IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE DURING THE THIRD TRIMESTER?
Acupuncture has been proven to be safe in all stages of pregnancy. There are however certain points that you would want to avoid during pregnancy entirely and then there are different points/ areas that you would want to avoid or needle differently during the different terms of pregnancy.
The acupuncture points that we avoid all together in Chinese medicine are called the “Forbidden Points”. Heres a list of some of these points and regions that fall under the “Forbidden Point” category.
- SP6
- LI4
- BL60
- BL67
- GB21
- LU7
- Lower abdomen (CV3–CV7)
- Sacral region (BL27–34)
What are some common reasons women seek acupuncture during pregnancy?
- Morning Sickness
- Back Pain
- Pelvic Pain
- Neck Pain
- Stress
- Swelling/Edema
All of these conditions and more can be treated SAFELY with acupuncture. Your acupuncturist is properly trained in knowing how to address all of these conditions without having to needle into any of these forbidden points/areas.
So you might be wondering…
If I have low back pain than how will my acupuncturist treat it if they can’t needle that area?
Easy!
Your Acupuncturist is able to stimulate the proper acu-points with a goal to create movement of stagnated Qi and blood in the body which is what is most likely the cause of this type of pain (during pregnancy). Your acupuncturists can do this by stimulating acu-points that are distal (away from) the site of pain and still be able to get you your desired result of pain relief.
Acupuncture needles are also stimulating the CNS and in turn will help release the body’s natural pain killers which will in turn down regulate the pain levels.
Acupuncture is a very effective and safe modality that is an option for pregnant woman. I hope this information has shed some light on any doubts or concerns anyone may of had regarding this topic.
