GENTLE PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE BRISBANE
NATURAL SUPPORT THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF PREGNANCY & PREGNANCY NAUSEA REMEDIES
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we cherish providing support for people during their pregnancy journeys.
Chinese Medicine has a long history of supporting women through pregnancy.
The earliest recorded treatment for pregnant women is in a medical text called the Jin Gui Yao Lue, written around 200 CE. Since then, knowledge and skill in addressing common pregnancy-related concerns have steadily grown.
Acupuncture, when practised by a qualified practitioner, is safe in all stages of pregnancy (1). At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, our degree-qualified, AHPRA-registered practitioners collaborate with your primary care team to ensure you receive the best care.
The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines (2) recommend acupuncture for pelvic pain relief and acknowledge the growing evidence supporting acupuncture in relieving reflux, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE DURING PREGNANCY
Acupuncture is a safe, low-risk treatment option for several common complaints experienced during pregnancy (3). From nausea, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety in early pregnancy to reflux, lower back pain, pubic and hip pain in the later stages, and preparing your body (mind and spirit) for giving birth, acupuncture and Chinese medicine combine thousands of years of wisdom with modern empirical evidence to provide relief, support, and care to pregnant people at all stages of pregnancy.
Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture and moxibustion could effectively alleviate nausea and vomiting and were relatively safe treatment options during pregnancy. Further, in this study, acupuncture was more effective than medication in managing nausea and vomiting (4).
Many people report immediate improvement during their first treatment, and the results tend to build with each subsequent treatment, providing longer-lasting relief.
We will show you acupressure points to use at home to support you between treatments and help you navigate food choices to remain nourished.
Supporting Sleep
Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, and early intervention is recommended (5).
A small 2020 study found that 10 acupuncture treatments over three weeks significantly improved sleep quality in pregnant people. It concluded that acupuncture could be recommended as a low-risk alternative to pharmacological therapies (6).
By relieving aches, pain and discomfort with acupuncture, many people often report improved sleep.
Musculoskeletal Pain
A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that overall, acupuncture significantly relieved lower back & pelvic pain during pregnancy (7).
Pregnancy-style cupping is also a safe and beneficial treatment option for lower back & pelvic pain (8). Cupping assists in muscle function and recovery through vasodilation and enhanced micro-circulation in the area.
Digestive Symptoms
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat digestive symptoms such as loose bowels, constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids, acid reflux and indigestion, which often occur under the influence of hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORTS THE PHASES OF PREGNANCY
First Trimester - our aim is generally centred on reducing stress and anxiety, alleviating nausea and vomiting, regulating digestion, and promoting restorative sleep.
Second & Third Trimester - our focus tends to shift to managing pain, promoting good digestion, and maintaining sleep.
Labour Preparation - From 36 weeks, we support cervical readiness and late pregnancy complaints (pain, sleep, digestion, sinus, headaches). Focusing on specific acupuncture points during these treatments, we start working intentionally toward reaching an optimal state for the upcoming birth.
OUR RECOMMENDED ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT SCHEDULE DURING PREGNANCY
1st trimester - weekly
2nd trimester - monthly or as needed
Weekly from 36 weeks for pre-birth treatment and labour preparation
When a medical induction is scheduled, a series of three treatments are performed in the 72 hours before the planned induction and around medical interventions like stretch and sweep.
It is important to note that Acupuncture treatments during pregnancy should only be practised by an AHPRA-registered and degree-qualified Acupuncturist, as specific points are contraindicated during pregnancy.