Grief is complex and layered, and each person experiences it differently. The intention of this blog post is to show how Chinese Medicine may help to support you after pregnancy loss, stillbirth, recovery from childbirth, and to care for your future fertility.
Move gently and be kind to yourself.
This guide is general in nature and is not intended for individual health advice. Please seek support from your healthcare team.
Emotional Support
In Chinese Medicine theory, emotions are deeply intertwined with the physical body. We rarely ever treat one without the other. With acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, we aim to support your emotional recovery by addressing the heart (emotion: joy) and lungs (emotion: grief). There is also a strong relationship between the heart and the uterus, known as the ‘Bao Mai’. The Bao Mai can be likened to the Hypothalamic-Ovarian Axis (HPO Axis), which is how the brain and ovaries communicate to influence menstruation and ovulation.
Acupuncture has been shown to influence both the HPA axis and the parasympathetic nervous system. These are two distinct but complementary systems that influence how your body handles stress. (PMID: 24761151, PMID: 42065037)
We also look to ensure the free flow of Qi and Blood through the ‘Chong Mai’ (Penetrating vessel, sea of blood) and ‘Ren Mai’ (Conception channel, sea of Yin). Both the Chong and Ren channels run through the centre of the body and pass through the reproductive organs. They both play important roles in recovery from miscarriage and childbirth and in caring for future fertility.
Pain
Acupuncture is most well-known for pain relief, and pain during a miscarriage is no different. When an acupuncture needle is inserted, it activates the central nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins that help relieve pain. (PMID: 39520569)
Eat: warm, slow-cooked foods.
In Chinese Medicine, our digestive system is known as “digestive fire.” Eating too much raw, cold food can affect digestion by putting out our digestive fire.
Stress also affects our digestive system, and when we are going through a difficult time, we don’t want it working overtime.
Find Joy
Joy is the emotion attached to the heart. The heart is also closely connected to the reproductive organs. Throughout life, it is imperative that we experience joy often, especially after loss.
Ways to find joy:
- Hobbies (i.e craft, cooking, gardening).
- Get outside
- Spending time with family and friends who make you feel good.
Keep Warm
In Chinese Medicine Theory, it is important to keep warm, particularly after childbirth or miscarriage, as resources (Qi & Blood) have been depleted and there is often not enough to protect your body from external pathogens (viruses). Keeping your feet warm at all times and making sure your hair is dry before bed and before going outside can help.
Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine play an important role in recovery from childbirth & miscarriage. Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine help nourish Qi & Blood and support any underlying or constitutional health conditions. Treatment is always individualised, and we meet you where you are on your path to building a family.
Reach out if you need any support.
– Kerrie
