POST-NATAL WELLNESS

By: Becky Castano L.Ac,

Pregnancy, labor, delivery and lactation can be demanding on our body’s energy and natural resources of blood, hormones, and nutrients. Motherhood of an infant has it’s own set of demands on our body and mind. The journey of birth, labor, excess emotions, sensations, blood loss, fluid-loss, and lack of sleep can take a toll on our bodies. Most mothers experience moments of utter fatigue, exhaustion and feelings of being overwhelmed. Later a woman may develop anemia, dry skin, dry eyes, dry hair, moodiness, depression, mental fogginess, dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea and back pain. Complimentary medicines such as Acupuncture and herbal medicines may just have the answers.

In the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture we seek to find the root cause of a problem and then treat the root. In this case above we would call that a form of acute blood deficiency. Acupuncture and (TCM) can help, by nourishing with potent blood tonic herbs and blood tonic nourishing foods.   Our intention and focus is to increase the body’s energy, production of blood cells, stabilize mood and support lactation. I have found that complementary holistic nutrition and Chinese herbal medicine is a key component in increasing the nutrient density of your milk. It is important to eat right, replenish with supplements such as vitamins, herbs, Iron and omega-3 oils (DHA).

After childbirth woman of many different traditions make seaweed soups, which are mineral rich and rebalancing to the female endocrine system. Food truly is our medicine. Also an Interesting fact almost every mammal consumes it’s own placenta after birth, which provides them with the nutrient density to heal well. Some modern practitioners today have technique to conveniently encapsulate your placenta. It is a safe protocol to enhance balancing the hormones and prevention and or management of postpartum depression. I also l recommend Fenugreek and Nursing Support Teas (Yogi Tea), Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga, chiropractic care, reflexology and massage. 

Acupuncture is known for its balancing and therapeutic benefits on Stress and pain management. Acupuncture improves microcirculation; regulates immunity, respiration, temperature, pressure, hormonal secretions, and sensitivities. Acupuncture can benefit neuromuscular co-ordination, stimulate the central nervous system, activates mechanism of repair and regeneration. Acupuncture provides a tune up to the organs, tissues of the body and enhances a dynamic equilibrium. It is a natural adaptogenic increasing the body’s natural ability to handle stress. Acupuncture helps the body to secrete Natural pain inhibiting hormones, pleasure endorphins, and enkephalines. I have been receiving acupuncture for over 11 years and am still discovering the vast benefits of Acupuncture on our overall health.