How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help with Pregnancy

WTHN Team/21.02.25

As proponents and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we have endless stories on the incredible healing capabilities of acupuncture. Every testimonial is special, of course, but the ones that center the journey of fertility and pregnancy hold a special place in our hearts. Each experience is unique, and though every woman’s response to acu-treatments may differ, the results are heartwarming — and there simply aren’t enough words to describe how it feels to be part of someone’s journey into motherhood.

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions about implementing acupuncture to help with conception or to manage symptoms while pregnant. As always, do consult your physician before incorporating any new practices (not just with acupuncture, but with changes in diet, exercise, supplement intake, etc.); no two pathways toward pregnancy are alike, after all.

Does acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture does help with relieving stress — and when it comes to fertility in particular, research has proven acupuncture’s efficacy in aiding with conception. A review suggests acupuncture can support fertility, including in women having difficulty conceiving, and help with a range of gynecological conditions (International Journal of Women’s Health, March 2014). Research has also demonstrated that acupuncture can help increase the success rate for IVF by 50 percent (Fertility and Sterility, Apr. 2002).

Can I get acupuncture if I am pregnant?

Yes! (Check in with your doctor first, though.) We encourage acupuncture treatments during pregnancy because it has been shown to help ease symptoms like anxiety, insomnia or restlessness, lower back pain, morning sickness and overall pre-baby jitters. In addition, a systematic review of six studies suggests there is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating depression during pregnancy, too (Medical Acupuncture, June 2013).

Should I continue acupuncture after pregnancy?

We recommend continuing (or adding) acupuncture treatments after giving birth. Beyond providing you a much-deserved (and much-needed) moment for “me time,” acupuncture can help relieve the exhaustion, hormonal imbalances, depression and anxiety that comes after pregnancy.

Can acupressure help during pregnancy?

Yes! Select acupressure points can help alleviate some of the common pregnancy symptoms like anxiety, indigestion or nausea. Here are some key points:

Nei Guan is located on the inner wrist, about two to three fingers away from the bottom-most edge of your palm. Massaging this point can help with nausea.

He Gu is the fleshy bit at the base of your thumb and pointer finger. Apply pressure to this point to help relieve general pain or headaches (that can lead to more stress or nausea).

Zu San Li can be found on the outer part of your lower leg, right beneath your kneecap. This area is believed to be associated with nausea and vomiting from morning sickness.

Yin Tang can be found right in the center of your brows. Light yet firm pressure can help reduce anxiety and minimize stress.

Questions? Send us a message and one of our TCM practitioners will help guide you.

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