Staying Healthy in Winter

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Ask Mary Beth

Q. Does acupuncture hurt?
A. Many patients report that their experiences range from feeling almost nothing at all to a brief ache, or sensations of energetic activity near the needle. Many people who have been fearful of acupuncture also report being amazed and surprised by the pleasant experience of complete relaxation. The needles, being the width of a human hair, are the finest needles and only shallowly inserted into the body.

Postpartum Depression

Carrying a baby to term is a miraculous achievement of human creativity. I support you—mothers—in order that you may enjoy your own incomparable loving gift of creativity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that 5 to 25 percent of women develop postpartum depression. This is a real phenomenon for which Chinese medicine is ideally suited for understanding and treating mothers of infants. The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it always seeks to restore equilibrium, while building and supporting the body-mind-spirit, especially after the considerable loss of blood that has occurred in childbirth. In Chinese medicine we are always focused on blood volume, the blood quality, and the cultivation of the life force or qi energy. This is not a new phenomenon; in fact, the famous Chinese physician, Wu Qian discussed and formulated effective Chinese herbal formulas and treatment strategies, which are discussed in The Golden Mirror of Medicine in 1742.

What is markedly different from that time is the expectations placed on women in our contemporary fast-paced society. Have you ever heard someone remarking, “She just had a baby and she’s running a marathon, or doing this or that?”—as if giving birth was inconsequential or that there is an expectation that a woman must always be doing, performing, or excelling in yet another domain. What has been disregarded is the fact that carrying a baby to term is a miraculous, incomparable achievement of human creativity.

Perhaps what we fail to recognize is just this fact—that a mother must first care for herself. I support mothers after childbirth, who are coming back into balance through resting and nourishing themselves by taking in 3 to 4 warm, nutrient-rich meals a day, many warming liquids, broths, soups, and stews—essential to restoring the mother’s blood and qi, her essential life force. Chinese herbs that I recommend also support, nourish, and revitalize the mother, and are safe for nursing mothers. I also offer warming moxabustion that aids in the contraction of the uterus, dispels old blood, and engenders fresh, new blood.

You may experience “baby blues” and mood swings, sadness, grief, crying, and of course, sleep deficit. You may also experience “postpartum depression.” These symptoms range from irritability and anger, resentment of the baby or your spouse or partner, and even negative thoughts toward, and lack of coping and nurturing skills with, the baby. We offer prompt and immediate intervention so that you can feel better and enjoy being a mother to your brand new baby. We explore and discuss the appropriate supports that will enhance your experience of motherhood. You may meet a whole new community of caring women and nurturers who will be supportive mentors who will encourage you in your motherhood. You will be guided to sources of quality communication and listening.

Because all treatments are holistic, we are treating you, and, by extension, your spouse or partner, and your family. I encourage you to receive the support that you and your family deserve, so that your own needs can be met and so that you can be revitalized.  You can enjoy and be present to your own miraculous, incomparable gift of loving creativity.

More information:

For other delivery and postpartum support, please refer to www.motherandbabymatters.com

For home-delivered high quality nourishment, visit www.cookingwithsandy.net or contact eliz@dashofpanache.biz.