Postpartum is as important as pregnancy and labour in a woman’s life journey. It is vital that you take good care of yourself in this special time so that you could live a healthier life in the future. Postpartum acupuncture, herbal medicine and some other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques can help with the recovery process after birth and are powerfully beneficial to a mother’s physical and emotional health. Here are 5 main benefits of TCM for postpartum-care:

​1, Reduce Post-partum depression and anxiety

After the birth of your baby, your body goes through a drastic hormonal change. Some may find it hard to cope with and suffers from Post-partum depression symptoms such as mood swings, lack of appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, low libido, not bonding with the baby, some even have suicidal tendencies.

Acupuncture helps to calm the nervous system and allow for a sense of calm in the body and mind. Researchers conclude that acupuncture combined with psychological intervention has a similar total efficacy rate for the treatment of postpartum depression as the drug fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac®). Acupuncture can help reduce the brain’s reaction to stress, relieve the depressive and anxious state, regulate and treat the physical symptoms.

​2, Rejuvenate the Qi and Blood

Women loses a large amount of qi and blood from the physical birthing process. In China, it is a custom for women to take a 30-day rest and recover the qi and blood. It is called “Sit-the-Month”. During this time the new moms will be resting at home, often supported by herbal medicine, moxibustion and food therapy. It is believed that women should take special care of their body at the period to nurture back the balance of Qi and Blood and to rejuvenate the reproductive system.