Especially during pregnancy, there are countless questions and worries. In the Midwest especially, acupuncture is little-enough known that, of course, you have some curiosity! Let us answer some of your common questions.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Acupuncture is completely safe, and won’t harm a pregnancy. It has actually been shown to improve pregnancy symptoms and help prevent miscarriage. It is important to have acupuncture from a licensed acupuncturist. You can find a list of licensed acupuncturists in your area through the national licensing board’s website at NCCAOM.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles to gently stimulate the body, causing it to have various reactions throughout its systems. It has immediate effects on the nervous, immune and muscular systems, which have influence over all other aspects of your body. It is gentle, safe, comfortable, and pharmaceutical free to bring you natural relief of your symptoms.
Is acupuncture painful?
Generally, acupuncture feels like nothing, and its main side effect is deep relaxation. At most, you may feel a small muscle spasm with needle insertion, but once everything is settled, you shouldn’t feel anything at all. The needles themselves are tiny and flexible; they move with you and adjust to your body position.
When should I start coming in for acupuncture during my pregnancy?
Acupuncture is a useful tool at all stages of your pregnancy. Whether you’re feeling nausea and exhaustion at the beginning, or swelling nearing the end, acupuncture can help. Because it helps to keep all the body systems regulated, it is never too early to begin coming in for acupuncture. We even offer services which help you to conceive and maintain a pregnancy in its early stages.
I’m having crazy symptoms with my pregnancy, can acupuncture really help?
Yes! Acupuncture resets body patterns that have been created as your body changes, gently helping it to rebalance. Because we address the whole body and all of its systems, “crazy, weird symptoms” are our specialty.
How often will I need to have acupuncture?
That depends on a few things, including where you are in your pregnancy journey, what and how many symptoms you’re experiencing, your health history and acupuncture goals, and how well your body responds to acupuncture. Acupuncture is not a miracle pill, and will take consistency to see lasting results. You will be able to create a treatment plan with your acupuncturist that fits your individual needs.
Can acupuncture really help to induce labor?
Yes! Acupuncture strongly stimulates the body into labor, but it also takes some consistency. If you come in for your very first acupuncture visit already boast your due date and expect to go right into labor you may be disappointed. We recommend starting labor prep at around 32 weeks, so the body has time to adjust to your acupuncture treatments. It’s a great addition to other natural techniques.
What about breech babies?
Acupuncture can help with turning a breech, and again, we recommend coming in as soon as you find out your baby is breech. Turning a breech requires a few treatments and some homework on your end. Your acupuncturist will talk you through everything during your appointment.