Why You Might Consider Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Whether you're contemplating acupuncture, a method involving thin needles, during pregnancy, it may help alleviate common discomforts like nausea and pain. Pregnancy can bring its own set of challenges, and you might wonder if willingly receiving needle treatments is a wise choice. However, many expectant mothers have found relief from issues such as morning sickness and headaches through acupuncture.

Acupuncture has received scientific support for its potential to ease typical pregnancy discomforts. 

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice originating from China thousands of years ago. In this practice, traditional Chinese medicine sees the body as a balance between opposing forces known as yin and yang.

When an imbalance occurs between these forces, it disrupts the flow of vital energy, referred to as "qi" (pronounced CHEE), along internal pathways called meridians. During acupuncture sessions, practitioners insert incredibly thin needles into specific points along these meridians to restore balance and promote health.

But does it work? Researchers have discovered that these acupuncture points correspond to deep-seated nerves. When these needles are manipulated or electrically stimulated (known as electroacupuncture), they activate these nerves. This activation triggers the release of various brain chemicals, including endorphins, which can block pain signals and potentially relieve pregnancy symptoms.

The Benefits of Receiving Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Acupuncture has garnered recognition for its potential in alleviating a variety of pregnancy-related discomforts. These include heartburn, leg swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, back pain, headaches, and morning sickness. Given the limitations on the types of pain medications that can be safely taken during pregnancy, having acupuncture as an additional resource can be invaluable.

Here is a list of some common pregnancy symptoms allievated through acupuncture:

1. Morning Sickness: Some studies suggest that traditional acupuncture, focusing on the wrist, may reduce the nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. However, other studies have found no effect.

2. Lower Back and Pelvic Pain: Research indicates that acupuncture may help reduce pregnancy-related lower back and pelvic pain.

3. Depression: Depression is not uncommon during pregnancy, affecting nearly 1 in 4 women. A specific form of acupuncture tailored to address depression symptoms has shown promise in reducing their severity.

4. Headaches: Acupuncture has been shown to potentially reduce pregnancy-induced headaches, leading to reduced medication usage.

5. Sleep Problems: Some research indicates that acupuncture may help pregnant women sleep better, addressing the challenges of getting quality sleep during pregnancy.

Regarding safety, when performed by trained professionals, acupuncture during pregnancy is generally considered safe with minimal risks.

One important consideration is the location of acupuncture points. Certain points, such as those near the ankle, are believed to induce contractions and should be avoided until late in pregnancy.

If you're thinking about acupuncture during pregnancy, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Consult Your Doctor: Discuss acupuncture with your healthcare provider to ensure it's a suitable option for you, considering your health conditions, medications, and specific needs.

• Choose a Qualified Acupuncturist: Look for a licensed acupuncturist certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), with experience in treating pregnant women. You can seek recommendations from local doula associations or use the NCCAOM practitioner search page.

• Consider Costs: Before starting treatment, discuss the number of sessions needed and their costs with the acupuncturist. Check with your insurance provider to determine coverage.

• Monitor for Warning Signs: During or after a session, you shouldn't experience unusual contractions unless you're seeking labor induction at term. If you do, or if you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

In conclusion, acupuncture can offer relief from various pregnancy discomforts, but it's essential to approach it thoughtfully, with the guidance of a qualified professional and your healthcare provider's input.

Asheville Intergrative Acupuncture

If your pregnant and looking to alleviate your pregnancy symptoms through acupuncture, you’ve come to the right place.  Dr. Kystal Kinnunen, DAOM, L.Ac. specializes in helping patients with fertility, birth and postpartum care. With over 12 years of experience, Dr. Kinnunen has helped hundreds and she can help you feel better too. In addition to being a licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Kinnunen is a trained midwife’s assistant, Reiki Master, and prenatal yoga instructor.

Click here or call/text 828-739-0345 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Krystal Kinnunen, and begin your path to wellness through the healing art of acupuncture.

Women’s Cycle Within Yin and Yang (Pt. 1)

The Yin Yang symbol is very simple yet profound, as most powerful and timeless symbols are. It is often attributed to being the birth center of Chinese Medicine and therefore the essence that permeates all aspects of the practice. It is an all inclusive lens that has the appropriate amount of flexibility to be applied to any situation. This is how it can work so beautifully with the uniqueness of each and every individual life.

In Chinese Medicine, the Yin Yang symbol, much like the moon’s phases, correlates with the phases of the menstrual cycle. This correlation can be used as a tool to understand and treat various issues within women’s health. The menstrual cycle is deeply connected to other cycles and rhythms of the body. Understanding the nuances and seeing the connections of all of these cycles can help guide you in making the best life choices for your overall health. In that inspiration, here at Asheville Acupuncture, we are starting a series of articles, each one devoted to one of the 4 phases of your cycle. We will be breaking down what’s going on during each of these phases, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with common women’s health issues and various solutions to them. Before we dive into that, it is important to have a clear understanding of Yin and Yang, so let's begin with the symbol itself as an explanation for the essence of everything. 

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Understanding Yin and Yang

The beginning of Yin and Yang - the outside line - is drawn first as a complete circle and represents the boundary of the universe. This is crucial to know, as yin and yang are part of ONE whole. They are not separate symbols, but can only exist in relation to one another. There is a common saying “no such thing as pure yin or yang.” Simply stated, but easily forgotten! This means that even though Yin and Yang are opposite, they cannot exist without the other. The concept of something being pure yin or pure yang is simply impossible. This interdependence is represented additionally through the symbolism of the smaller circles within each side - the circles show the other side's color, indicating their dynamic to one another: two parts of one whole. The smaller circles are recognized to be the eye of the two fish. The concept of Yin and Yang in Traditional Chinese Medicine began with the idea of a sunny side and shady side of a hill. One hill with two parts, two perspectives. The shady side of the hill is cool, moist, and less active. The sunny side of the hill is warm, dry, and more active. As the sun moves across the sky, the sun and shade also move across the hill. One simply cannot exist without the other. Although Yin and Yang are one whole, the two sides represent the polarity of the masculine and feminine energies within the universe. Opposition combined perfectly with interdependence to create a balanced, homeostasis like state.

Their respective traits can be viewed as follows:

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  Yin is often referred to as: the feminine energy that resides inside of everyone. This is not based on gender. It’s the mother, It’s the dark new moon, It’s the cool dark winter night, or soft earth beneath your feet. Yin is stillness, rest, always changing transformation. 

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  Yang is often associated with the masculine energy. Warm sunlight touching your face. It’s upward movement, action, bright pure refined light. It’s the father, clear direct space holder, consistent steadfast energy, motivated by action and continuous change. 

By understanding the concept of Yin and Yang it becomes easier to understand the cycles of our bodies. Yin and Yang is all about balance. There is always movement between the two, nothing is ever static. If the dynamic is equal they will cancel each other out. Learning to be in harmony with Yin and Yang requires dancing with these energies within yourself. Knowing when to take action and when to be still. When to stay cool and grounded or when to be fiery and steadfast. Chinese medicine is a holistic practice in which no one part of the body is seen as separate from the person as a whole. When learning to care for yourself as a whole, you begin to see the interconnectedness of your entire being - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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The Four Menstrual Phases and their Relation to Yin & Yang

In Chinese medicine the menstrual cycle is broken into two halves and four phases. The two halves being the Yin phase and the Yang phase. The four phases being menstrual, post-menstrual (follicular), ovulation, and pre-menstrual or implantation (luteal). At the point in the cycle when post-menstruation switches to the ovulation phase, Yin switches to Yang. Already we can begin to see the relationship of Yin and Yang to the female menstrual cycle based strictly off of the TCM classifications of the cycle. One of the foundational principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to understand these natural cycles and adapt your behavior to take advantage of them. This enables you to avoid future imbalances and treat any that may occur, thereby assisting you to avoid diseases and increase your overall vitality and longevity. 

Just as Yin and Yang flow in seasons and traits, the menstrual cycle does too. By categorizing the four phases of the cycle into Yin and Yang states, you can begin to understand what your body needs the most during each phase. If you are in a Yin phase of the menstrual cycle, your body will feel the most balanced if you are being more restful. In this state of rest, you allow the body “down time” to regenerate and nourish itself. If you are in a Yang phase of the menstrual cycle, your body will feel the most balanced if you are being more active and filled with movement. By creating an environment of movement and activity you are encouraging the body to motivate your natural flow. Think of it this way: in the Yin phase you are resting the body as it menstruates and replenishes, in the Yang state you are energizing the body to prepare for the next cycle ahead.

In the next part of this series, we will further examine the first phase of the menstrual cycle. We will discuss the characteristics of this phase and how it applies to Yin and Yang. This will be a multi-part series that honors the beautiful connections of our physical bodies with this ancient, balanced symbol.

Acupuncture for Boosting the Immune System

Hello my loves, I wanted to share with you my fall newsletter for 2021. As we enter into the season of cooler weather and changing leaves we are also entering into flu season. Additionally, Covid-19 is still around — it is important that now we focus on strengthening and protecting our immune systems. This newsletter will touch on the preventative measures I have been taking and speak on the importance acupuncture plays in boosting our immune function. I am sharing exciting news regarding the new team at Asheville Integrative Acupuncture and sharing several great resources as well for the upcoming months.

Read Here: Fall Newsletter

If you know someone who is pregnant and does not currently follow this newsletter or blog, I would LOVE for them to see these offerings as well. If so, please share this link or forward this newsletter to your friends!

Thank you for your continuous outpour of love and support.

Love,
Krystal

Guest Blogger for the Asheville Mothership: Acupuncture + Pregnancy

It is with great delight that I share having the honor of being a guest blogger for the Asheville Mothership! 

For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used to promote the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies. Even with all of today’s technological advancements, conventional medicine is not always able to address the most common challenges experienced during pregnancy in a drug-free, non-invasive manner. Acupuncture, by restoring the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, offers a safe and relaxing way to relieve common ailments throughout pregnancy and prepare mother and baby for a safe, natural birth.

To read more click here