Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment.
It can be defined as a stimulation therapy practised on the body’s surface to influence the body’s interior. Acupuncture can be used to alleviate pregnancy symptoms and to prepare for labour and birth. It is low risk and causes no stress to the baby.
Pregnancy symptoms
Some women may experience nausea and/or vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy. According to Chinese medicine, the cause is a weak and stagnated stomach qi or energy. The most important acupoint is Pe 6, which is located on the inside of the forearm. In addition to acupuncture, acupressure can also be effective.
Acupuncture can also be helpful in alleviating pregnancy-related back pain or emotional stress. We also offer other alternative forms of treatment in addition to acupuncture (e.g. homeopathy, medi-taping, etc.).
Preparing for labour and birth
A controlled study conducted by the Clinic of Gynaecology in Mannheim showed that acupuncture helped reduce the duration of dilation during birth by an average of two hours for first-time mothers. This effect is created by a faster cervical ripening. The time it takes for the cervix to dilate or to open completely is shortened. It is recommended to use acupuncture in preparation for labour and birth from the 37th week of pregnancy. In total this requires 4-8 sessions once or twice a week using the following acupoints Ma 36, MP 6, Gb 34, BI 67. Other psychologically harmonising acupoints may also be helpful: Du 20, Ex 6 and He7.
