Dr. Phillips

by Alysse

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the art of pricking the skin or tissues with needles. It is used to alleviate pain and treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

Is Acupuncture painful?

The needles used in acupuncture are significantly smaller than medical needles. There may be some pain when the needles are placed but it should subside. If it is painful let your acupuncturist know and they can remove/move the needles.

What are the potential benefits?

Acupuncture has many potential benefits some of the pregnancy related benefits are:

Anxiety

Back Pain and Sciatica

Breech Baby

Constipation

Edema

Fatigue

Heartburn

Hemorrhoids

Labour & Delivery Pain (Acupressure may be used instead)

Morning Sickness

Psychological Problems

What are the potential risks?

Acupuncture has few risks the risks include:

Soreness

Redness or infection at the insertion sites

Injury from needles placed to deeply

The biggest concern for acupuncture during pregnancy is the placement of the needles. There are several acupuncture points that are said to induce contractions and they should be avoided until term. Acupuncturists are trained to know where and where not to place the needles. If you do have any questions, please ask the acupuncturist.

When considering doing acupuncture you should always talk with your care provider first. Choose your acupuncturist carefully and ensure they have been trained properly. If you are unsure please ask the acupuncturist - more likely than not they would love to talk about their training.

If you are thinking about doing acupuncture one of our amazing doulas will be able to refer you to an acupuncturist.

Grant gives a little chuckle and motions to the bag. “I wanted you to have your fair pick. What are you in the mood for, gorgeous?” He pulled out the jug of water first and set it up on her desk. “Might wanna pick before it gets cold. I’ll drop the extras by the house on my way back to work.”

“Well I wasn’t sure what you were in the mood for.” He stepped further into the room, revealing an overstuffed reusable bag. “So… I got you a plate of chicken alfredo with a side of breadsticks from Olive Garden, pupu platter for two from the chinese place down the road, a steak quesadilla with extra steak from that Mexican place we tried last week, and a cold cut combo footlong on garlic and herb bread from Subway.” He placed the bag on the floor with a lopsided grin. “Oh, and a gallon jug of purified water.”