IF hear the term acupuncture must Moms already know, right? But if acupuncture for pregnant women, if ever hear it? Or maybe, there are Moms who have never tried it?

Yes, apparently acupuncture technique that originated from the country’s bamboo curtain can be used for pregnant women, should not be afraid, because a lot of good benefits during pregnancy or while going to labor.
Overcome nausea vomiting
Nausea, vomiting in the morning many expectant mothers experience in the first trimester. To fix this, Moms can try a special acupuncture techniques for pregnant women. Is a natural way and can handle all complaints.
Acupuncture has been known in their home countries since China about 5000 years ago. In Indonesia for acupuncture therapy for pregnant women was introduced for pregnant women to eliminate the main problems of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting. But outside the country, this technique is very popular and even considered as one alternative treatment that is recognized by the medical world.
According to the National of Health (NIH) U.S., in 1997, acupuncture was recommended to overcome the excessive nausea in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. Traditional Chinese medicine is applying the principle of connection between body, mind, and soul. This technique is done with an emphasis on several points on the face, legs, stomach, and back so that all complaints can be resolved. This method is also useful for the baby in the formation of the brain and organs are perfect.
Overcome pain during childbirth
In addition to nausea, vomiting, and lethargic, pregnant women often feel pain in the body. Consider it a “pleasure” while pregnant. Through acupuncture techniques can decrease the pain because when the needle inserted endorphin hormones can cause. The hormone that causes a sense of calm, comfortable, and can relieve pain. Endorphin hormone increases during pregnancy and peaked during labor.
To reduce pain during labor, acupuncture can be done at the end of the third trimester. The goal is to help prepare the body of a pregnant woman in labor, with focus emphasis to prepare the cervix and pelvic bones to expedite the delivery process.
In addition to reducing pain during childbirth, acupuncture techniques can also be used to reduce pain pascacesar. Generally, the body parts pierced with acupuncture needles is the abdomen, buttocks, hands and feet. Needle inserted to the slope of 45 degrees and attached to the skin, so as not to interfere with the birth process. Although not to be rid of but acupuncture can reduce pain about 78 percent. Needle inserted in one second after the needles can be stimulated manually or using electricity with very little power.
One condition
If Moms want to try acupuncture technique is one condition, blood pressure Moms should under normal circumstances and the estimated normal childbirth. For those who have high blood pressure should not do acupuncture techniques.
In addition, Moms who have had allergic to metal please be careful. Can-can while doing acupuncture sudden abnormalities. If there is, acupuncture must be stopped.
It is important and should not be overlooked is the use of needles should be disposable needle (disposible). Acupuncture needles are not infectious, it can transmit the disease is a syringe. The inside of the hollow needle so that when the needle is injected and withdrawn there will be blood or serum is carried. While certain acupuncture needles safe when using disposible needles or sterilization accurate.
Needle Size
Acupuncture needles to adult size, both for the pregnant or not pregnant at all. The size varies from 1.3 cm to 10.2 cm. Diameter of 0.24 mm to 0.45 mm. The longest size is used for the bottom. The shorter size to the entire body. And the shortest for the hands or face. Acupuncture needles made of metal different, but almost all are now made of stainless steel. But there are needle needles made of silver and gold, usually used for certain cases only.

Acupuncture is one of several popular alternative therapies tracing its roots to traditional medicine in China more than 5,000 years ago. Although the treatment is regarded as one of the most common and oldest worldwide, acupuncture only started to become recognized in the US after New York Times journalist James Reston wrote a feature on how his post-surgery pain was eased by doctors in China in 1971 using the procedure.

1. The Basis Of Acupuncture

The treatment assumes something called qi (pronounced key) – energy in living beings that passes through twelve meridians or invisible energy lines in the body. Each line links to a specific organ system; the belief is that any imbalance in qi flow leads to a disease. The key component of acupuncture treatment is the insertion of needles into key points on the meridian lines to renew balance. These extremely thin, metallic needles are aimed at specific anatomical points and controlled manually or by electrical stimulation. An individual usually feels relaxed and energized after acupuncture.

2. Modern Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration reclassified these needles as medical devices in 1997, from the earlier classification as experimental. The FDA notes that over $500m are spent by people in the country every year for the treatment, for which a good number secure insurance coverage. The agency’s main restrictions with the needles are that they be non-toxic and sterilized and that they be used only once and discarded immediately after.

- Acupuncture is endorsed by the National Institute of ,
- Is practiced by dentists, doctors and other health practitioners

3. Increasing Acceptance

Increasing acceptance of acupuncture was highlighted by the National Health Interview Survey in 2002, which indicated that the number of American adults turning to the treatment surged from 2.1 million in 2001 to about 8.2 million the following year. The interest in acupuncture also received a boost from the impatience individuals had with the failure of conventional medicine.

4. How Does It Really Work?

Acupuncture reportedly induces the release of endorphins in the body, relieving an indivudal from pain. Other effects attributed to the therapy include influence over neurotransmitters, or substances transporting nerve impulses; promotion of circulation; and effects over the body’s electrical currents and autonomic nervous system. Many common ailments and undesirable conditions are addressed by acupuncture treatment.

5. Commonly Treated Conditions

- Sinusitis
- The common cold
- Smoking and other addictions
- Migraines
- Tennis elbow
- Infertility
- Menstrual cramps
- Obesity
- Low-back pain
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome

6. Procedure

On the first meeting, acupuncturists usually ask new clients to fill up a personal health record prior to an interview. A session then has the client answer questions that cover main health issues, diet, emotional and psychological profile, and overall lifestyle and regular activities. The therapist should also be informed by the individual of any current medication and treatment being taken. During this interview, one can also expect the practitioner to evaluate pulse points and establish how healthy the individual’s twelve meridians are. A diagnosis is then given, followed by the use of between 6 and 12 needles as treatment is commenced. Patients keen on acupuncture must realize that the exact placement on target points on the meridians is more important, not the number of needles used.

The initial insertion may make the patient feel pricked or stung. However, the treatment should be painless and comfortable for the duration that could extend to an hour or more. An individual should immediately tell the acupuncturist to discontinue if he feels any numbness, discomfort or pain. Variations of the treatment may involve use of herbal medicine – capsules, tablets or tea made from Chinese herbs to boost the therapy. Some practitioners also integrate cupping – a suction effect created with the use of glass cups on the skin, in part to promote blood circulation and continuous qi flow.

7. Rising Popularity

The recent withdrawal of the Vioxx painkiller has raised apprehension over pain relievers available in the market. This concern, combined with statements from the NIH and other government and health organizations that side effects from acupuncture are significantly lower, has made more individuals turn to the treatment, particularly for pain relief. Several studies have also shown how acupuncture has helped patients with osteoarthritis, post-chemotherapy nausea and even depression. Despite all the apparent positive feedback, those considering acupuncture should still consult regular doctors and health-care professionals for advice on their conditions first. If they decide to pursue the treatment, they must make sure that the acupuncturist or practitioner they see is highly-qualified and certified by organizations such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists.