nausea symptoms even beyond pregnancy, including during cancer treatments and in palliative care settings.

Aches & Pains (including Labor Pain)

The human body changes in amazing ways during pregnancy and that often brings with it pelvic and back pain in the second and third trimesters. A 2021 and a 2018 study both found Acupuncture to be safe and effective in addressing lower back pain.

Overall, Acupuncture has been shown by many studies to help with labor pain management. For example, a 2020 review examined 28 more recent studies and found that Acupuncture was effective in helping to manage labor pain and reduce the need for other pain medications including epidural.

One of the largest studies conducted involved more than 600 pregnant women and compared those using Acupuncture during labor to those who used other methods like traditional pain medications or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. Researchers found that those in the Acupuncture group had a lower chance of using other pain relieving measures.

Breech Babies

Researchers have also found that Acupuncture can be a great treatment option when a baby is breech. Studies show that stimulating Acupuncture points BL67 and Sl1 between weeks 32 and 35 might help turn babies so they can present headfirst. In this study, participants were given 30-minute treatments for 3 days in a week and it was combined with Moxibustion, another Chinese Medicine treatment.

Depression

Anxiety and Depression can be difficult to address during pregnancy but are more common than most women think. A small study performed in 2010 found that both Acupuncture and massage helped women who had developed depressive symptoms. Researchers found that those in the Acupuncture group had a reduction in overall symptoms as compared to women who underwent more traditional depression treatments.

You should always check with me about any potential contraindications, but overall, studies have shown Acupuncture to be a safe and effective alternative to dealing with many of the challenges that come during pregnancy. And Acupuncture has also been shown effective in dealing with Fertility issues so you may want to begin treatments even before pregnancy. Talk to ME today about developing a treatment plan that is right for you and your pregnancy journey.

I have over 15 years experience in specializing in FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURE,  IUI and IVF Support, Healthy Pregnancy, and Labor & Delivery Support.

Call me today to get started on your Pregnancy Journey!

310. 450. 9711.

info@drmindyboxer.com

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.

At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.

Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.

Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.