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Acupuncture in Pregnancy - Benefits and Side Effects
When a woman gets pregnant, tips and recommendations pour in from all side. These also include medicines, herbal remedies and therapies which may fall into the realm of experimental or alternative medical therapy. Acupuncture is also one of those, which could cause many mothers to raise their eyebrows since it involves poking needles into your body. But it’s a lot more than that.
What is Acupuncture?
Passed down from the traditional healing methods that emerged in China many centuries ago, acupuncture works on the principle of establishing the flow of energy back in the body. The therapy works on understanding what obstacles might be present that obstruct the flow of energy through the body and aim to resolve those. This is conducted by making use of needles that are as thin as a hair. These are pierced into the skin in certain locations that are termed to be important in re-establishing the balance of energy and bringing immense relief.
Is Acupuncture Safe during Pregnancy?
Most pregnant women have attained a good result after undertaking acupuncture. A medical therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years, has only time and again shown its benefits and the range of how effective it is.
How does Acupuncture Help when Pregnant?
Here are some of the benefits of acupuncture for pregnant women during different trimesters.
In First Trimester
Acupuncture during the first trimester is primarily meant to focus on preparing your body for the pregnancy. It makes sure to emphasize on an all-around healthiness that helps create a strong support system for you and the baby. The needles are pierced in those locations of the body that are known to strengthen the pregnancy, reduce the chances of miscarriage, as well as help mothers move ahead from the tendencies of exhaustion and consistent nausea.
In Second Trimester
Towards the second trimester of the pregnancy, acupuncture starts taking on a reactive role. It begins to help mitigate any problems that arise such as pain in the lower region of the back and the pelvis, repeated headaches or even depression. Hormonal balance might also be essential that can bring about a regulative action on digestion, set the mood right and bring about a healthy endocrinal growth that benefits the baby, too.
In Third Trimester
As the third-trimester sets in, the acupuncture techniques are emphasized in ensuring that the labour sets in at the right time and the delivery is as easy as possible. Early labour using this technique is not initiated unless you have completed at least 39 to 40 weeks of pregnancy and there are no complications related to pregnancy.
Benefits of Acupuncture in Pregnancy
Accupunture can help relieve several pregnancy symptoms like,
1. Morning Sickness
Immense relief from morning nausea and the vomiting sensations.
2. Headaches
Reduced number of pregnancy-related headaches and migraines.
3. Backaches
A substantial decrease or even complete treatment of pain in the lower region of the back.
4. Hormones
Normalizing of hormone levels, leading to better moods and positive attitude towards life.
5. Mood
Relief from stress and anxiety, bringing in an immense sense of relaxation.
6. Acne
Treatment of acne since the hormone levels start normalizing themselves.
7. Insomnia
A surprising side-effect of attaining relief from insomnia or even haemorrhoids due to acupuncture.
Risks or Side Effects of Acupuncture while Pregnant
Acupuncture tends to trigger certain functions in the body when specific points are stimulated. At times, these points could also result in contractions of the uterus, which could result in a premature delivery or a miscarriage.
Short acupuncture sessions that are roughly around 20 minutes or so are optimal. Resorting to extended sessions can put your body under undue stress.
Acupuncture is also a known technique to help with delayed deliveries since it induces labour. Therefore, care must be taken to not accidentally stimulate those points.
An untrained or amateur acupuncturist who does not have experience with pregnant women could stimulate the wrong points.
If the acupuncturist is not a professional, the needles could cause injuries or infections.
Tips for Acupuncture during Pregnancy
If you are considering acupuncture during pregnancy, keep these following tips in mind.
1. Consult Doctor for Acupuncture
Before proceeding with any kind of remedy or therapy that doesn’t fall under usual medication procedures, get your doctor’s advice. The views of your doctor might differ based on their experiences of dealing with patients earlier. If so, he might even ask you to observe certain precautions before opting for the therapy, since you may or may not be on some medications or have complications related to pregnancy.
2. Carefully Choose Acupuncturist
Acupuncture points for pregnancy are extremely sensitive and need to be stimulated the right way. Therefore, it is important to choose an acupuncturist who has the proper license for practice and is highly experienced, especially in dealing with therapy for pregnant women.
3. Consider Cost
An acupuncture procedure may not be limited to a single session. It could span over a number of sessions, depending on what you intend to achieve from the therapy. Per session costs of the therapy could build up without you being aware. This is also a good time to check if your medical insurance covers the therapy so that you can opt for that option as well.
4. Careful For Signs Of Trouble
Acupuncture is known to help induce labour in cases of delayed pregnancies. If that is not the goal of your therapy, then be highly aware of how the therapy makes you feel. In case of presence of any contraction-related feelings in the uterus, or any other feeling that makes you feel discomfort, stop the therapy immediately and contact your doctor.
FAQs
1. How Often Should I Go For Acupuncture When Pregnant?
The amount of sessions and the frequency of them varies from person to person, as well as the goal of the therapy, too. The usual safe way to begin the therapy, given that your pregnancy is healthy and free of any complications, would be around a couple of times in a month. As it starts working well for you, it could be further raised up to as much as once each week.
2. Can Acupuncture Prevent Miscarriage?
No therapy or procedure, medical or alternative, can guarantee to prevent miscarriage, since the conditions that can cause miscarriage are quite varied. One of the effects that acupuncture does cause in the body of the pregnant mother is regulating her hormones. Due to this, the uterus and other muscles are also affected that can further keep the emotional balance and the strength in place. These, as a result, can reduce the chances of unfortunate miscarriages from taking place.
3. Can Acupuncture Turn Breech Babies?
A technique used along with acupuncture is known to work in this regard. It is termed as moxibustion. What it does is make use of the moxa herb that is put together in a stick, resembling a cigar. This is then allowed to gradually smoulder over the acupuncture point of the little toe. 80% results have revealed breech babies to attain an optimal position after this procedure.
4. Can Acupuncture Help to Induce Labor?
Yes, but this is only opted for when the delivery has been delayed and the doctor recommends a go-ahead for inducing labour. At times, acupuncture might work rather quickly in inducing labour, or it might even take a few days. It also helps reduce the pain which provides a boost of strength during delivery, or it can help restart contractions, should a mother get exhausted during labour.
5. Will Acupuncture Benefit Me Post Delivery?
Certain mothers do opt for acupuncture after they are done delivery the baby since it helps them keep their energy levels high and also combat any post-partum depression.
Acupuncture is quite an alternative therapy that needs time to be embraced wholeheartedly. By knowing the right information and working with a professional who knows which acupuncture points to avoid during pregnancy, you can work your way in attaining immense relief during your pregnancy as well as have a successful and safe delivery. Read more
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Yoga for Sleep - Effective Pose that Will Induce Sleep
Since globalisation, the world has become a lot smaller. In pursuit of money and wealth comes with its own side effects. Since time is money, people are working a lot more than they should which is affecting their sleep. Sleep disorders are a common sight in most developed and developing nations. Insomnia, narcolepsy, snoring, and sleep paralysis is just some of the diseases affecting today's working population as well as the youth. You can negate the effects of stress in a natural manner – Yoga! Studies show the impact of yoga on quality of sleep and life among the elderly. Practising yoga for sleep disorders is beneficial.Read on to find out more information.
How Can Yoga Help Improve Your Sleep quality?
Yoga is a great tool not only to remain flexible and healthy but also for sleep disorders. A national survey in the USA showed that over 55% who practised yoga found that it helped them sleep better at night. It also showed that around 85% agreed that yoga helped them reduce stress. This 5,000-year-old practice has its benefits. The only thing people have to do is take out time from their busy schedules and dedicate one hour every day or two days to themselves and yoga. Lets read on to find out how it can improve your sleep quality.
Best Yoga Poses for Good Sleep
There are different kinds of yoga nowadays catering to different types of people like Hatha yoga, Bikram yoga, Goat yoga for sleep disorders etc. but there are certain poses that you can practice within the walls of your house which will help induce sleep and allow you to sleep comfortably. Some of them are listed below.
1. Standing forward bend (Uttanasana)
This yoga pose is simple to do and is useful for inducing sleep.
How to Do
While standing up straight, exhale and bend forward and hold on to both your elbows. Let your spine elongate by extending your torso. The purpose is not to get the right shape but to use the correct form.
2. Cat Stretch (Marjariasana)
The cat stretch pose is also a useful sleep aid.
How to Do
You will have to get down on your hands and knees. While pushing your stomach downwards, curve your spine and look up. Then arch your spine and look down. This helps to improve digestion as well as aids in better sleep.
3. Legs up the wall pose (Viparita Karani)
This asana relieves leg pain and induces sleep.
How to Do
If you have long days standing on your feet, this asana is excellent to help recirculate blood and reduce pain. Lie down perpendicularly against a wall with your legs pointing upwards against the wall. Relax your arms by your sides.
4. Child Pose (Shishuasana)
This pose calms your nerves and helps you sleep.
How to Do
Helps you to stretch out your back and calms the central nervous system to help you sleep. Begin on your knees and hands touching the ground. Extend your arms forward with your head and touch the ground while extending your spine. Hold that position and inhale while coming back up.
5. Butterfly pose (Baddha Konasana)
This is really good for your lumbar region and induces sleep as well.
How to Do
Sit on the floor with your legs extended. Bring your feet towards you such that the soles of your feet are touching each other. Slowly move your knees up and down such that you feel a stretch near the groin area. Hold for 4-5 breaths and repeat.
6. Spinal twist (Supta Jathara Parivartanasana)
This asana is good for your back and spine.
How to Do
Lie down on the ground forming a T shape. Fold your knees and bring them to your chest. Now while looking towards one direction and keeping your torso in the same direction, drop your knees to the other side so that you get a twist in your back and midsection. Hold and repeat on the other side.
7. Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana)
This yoga pose helps to massage the spine and calm your nerves.
How to Do
While on your back, bring your knees to your chest and grab hold of your big toes and push the heels towards the ceiling. Your knees should be under your arms, and you can rock back and forth slowly to gently massage the spine.
8. Corpse Pose (Shavasana)
This asana helps you relax.
How to Do
This one is self-explanatory. Lie down with your hands and legs slightly apart and relax all your muscles. Face your palms upwards, close your eyes and allow your mind to be still.
9. Nighttime Goddess Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
This pose is beneficial for your legs and also induces sleep.
How to Do
Lie on your back with knees folded such that the soles of your feet are touching. While doing so, allow your knees to fall, forming a diamond shape. Relax your arms and hold this position for a few seconds.
10. Reverse pigeon against wall pose (Custom Sucirandhrasana)
This yoga pose stretches your hips and rear and is an excellent sleep aid as well.
How to Do
While lying on your back with your legs against the wall, place one foot on the wall and fold the other ankle over the first leg’s thigh area. Try to pull yourself closer to the wall such that you feel a stretch going down the side of your buttocks and hips. Hold for a few seconds before switching.
FAQ'S
1. Can I do Yoga Before Sleeping?
Yes, you can practice yoga at any time of the day. If you perform the poses or asanas mentioned above, it will definitely help you in getting a good night’s sleep. Yoga helps with circulation because of how breathing centric it is which in turn allows the muscles in your body to relax. Although many people practice yoga in the mornings, you can also spend some time doing it before you sleep. It is like going to the gym because you can do yoga right in your house. All you need is a mat and preferably some soothing music
2. Can Yoga Help My Insomnia?
Insomnia affects many people around the globe who have hectic lifestyles. Yoga is the perfect tool for you to try and get rid of your insomnia for undisturbed sleep. The pleasures of yoga are widely understood, and many more benefits are being discovered every day. It helps reduce stress, improves breathing, boosts circulation and enhances mental focus, all of which are components of a good night’s sleep. Try yoga for sleep control for a few weeks and notice the difference in the quality of sleep that you get.
You don't have to be a yoga expert to perform these simple asanas. Even beginners can do them. These yoga poses should be practised 2-3 times a week at least to feel a marked difference. Yoga is more than just stretching or exercise. It is an experience that involves being at peace mentally, focusing on your breathing, and connecting the movement of the body to the mind.
Yoga has countless benefits for old and young people alike. You and your body will find it benefiting you just after a few sessions. If sleep has been evading you all this time, yoga is just the perfect activity for you. All it takes is along with yoga is a few small lifestyle changes, and you will feel like a brand new person!
Also Read:
Yoga Exercises for Boosting Your Immune System
Amazing Health Benefits of Yoga for Family
Reasons for Starting Yoga As Soon As Possible Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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What Helped Me Relieve Cracked and Bleeding Nipples
Before becoming a mom, all I worried about was cracked lips and cracked heels. DIY scrubs and balms used to help me carry myself boldly! Gone were the past cares and worries once my baby girl made her way out into the world. New beginnings gave birth to new fears and anxieties. I realised postpartum blues were non-fictitious. No matter how much I braced myself for this new journey, I was just not prepared. Little did I know that I would fail at the very basic step of motherhood i.e. nursing my newborn.
Why didn't anybody tell me that cracked and bleeding nipples are common? I had had no clue. I was devastated. The pain was real. I cannot forget those days when I screamed in pain and freaked my baby out while she tried latching onto me. Multiple appointments with the lactation counsellor didn't help. Each day started and ended in tears.
I chose to breastfeed my baby and here I was - failing at the very first step. I felt like a total failure! That's when my lactation counsellor suggested me to try a breast pump. Before I bought one, she suggested me to use the breast pump available in the hospital to check my comfortability. For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt light on my chest. It worked wonders! It didn't help heal my cracked nipples, but it fulfilled the desire to provide my baby with breast milk. It didn't stop my nipples from bleeding, but it helped me save myself from the constant friction of suckling, which eventually sped up the healing process. As an added advantage, I could pump milk into a feeding bottle and go out boldly with my baby, without the stress of not finding a mother's room.
The breast pump was one of my lifelines, which helped me get through the early stages of my new journey - Motherhood! If you are expecting your baby, apply lots of nipple moisturizer and hydrate yourself even before you welcome your baby. I wish people had advised me on this earlier. If you are like me, wanting to breastfeed but cracked and/or bleeding nipples are keeping you from nursing your baby, get a breast pump. Pump and store whenever you can. Apply hindmilk on your nipples and keep them moisturised. You'll feel better and heal very quickly. It helped me during my worst. And I'm sure, it will help you too. Stay strong! It will soon come to an end. If you are unable to breastfeed, don't blame yourself. Your baby needs a strong you, more than anything.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Sending your toddler child in pre school for first time
It is always an first time beautiful experiencew to watch your little one taking one new step in their life. But it as well as little bit tough to septate them frok yourself though for some hours. And it is very much difficult for some kids to go to school
for first time as they have the anxiety to seprate from parents especially from mothers whom they spend their life till now. As their world surrounds around family and the house is their safe zone. I myself face too much difficulty sending my little one
to pre school. Here are some tips i am sharing that i gained with my experience.
1. Start councel them that they are going to school foe playing without mumma.
2. They will get new toys new friends and mostly a teacher who will love them like mumma.
3. Make an atmosphere in the house that everyone goes outto somewhere from house like papa goes to office.
4. The most importantly kids always do the things what they has see paents doing. So you can use a tact like father is dropping school both mumma and the child. Mumma should drop in between and then the child. Trust me it really works in my case my chold goes happy when he sees mumma is going to school too.
5. And the parent be father or mother with whom he is more tantrum throwing not to drop hom otherwise scenrio turns wrong.
6. Send with the parent be father or mother whom he is more comfortable and lesa crying while going out.
7. Make him show that his another colony friends and the cousins also going to the school this will work too.
Hopefully these tips helps you people too.
All the very best toddlers parents
Love and regards
Nikita
Read more
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How to Stop Biting at Preschool
Your little angel is slowly turning into a pint-sized dracula? Fret not! Here's the lowdown on preschooler biting tendencies. Is it normal? Read on to find out.
It's kindergarten time and everything is going okay till one day your innocent little angel's teacher gives you some news. Your baby has developed a method of getting his way – biting! When did your non-aggressive child learn this habit?
Don't worry, biting is completely normal at this age. You need to remember that your baby’s mouth is the first part of the body that learns to get tense. That is why when your child is troubled, all the tension goes straight to his mouth and results in a bite. This bite is not intentional; the poor chap does not know how else to express the trouble! It is actually his way of crying out for help.
Here Are Some Ways Parents and Teachers Can Tackle The Situation with Care
1. Give Space
Some children are a lot more sensitive than others about space. Teachers who recognize this could perhaps find a spot for the child to play that would not enable other kids to encroach. Of course, this does not mean the child sits separately. It is just enough space for the child to feel secure and safe.
2. Reduce Noise
Loud sounds can aggravate some children. Play-time usually means 'noisy-time’. Maybe the child could wear earmuffs or if that idea is not supported by the school, teachers could use soothing music during play time to change the atmosphere of the room.
3. Mentor
Some schools assign a member of the staff to keep an eye out for the child who is resorting to biting or other forms of aggression. This is so that the staff member can calm the child down gently. Most kids pick up on habits soon, so correcting this issue does not take too long.
4. Stories
You can also make up stories of brave children or animals who get their toys stolen and want to bite, but control their urge and use gentle words instead. Examples and positive reinforcement works greatly for children at this age.
Of course, you are the biggest influencer in your baby's life so gently talking to your child will help too. Studies and experiments show that redirecting the impulse to something else works better than trying to correct it.
Once a child learns to express better, the biting stage eventually wears out. The only thing to keep in mind is that at no cost must you encourage it, lest it lead to aggressive personality traits in the future. Your little vampire will soon learn that biting is solely for food and you can have a good laugh about it then! Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Jennifer has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
1 hour ago
Q. I am 23 weeks 1 day pregnant. I was feeling the movements actively until today. Baby movements were not that good or maybe I didn’t feel it that way today. Is it a cause of concern? Should I wait for a day or two or should I go and see my gynaecologist?
Please suggest!
Read moreJennifer
Mom of 6 children
38 mins ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
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