2. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method that involves placing fine needles at specific points on the body’s surface to treat various health problems with a recognized history of almost 3000 years. It is designed to correct any imbalances in the body which may give rise to disease or illness. In acupuncture, the belief is that there is a continuous circulation of energy in the organism. Illness can occur because of derangement of this circulation. Where energy fails to circulate as it should, vital organs may suffer from it. The Chinese call this flow of energy, or life force, “Qi”. By inserting needles at specific acupuncture points along energy channels within the body, called meridians (energy paths), energy channels can be unblocked or stimulated in order to an an effect on a particular parts of the body or symptom. Acupuncture, if practice properly, can redirect and normalize the flow of energy and bring the patient back to health.

3. Traditional Chinese medicine describes the body’s balance in terms of Yin and Yang. YIN = Female energy, represents traditional female qualities of peacefulness and calm. Fluids Water Damp YANG = Male energy, represents traditional male qualities of aggression and stimulation. Fire Movement

4. Chinese medicine is the primary treatment for pregnancy and birth in China. It has been that way for thousands of years. Pregnancy is seen as a damp condition in Chinese medicine. This is due to the dominance of Yin (body fluids). Pregnancy is also seen as the marriage of Yin and Yang energies (Male and Female). Thus the Yin and Yang symbol is a perfect model of birth. (cont.)

5. Chinese medicine has the following uses in pregnancy: Morning Sickness (Acupuncture, Moxabustion and Herbs) Threatened Miscarriage (Acupuncture and Herbs) Analgesia during Child Birth (Acupuncture) Prenatal Care (Acupuncture, Massage and Herbs) Post-Partum Syndrome (Acupuncture and Herbs) Cold in Uterus due to Birth (Acupuncture, Moxabustion and Herbs) Fetus Overdue (Acupuncture) Hemorrhoids (Acupuncture and Herbs) Constipation (Acupuncture and Herbs) Headaches (Acupuncture and Herbs)

6. Acupuncture has been used to help control labor pain in China and the Far East for many years, and thus has been proven a good analgesic method during labor. It can be used for calming the mother and for promoting the efficiency of contractions. Its effects on labor can lead to shortened delivery time and less labor pains.

7. In theory, there are more than 365 points along the 12 meridians of the body. The ear auricle contains a complete set of acupuncture points which when stimulated can produce rapid relief from acute pain. Fine gauge needles and massage can also be used in combination to stimulate acupuncture points in the low back, abdomen, feet, and hands. Needles are sometimes attached to an electro acupuncture machine to provide extra stimulation.

8. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a long history of treating obstetric and gynecological conditions. It is widely recognized by the medical profession and the World Health Organization. It has been proven to be very safe and have no harmful side effects for the mother and baby.

9. References: www.gloucesteracupuncture.co.uk/painreliefduringlabour.html www.homepage.powerup.com.au/~shentherapies/preguide.html www.internationafengshui.com/relatedtopics.html www.lifemedicineclinic.com/conception.html www.cyberscreen.com/cgi-bin/showPreg.pl?ACUPUNCTURE