As of 2017, the CDC reports 31.9% of births in the United States are cesarean sections. Though it is common and you likely know many other folks with cesarean scars, you may feel a range of emotions and sensations around your birth and its impact on your body.
Acupuncture for Cesarean birth recovery sessions with specialized postpartum providers can help you optimize healing and find peace as you move into your next chapter of parenthood.
The fourth trimester
Chinese medicine is a powerful tool to support your recovery from a c-section; in fact, Chinese medicine actually views the postpartum period as the “fourth trimester,” a unique opportunity to reboot the health of the parent.
Healing a scar with acupuncture & moxa
As soon as you are ready to seek treatment, your acupuncturist can help to improve healthy blood circulation in the pelvic area and speed up recovery time. Typical healing takes place in the first 6 weeks post surgery.
Avoiding scar complications
Using moxibustion and needles, the treatment will aim at avoiding common cesarean scar issues including
local numbness or tingling on the stomach
keloid scars
adhesions that may cause future issues
Treatments with acupuncture for Cesarean recovery will help to address the visual appearance of the scar reducing thickness and redness over time.
Restoring flow through the pelvis
From the Chinese medicine perspective, cesarean surgery can interrupt the energy flow through a number of channels that cross the abdomen. This can result in a myriad of symptoms such as
local scar pain or numbness
pains with urination and bowel movements
painful periods
How it works
Acupuncture post cesarean can reinstate the proper qi flow helping to address these symptoms. Gentle acupuncture sessions can bring those channels back in tune, while we also support and nourish your depleted postpartum body.
By using moxibustion, your acupuncturist can help to improve healthy blood circulation and speed up recovery time for both internal and external surgical sites.
Acupuncture causes micro-trauma to the skin which signals to the body that it should send its healing resources in that direction. Needles are very small and generally no pain is felt with our treatments.
During all postpartum acupuncture sessions we will look at the whole body and treat any other issues you may be experiencing such as neck and shoulder tension, hormonal fluctuations, and mood changes.
This treatment can begin within 5 days of coming home. Come in when you are ready.
We can start treatment as soon as you are up for coming into the office.
I am hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), can acupuncture help?
If you are hoping for a VBAC this pregnancy it is wise to consider using acupuncture for labor preparation. We recommend a series of treatments beginning at 34 weeks and continuing until delivery.
During those sessions we focus on eliminating pain from the lower back and abdomen, optimizing baby’s position and reducing stress.
No matter where you are in your pregnancy and mothering journey,
if you need support, we can help.
In addition to our own team of fertility & women's health acupuncturists, we are well-connected within the Los Angeles- Pasadena area community to help you
find the right integrative and holistic care for you.
On our website, you can learn more about our services, and book an appointment.
If you have more questions please call our front desk, at 626-841-2991, or email us.
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