Traditional Chinese Medicine has a rich history and experience in the fields of gynaecology and obstetrics. Long before there were ultrasound scans, blood tests or urine pregnancy tests, TCM already explained the process of conception and embryonic development, distinguished the different stages of pregnancy, the physiological changes in a woman’s body, the different conditions that could arise and how to treat them. It did so, of course, using its own vocabulary and way of understanding the body: the Tao, Yin and Yang, the theory of the 5 elements, etc.
According to TCM, the body is made up of 12 meridians (channels that carry Chi and Blood throughout the body), each governed by one organ. 6 meridians are Yin channels and 6 are Yang channels. All are connected. We can have an imbalance in Yin and Yang in the body that will need specific treatment.
Acupuncture is a technique that uses very fine needles, cupping or moxibustion to treat certain imbalances in the Yin and/or the Yang or in a particular organ.
In any case, it’s important to know that nothing is 100% necessary for your pregnancy, especially if you feel well. Your body is completely prepared to carry and birth your baby.
Even so, if you are experiencing pregnancy with some physical discomfort or emotional distress, if your baby is breech, or if you’re about to reach the point of an induction, these kinds of tools are very effective and can help you.
Gynaecology
Acupuncture can help with menstrual problems such as dysmenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation), menorrhagia (heavy periods), uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Endometriosis, Fertility and menopause.
Obstetrics
TCM treats both mother and baby at the different stages of pregnancy.
During pregnancy:
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- We can treat the mother’s physical problems such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, constipation and oedema.
- In the baby, we can help when there is intrauterine growth restriction or a breech baby. When the body needs preparing for the moment of birth, acupuncture works to balance the body and prepare the foetus
During the birth:
We say again that your body is completely prepared to give birth and that you can do it without any external help, but in case you feel you need help.
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- Preparing for birth, to help energy flow more freely and to make birth easier. From 35-36 weeks of pregnancy
- Induction of labour, if you have a planned induction or are afraid of reaching induction, or if your waters have broken and there are no contractions.
At these consultations we will also assess the baby’s position and lie so we can help with a position and exercises to help your baby settle in the best possible way, so that labour is triggered and easier.
At the consultation, the midwife carries out an in-depth interview to see what imbalance there is and how we can treat it according to the stage of pregnancy or the menstrual cycle the woman is in. She will discuss the diagnosis and the treatment options available, helping the woman make the best decisions to optimise her menstrual health and her health during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Cost of the Service:
First acupuncture visit for pregnancy, birth and postpartum: €70
Acupuncture follow-up visit for pregnancy, birth and postpartum: €60