KARUNA ACUPUNCTURE              

Pre-conception: Whether you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving, or you simply want to be at your healthy best before conception, acupuncture can assist in maximizing your fertility potential. I recommend beginning acupuncture treatment about 3 months before you intend to conceive. This allows you and your partner enough time to make important changes in terms of diet and lifestyle, as well as for the energy shifts we initiate through acupuncture to have time to manifest in your physical body. We may need to focus on regulating your menstrual cycle, hormone balance, or managing stress and emotional issues.

Acupuncture has also been shown to improve the odds of having a successful IVF transfer.

(Seewww.ivf1.com/acupuncture-ivf/ for a summary of research studies)

 First trimester: Acupuncture is an excellent choice in the treatment of common first trimester issues such as nausea and/or vomiting ("morning sickness"), fatigue, stress and emotional swings. Treatments are focused on gently calming your system to allow it to adjust to its new passenger.

Second trimester: Women often have more energy and feel best during their second trimester, yet still experience certain complaints such as neck/shoulder tension, back pain, pubic symphysis and joint pains, heartburn or digestive issues. Acupuncture can help alleviate these issues by opening blocked energy channels and encouraging circulation of Qi and Blood.

Third trimester: By the end of pregnancy, the weight and pressure of the fetus often causes such issues as low back pain, shortness of breath, edema, carpal tunnel syndrome and insomnia. Treatments are focused on symptom relief as well as building up Qi and Blood to allow a "harmonious" birth. 

Acupuncture "induction": If you have reached your 40th week of pregnancy, your health care provider is likely discussing medical induction possibilities with you. Acupuncture provides a natural method of encouraging your body to labor without overwhelming you with drugs and synthetic hormones.

Childbirth: Did you know you can use acupressure points for natural pain relief during labor? These points are easily learned by your birthing partner or even by yourself, and can make a huge difference in your experience of the intensity of contractions as well as making your labor as efficient as possible.

In addition to teaching acupressure to you and your birthing partner, I am pursuing training this year as a doula. Please let me know if you would like me to attend your birth and provide acupuncture or acupressure support. Until I am certified as a doula, this service will be free!

 Postpartum: The "Golden Month" after childbirth represents a time of healing opportunity for the new mother. Chinese medicine teaches that new mothers can either resolve chronic health issues in this time, or may acquire new health problems if she does not care for herself properly. Treatments include moxibustion ("mother roasting") in order to build back lost Blood and Qi.

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