Acupuncture for IVF Support in Abbotsford – Fertility Acupuncture Melbourne

Preparing for IVF can feel overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and financially. Many couples and individuals in Abbotsford and Melbourne’s inner east seek natural ways to support their IVF cycle and improve their chances of success.

At Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford, I provide personalised fertility acupuncture and herbal medicine designed to complement your IVF protocol. Treatment focuses on improving blood flow to reproductive organs, supporting hormonal balance, reducing stress, and preparing the body for implantation.

We work alongside patients attending IVF clinics across Melbourne, supporting them through stimulation cycles, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and the two-week wait.

How Acupuncture Supports IVF

Fertility acupuncture is commonly used alongside assisted reproductive treatments to support:

• Blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries

• Endometrial lining development

• Hormonal regulation

• Stress reduction during IVF cycles

• Nervous system regulation

• Implantation support following embryo transfer

By calming the stress response and improving circulation, acupuncture helps create an optimal environment for conception.

IVF Phases We Support

Our treatment plans are tailored to each stage of your IVF journey, including:

Ovarian Stimulation Phase

Supporting follicle development and egg quality.

Egg Retrieval Preparation

Optimising circulation and reducing anxiety before procedures.

Embryo Transfer Support

Acupuncture is commonly used before and after embryo transfer to support implantation.

The Two-Week Wait

Reducing stress and supporting hormonal balance during this emotionally challenging period.

What to Expect at my Abbotsford Clinic

At Eastential Chinese Medicine, your treatment plan is personalised to your cycle timing, medical protocol, and fertility goals.

Sessions are gentle and designed to complement your IVF clinic’s treatment plan. Many patients report:

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved sleep

• Increased energy

• Greater emotional resilience

My Abbotsford clinic is conveniently located near Richmond, Collingwood, and Fitzroy, making appointments easy during busy IVF schedules.

Who Can Benefit from Fertility Acupuncture?

Acupuncture may benefit:

• Couples undergoing IVF

• Individuals pursuing IVF as a single parent

• Those preparing for frozen embryo transfer

• Women with unexplained infertility and other women’s health concerns

• Patients wanting natural IVF support

• Individuals trying to conceive naturally

Why Combine IVF and Acupuncture?

Many patients choose acupuncture because they want to feel proactive and supported during fertility treatment.

IVF can feel clinical and intense. Acupuncture provides:

• A space to relax and regulate stress

• Holistic support for the whole body

• A complementary approach alongside medical care

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe during IVF?

Yes. When performed by a qualified practitioner experienced in fertility care, acupuncture is gentle and tailored specifically to your IVF protocol.

When should I start acupuncture for IVF?

Ideally 2–3 months before beginning IVF. However, acupuncture can still provide benefit when started during a stimulation cycle.

How often should I have treatment?

Frequency depends on your cycle stage. During active IVF treatment, weekly sessions are common, with additional sessions around embryo transfer.

If you’re preparing for IVF and want supportive, personalised fertility acupuncture in Abbotsford, we’re here to help.

Book your consultation at Eastential Chinese Medicine today and take a calm, proactive step toward supporting your IVF journey.

Fertility Acupuncture in Melbourne – What to Expect

If you’re considering acupuncture to support fertility, it’s important to understand how it works and what to expect. At Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford, I tailor treatments to your unique cycle and reproductive health. From preconception care to IVF support, my goal is to optimise your fertility naturally and effectively.

Why More Melbourne Couples Are Choosing Fertility Acupuncture

Fertility challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, or the emotional stress of trying to conceive. Many individuals and couples across Melbourne are turning to fertility acupuncture as a complementary therapy to:

• Regulate menstrual cycles

• Improve ovulation quality

• Support egg and sperm health

• Enhance uterine lining thickness

• Reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing

• Increase success rates alongside IVF and assisted reproductive treatments

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries to support reproductive health. Today, it is commonly integrated with modern fertility treatments for a holistic, evidence-informed approach.

How Fertility Acupuncture Works

From a TCM perspective, fertility depends on the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the reproductive organs. When there is stagnation, deficiency, or imbalance, conception may be more difficult.

From a biomedical perspective, research suggests acupuncture may:

• Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus

• Regulate hormones involved in the menstrual cycle

• Support healthy ovulation

• Calm the nervous system (reducing cortisol and stress hormones)

• Improve implantation conditions

By combining traditional diagnostic methods with modern understanding, fertility acupuncture aims to create the most supportive internal environment for conception.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

At my Abbotsford clinic, your initial consultation is comprehensive and personalised.

1. Detailed Health Assessment

I review:

• Menstrual cycle history

• Ovulation patterns

• Hormonal symptoms

• Previous pregnancies or miscarriages

• IVF or ART history

• General health, digestion, sleep, and stress levels

This allows me to identify patterns that may be affecting fertility.

2. Personalised Treatment Plan

No two fertility journeys are the same. Your treatment plan may include:

• Weekly acupuncture sessions

• Cycle tracking and timing treatments around ovulation

• Pre-IVF or post-transfer support

• Chinese herbal medicine (if appropriate)

• Dietary and lifestyle guidance

3. The Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. Most patients find treatments relaxing and often feel calmer or even sleepy during sessions.

Each session typically lasts 45–60 minutes.

Fertility Acupuncture for IVF Support in Melbourne

If you’re undergoing IVF or IUI, acupuncture can be timed strategically to support each phase of your cycle:

• Before stimulation – to regulate hormones

• During stimulation – to support follicle development

• Pre- and post-embryo transfer – to improve uterine receptivity

• During the two-week wait – to reduce stress and support implantation

Many Melbourne fertility specialists are familiar with patients using acupuncture alongside assisted reproductive treatments.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

For preconception care, I generally recommend beginning treatment 3–4 months before trying to conceive. This timeframe supports egg maturation and cycle regulation.

However, even shorter treatment plans can provide meaningful support, particularly during IVF cycles.

Consistency is key. Fertility acupuncture works best when treatments are regular and aligned with your cycle.

Is Fertility Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. At Eastential Chinese Medicine, I use single-use sterile needles and tailor treatments to your stage of cycle or pregnancy.

If you are already pregnant, we adjust acupuncture points accordingly to ensure safety.

Why Choose Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford?

Choosing the right practitioner matters. With 10 year of experience at my Melbourne clinic, I offer:

• Individualised, cycle-based treatment plans

• Experience supporting IVF and assisted fertility treatments

• A calm, supportive environment

• Holistic care addressing both physical and emotional wellbeing

I understand that fertility is not just a physical journey — it’s emotional, personal, and deeply important.

Ready to Support Your Fertility Naturally?

Whether you’re just starting to try, preparing for IVF, or looking for answers after months of uncertainty, fertility acupuncture may provide the support your body needs.

If you're located in Melbourne and seeking personalised fertility care, Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford is here to help.

Book your in person consultation today and take the next step toward growing your family.

How Acupuncture Supports IVF Success in Abbotsford, Melbourne

Couples preparing for IVF in Abbotsford often look for natural ways to increase their chances of success. At Eastential Chinese Medicine in Melbourne, I provide acupuncture and herbal medicine that support fertility by improving blood flow to reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and reducing stress throughout the IVF process. Many patients across Melbourne’s inner east find that combining medical treatment with acupuncture improves both outcomes and wellbeing. I understand that the IVF journey is as much an emotional marathon as a physical one.

Four Ways Acupuncture Optimizes Your IVF Cycle

• Enhancing Blood Flow: Optimizing the uterine environment for implantation.

• Hormonal Balance: Supporting the body’s response to IVF medications.

• Nervous System Regulation: Shifting from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest"—crucial for conception.

• Clinical Integration: We work alongside your specialists to ensure a cohesive care plan.

Your Treatment Timeline at Eastential Chinese Medicine

• Preparation Phase: 3 months prior to retrieval.

• Transfer Support: Specific protocols for the day of embryo transfer.

• Post-Transfer Care: Encouraging a calm environment for early pregnancy.

Sync Your Support with Your Next Cycle

IVF timing is everything. Whether you are in the "down-regulation" phase or preparing for an upcoming transfer, we recommend booking your initial consultation at least 2–4 weeks in advance to optimize your results.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Eastential Chinese Medicine in Abbotsford, your acupuncture sessions are personalised to your cycle and fertility goals. Treatments are gentle, safe, and designed to complement your IVF protocol. Most patients notice improved energy, reduced stress, and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit

Couples undergoing IVF or trying to conceive naturally can benefit from acupuncture. We work with patients from Abbotsford, Richmond, Collingwood, Fitzroy, and across Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

Take a Breath. We’re Here to Help

The IVF journey can feel like a series of clinical appointments and checklists. Let Eastential Chinese Medicine be the space where you finally get to exhale. Our Abbotsford clinic offers a calm, supportive environment dedicated to your preconception health.

Labour Preparation & Induction Acupuncture in Abbotsford, Melbourne

As you enter the final weeks of pregnancy, your body begins preparing for one of the most important transitions — labour and birth. At Eastential in Abbotsford, I offer specialised labour preparation acupuncture and natural induction support to help your body move into labour smoothly and confidently.

Breech Baby? Acupuncture Can Help

Before discussing labour induction, it’s important to mention that acupuncture and moxibustion are highly effective for turning breech or transverse babies.

If your baby is in breech position, the ideal time to begin treatment is around 34 weeks. The earlier treatment starts, the higher the success rate. While outcomes may reduce slightly after 36–38 weeks, I have successfully supported women even at 36–37 weeks. Every pregnancy is unique, and treatment is tailored accordingly.

Early intervention gives your baby the best opportunity to rotate naturally into an optimal head-down position.

Why Start Labour Preparation Acupuncture at 36 Weeks?

For many of my patients — especially those who have undergone fertility treatment — I recommend returning at 36 weeks onwards to begin labour preparation acupuncture.

Labour preparation helps:

• Prime the body for birth

• Support cervical ripening

• Encourage optimal baby positioning

• Reduce anxiety and stress

• Improve sleep

• Ease reflux and late-pregnancy discomfort

• Support a smoother transition from early contractions to active labour

• Assist with delivery of the placenta

Acupuncture works by regulating the nervous system, improving blood flow to the uterus, and gently encouraging the body’s natural readiness for labour.

What Happens During Labour Preparation Treatments?

36–38 Weeks: Gentle Preparation

During this stage, we use gentle acupuncture points to:

• Relax the body and mind

• Reduce tiredness, insomnia, reflux, and anxiety

• Encourage optimal baby positioning (Occiput Anterior / OA position – baby head down with spine against your belly)

This phase focuses on calming the nervous system and preparing your body gradually.

39–40 Weeks: Supporting Natural Labour Onset

As you approach your due date, stronger acupuncture points may be introduced to:

• Direct Qi downward

• Support cervical softening and opening

• Encourage contractions

• Help initiate natural labour

Treatment frequency may increase from weekly to twice weekly, depending on your body’s readiness and whether contractions have begun.

In my clinical experience, starting at 36 weeks provides the best foundation for a smoother labour transition, but any time between 36–40 weeks can be beneficial.

Can Acupuncture Help Avoid Medical Induction?

Many women come in hoping to encourage natural labour before a scheduled hospital induction. I have supported patients even the day before their induction date — and yes, some have gone into labour later that night.

That said, medical induction is not “bad.” Safety for both mother and baby always comes first. Acupuncture is not a 100% guarantee — but it is a safe, gentle, evidence-informed way to encourage the body to begin labour naturally.

It supports your body’s own processes rather than forcing them.

Is Labour Induction Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. When performed by a qualified practitioner with 10+ years experience, acupuncture is considered safe during late pregnancy. Treatments are carefully tailored to your gestational stage and medical history.

Your comfort, safety, and informed choice are always prioritised.

Ready to Prepare for Birth Naturally?

If you're in your final weeks of pregnancy and wondering how to:

• Prepare your body for labour

• Encourage natural induction

• Support optimal baby positioning

• Reduce stress and anxiety before birth

Labour preparation acupuncture in Abbotsford may be exactly what you need.

Book an initial constulation or reach out with any questions. I’m always happy to guide you through this important stage.

Fertility with Acupuncture and Chinese medicine - What to expect

Ever wondered when is the best time to start acupuncture and herbal medicine for fertility?  Have you been sitting on the fence not sure if this is the right approach for you?  Here are some of the common questions I get asked often in clinic which I hope answers some of questions about utilising acupuncture and Chinese medicine as part of your fertility journey

What should I expect in my first consultation?

You will be asked questions in detail about your menstrual cycle and general well-being.  This allows me to see a whole picture of where your body is at from Chinese medicine perspective.  I will take a look at your tongue and take your pulse.  Tongue and pulse are used in Chinese medicine to inform me about what is going on internally.  Then acupuncture is given as part of the consultation and, herbal medicine is prescribed.

What does a course of treatment look like?

Natural conception

Normally it would take a minimum of three months to improve fertility outcomes.  However, it all depends on a case by case basis.  In general, if your cycle is regular and general health is good, then a minimum of three months is required for pre-conception health.  If your cycle is irregular, older in age, highly stressful, poor gut health or there are menstrual issues such as PCOS or Endometriosis it may take up to 6 months for a desirable outcome.

IVF and freezing eggs

Similarly to the above, it is highly recommended to start acupuncture and herbal medicine at least three months prior to starting IVF.  While preparing your body for IVF, it is encouraged to continue to try naturally and in some instances, patient do fall pregnant un-expectedly.  Regular acupuncture sessions is encouraged while you go through IVF cycles.  Each phases of IVF comes with different set of challenges.  Acupuncture can address these issues and also improve the outcome.  This also applies to women looking into freezing their eggs for future use.

Multiple miscarriages

While miscarriages are heartbreaking and sometimes unexplainable, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve the outcome of pregnancy and prevent further miscarriages.  By looking at your overall and menstrual health, certain details can be identified according to Chinese medicine diagnosis.  Course of treatment can range between three to six months for a positive outcome. I would encourage women that have been through multiple miscarriages to seek treatment as early as possible. The more often this occurs, the weaker the body becomes. Therefore, the more strengthening and re-balancing the body will required to have a successful pregnancy.

PCOS and Endometriosis

Women enduring with PCOS and Endometriosis understands the struggle to menstrual health and the challenge in trying to conceive.  Each condition is different and based on individual menstrual condition, different treatment course are advised.  In general, PCOS and Endometriosis will need a lot of work to re-balance the body with will take at least six months.  If you have mild PCOS or Endometriosis, the course of treatment would be less extensive.  However, in my clinical experience, it is challenging to maintain a regular and healthy cycle conducive for pregnancy but not necessarily impossible. It does require patience and time to re-calibrate the body.

Low sperm count and poor quality sperm

Increasingly, low sperm count and poor quality sperm is the cause of failed pregnancies and miscarriages.  Sperm health is equally as important as menstrual health.  Depending on the degree of the sperm quality and quantity, a minimum of three to six months is needed to improve a positive outcome. I do not often see men in the clinic for this condition however, the few that had come in for treatments has have a positive outcome. It goes to show that by encouraging men to take responsibility in their health, and to seek help when there is an issue early on can make the fertility journey less challenging and heartbreaking.

Can I just do acupuncture without herbal medicine?

My recommendation is to do both acupuncture and herbal medicine together.  In my clinical experience, having both modality yields better result.  However, there are circumstances that only acupuncture is recommended for example if you are on a long list of supplements and medications from your doctor has prescribed and, you are currently undergoing IVF (generally specialist would not recommend any herbal medicine during IVF to minimise any interactions with the drugs prescribed).  My approach is not to overload the body with too many herbs, medications and supplements.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe to use?

Yes it is.  The powdered herbs I use in my clinic have been tested for toxicity and it is a well-known brand from Taiwan that have been providing powdered herbs for many years.  It is also approved by the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA). Initially you may find the taste a bit ‘interesting’ but you do get used to the taste after a few rounds of it.  I used powdered herbs in my clinic which makes it convenient to adapt into your lifestyle.  It is as simple as adding hot water to a couple of teaspoons of powdered herbs.

Is acupuncture painful?

Head to this link on what to expect for acupuncture

Why a course of treatment takes between three to six months or longer?

It takes time.  Depending on your menstrual and general health, it takes time to re-balance, replenish and strengthen your body to hold and carry your pregnancy to term. I work on regulating your cycle, making sure that the consistency of blood is good, the amount of bleed is neither too heavy of light etc. If the issue is with the sperm, I work on increasing the quantity, morphology and motility of the sperm. In addition, treatments are also aimed at reducing stress, optimising your digestive and gut function and improve your energy and quality of sleep. All of these parameters have a role to play in having a positive and successful pregnancy. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” - Lao Tzu

How would know it is benefiting me?

You will start to noticed that you are less stressful, sleeping more soundly, improvements in gut and digestive health, regulated cycles with good quality and quantity of blood, increase in cervical mucous (stretchy egg white mucous that indicates ovulation) less pre-menstrual symptoms, cramps etc.  All these changes are tell-tale signs that the body is re-calibrating and improving the chances of falling pregnant.

What happens after I fall pregnant?

This would be a wonderful outcome and a new journey begins.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine is still encouraged after a positive result with treatments now geared towards securing and supporting the pregnancy.  As you go through each week of the pregnancy, acupuncture and herbal medicine can assist in symptoms that may arise during pregnancy such as nausea, lower back pain, spotting etc.  As the week advances, everything from your blood test to scans showing the baby is growing strongly and, most importantly you feel confident with the pregnancy, treatments are no longer needed. However, during the course of your pregnancy if you feel that you need support, I am here to assist you whenever you need it.

When should I start?

My recommendation is to start as soon as possible if you know you are wanting to start a family or have been struggling to fall pregnant.  Simply book online for an initial consultation today and we will begin your fertility journey.

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Awareness

At Eastential Acupuncture and Chinese medicine Melbourne we placed great emphasis on the importance of postnatal care. We believe that postnatal care is just as important as the care given during fertility, preconception health and pregnancy. One of the greatest concern during postnatal care is the emotional ups and downs of coping with a newborn or a new addition to the family unit. Some women transition into motherhood with ease, others struggle both physically and mentally with the needs of a newborn and family. Women without support from immediate family or community often feel lonely and helpless which may then lead to anxiety or depression.

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) is an organisation that supports women, men and families across Australia that suffers from postnatal depression and anxiety. This week PANDA had launched an awareness week to start a conversation about this condition affecting 1 in 5 expecting or new mothers, 1 in 10 expecting expecting or new fathers and affects around 100,000 families across Australia every year. An excerpt from the information download from PANDA-

Talking about it

Perinatal anxiety and depression is a serious health condition. It can affect any new or expecting parent and does not discriminate. It is nothing to be ashamed of, but many new mums and dads find it hard to talk about it. Expecting and new parents telling others about their struggles, or admitting they need help and seeking treatment or advice is not a sign of weakness. It shows that they want the best for themselves and their family.

Recognising perinatal anxiety and depression

Perinatal anxiety and depression can be difficult to recognise for a whole range of reasons. Symptoms are often dismissed as normal parts of pregnancy or early parenthood. Shame and stigma can lead to a ‘mask of coping’. Symptoms can look different for each person.

Signs may include:

• Feeling sad, low, or crying for no obvious reason

• Persistent, generalised worry, often focused on fears for the health or wellbeing of your baby

• Being nervous, ‘on edge’, or panicky

• Being easily annoyed or irritated

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Difficulties sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping

• Abrupt mood swings

• Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy

• Physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, lack of appetite

• Having little or no interest in the things that normally bring you joy

• Fear of being alone or with others

• Finding it difficult to focus, concentrate or remember

• Increased alcohol or drug use

• Panic attacks (racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking or feeling physically ‘detached’ from your surroundings)

• Developing obsessive or compulsive behaviours

• Thoughts of death, suicide or harming your baby

Postnatal psychosis

Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious illness that affects one to two new mums in every 1000 and can put both mother and baby at risk. It almost always requires hospital admission. The symptoms often arrive suddenly and can include extreme mood swings, significant behaviour changes and loss of touch with reality.

If you suspect a new mum you know may have postnatal psychosis, you can:

• take her to a doctor

• take her to the nearest hospital emergency department

• call PANDA’s National Helpline – 1300 726 306

If you or someone close to you experiences any symptoms or feelings that worry you for two weeks or more, please seek relevant support as soon as possible. The quicker that person seeks some support, the sooner she or he will feel better (information supplied by PANDA)

Postnatal Series - Five Key Points To Be Mindful Of In Postnatal Care

Five key points to be mindful of, in your first 40 days of your postnatal care passage and why it matters to embrace this “Fourth Trimester” as part of your motherhood journey.

1/ POSTNATAL CARE MATTERS

Postnatal Care is about self-care after birth and preserving the body and reproductive health for future pregnancies, and long term wellness.  This allows the mother to adapt fluidly to the changing environment, as well as maintaining and increasing her reserve and nourishment for the baby and herself.  The idea is to prevent the mother from continuously depleting her own reserve, whilst maintaining and improving her health and well-being, in order to tackle the ebbs and flows of motherhood.

2/ POST BABY BODY

Pregnancy has such a deep effect on a woman, not just physically, but mentally as well. Women tend to forget the simple act of resting and giving the body time to heal and recover.  Whether you like it or not, your core will be compromised after baby is born. You do not have to be immobile like a vegetable during the 6-weeks postpartum period, but as soon as you feel rested and more energized, start working on deepening your breathing with core and pelvic floor connection, joint movements to get your circulation going, light stretches and some gentle walking. It’s important to listen to your body. Pushing your body too fast and too soon may slow down the recovery process.

3/ NOURISHMENT AND NUTRITION

It is crucial that in the first 40 days after birth, the body is nourished with warm, energy boosting, blood building, easy to digest and simple cooked meals as much as possible.  Good nourishing meals with simple ingredients and understanding what it does for the body is the key to self-care after birth.  Meals are prepared to aid digestion, to warm the belly and heart and, to regenerate and build resources that are depleted.  Diet during the first 40 days is about restoring and nourishing your health and body back to balance. Pre-planning your meals, cooking larger portions and freezing them, is an efficient way to eat well without compromising on the quality of nutrition.

4/ EXERCISE

Rest and recovery is key, but rebuilding physical and mental strength and flexibility is equally important. Work with a trained professional who is educated and experienced in postpartum specific issues like Diastasis Recti (abdominal muscle separation), dysfunctional pelvic floor, hip and lower back pain, and unstable sacroiliac joints, to name a few. Functional programs like Postnatal Yoga, Mum and Bub Yoga, and Postnatal Pilates are great, as they also act as bridge before resuming your regular sporting activities.

5/ MENTAL HEALTH & POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Birth trauma and perinatal anxiety is very real!  According to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), 1 in 7 new mothers and up to 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal anxiety and depression in Australia. The other more extreme cases of Postnatal Depression called Postnatal Psychosis affects one to two women in every one thousand, after birth.

Postnatal care is often overlooked in the entire pregnancy journey.  Women are often concern about fertility, looking after themselves during pregnancy, and the best course of birthing.  These are extremely vital steps. However, women should not forget that the journey of looking after oneself should not stop after the birth of the baby.  There should be a continuation of that ‘vital care’ in order to rebuild, restore and rebalance the body, not only for the health of your baby and but also for further reproduction, slow down the process of ageing, and for better health further in life.  Postnatal care matters for the restoration of your health in the present and also in the future.

What more information on how Chinese medicine diet therapy or the postpartum herbal pantry kit to aid in your postnatal recovery?  We offer a FREE 15 minute consultation in our clinic. Come chat with us. Simply BOOK ONLINE or email us on eastentialtcm@gmail.com and we will endeavour to attend to your queries within 48 hours.

Postnatal Series - Dietary & Lifestyle in Postnatal Care

As emphasised from the last blog post, postnatal care is about self-care after birth and preserving the body and reproductive health for future pregnancies and long term wellness.  What is it that constitutes ‘good’ nourishment from the TCM perspective and exercise during the first 40 days of your postnatal recovery care? 

Good nourishment for postnatal recovery is about eating meals using a handful of ingredients without compromising on taste.  It is crucial that in the first 40 days after birth, the body is nourished with warm, energy boosting, blood building, easy to digest and simple cooked meals as much as possible.  Good nourishing meals with simple ingredients and the understanding of what it does for the body, is the key to self-care after birth.  Think of postnatal care as recovering from a cold but taken up a few notches.  The body is more worn out from birthing than you realise, and resources taken out of your body for breastfeeding, plus the demands of being a new mother can take a huge toll on the body.  Therefore, it is important that meals are prepared to aid digestion, warming to the belly and heart and, generates and builds resources that have been depleted.  The diet during the first 40 days is about restoring and nourishing your health and body back to balance.

In reality, especially in Australia, having a helping hand after childbirth can be challenging.  Unless you have a community, mother/mother-in-law, sister, midwife or a postpartum doula that you could get support from, the journey of postnatal care rests entirely on you.  This may seem daunting at first, but with some planning during the last few weeks of your pregnancy (34-39 weeks), you can organize meals, make broths to freeze, stock up the pantry and make a list of simple, easy to cook meals whilst taking care of your newborn yourself and your family.

Here are some suggestions on ingredients and food preparation from the Chinese medicine diet therapy:

Meal suggestions

Congee (traditional Chinese porridge made from rice that helps to strengthen digestion, boost energy and aid in recovery), stew, soups and everything slow cooked.

Methods of cooking

Slowly and gently simmer in a slow cooker, rice cooker, in the oven or over the stove top. We would highly recommend using the first three methods on the list – slow cooker, rice cooker (there are modern rice cookers that cooks congee at a touch of a button) and/or in the oven, as this will allow you to put all the ingredients into a pot and walk away from it.  Being efficient and effective, without compromising on nutrition is key to postpartum recovery! Simply throw in prepared ingredients (this can be done beforehand and frozen) into a cooker, add broth or stock (again, this can be done easily beforehand and frozen) and press a button and in a few hours… et viola! You will have a meal cooked for you whilst having the time to rest and attend to your new born throughout the day.  You can also cook a delicious congee the night before in the slow cooker. There’s nothing like waking up to the aroma of delicious congee for breakfast.  The main idea is to prepare the main ingredients beforehand and freeze them, cook in bulk for as many portions you can, and freeze them, in the event you are just too exhausted to cook anything.

Eat more of

These food suggestions help to build Blood, restore energy and strengthen the Spleen/Stomach organ to aid in the process of building Blood.

Simple grains eg. Rice, organic 5 grain rice (brown rice, red rice, buckwheat, millet, black rice), oats, barley, wheat, bran

Vegetables – beetroot, button mushrooms, cabbage, celery, dark leafy greens, shitake mushroom, spinach, watercress, bok choy, choi sum, kai lan, pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, yam

Fruit (hard fruits preferably stewed and eaten warm) – apples, apricot, date, fig, grape, peach, raspberry

Beans – black bean, aduki and kidney beans

Seeds – black sesame

Fish – sardine, tuna, mussel

Consume in small amounts

Meat eg. beef, chicken, pork and lamb.  As meat takes a bit of work to digest in the body, during the first 40 days after birth, the body is considered deficient and weak.  Hence it is advisable to consume only a small amount of meat which is preferably stewed, or slow cooked to aid digestion.

Avoid

Anything and everything cold including cold drinks, raw food, cold salads, smoothies and ice-cream

Chinese herbs to add into soup, stew or congee

Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Gou Zi Qi, Dang Shen, Huang Qi, Wu Zhu Yu, Chuang Xiong, Da Zao – these herbs are used to build Blood, boost energy, restore the essence and rebalance the body’s health and aids in milk production.  In Chinese medicine, breast milk is the extension of Blood.  The idea is, if you have a continuous diet and herbs that help build Blood, then there will be ample supply of breast milk flowing from the breast.

Sipping warm tea

A medley of Long Yan Rou, Da Zao & Gou Zi Qi - this is brewed and saved in a thermos that you can sip throughout the day to boost energy and blood production

If you are in doubt about where to source these recommended Chinese herbs, we can source a postpartum pantry kit for you that are prepacked and ready to use in stock, soup and stew.  Send us an email and we will be happy to organise a kit for you.

Besides diet, exercise is also important. Angeline Liew, an internationally accredited Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga educator from Prana Yoga KL says, “Almost everyone wants a “quick-fix” to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back...but every body is different, and everyone recovers at a different rate. Whilst as a general rule of thumb, it is best to honor the first 40 days of post partum with as much rest and recovery as possible, it largely depends on the individual. Restoring and strengthening the body after baby, requires mindfulness and awareness of what the body has gone through. This includes post partum specific issues like Diastasis Recti (abdominal muscle separation), weakened or dysfunctional pelvic floor, hip and lower back pain, unstable sacroiliac joint, and stiff shoulders, to name a few. Rest well, and when you’re ready, embark on a postpartum strengthening and rehabilitation program with a trained Postnatal Yoga or Postnatal Pilates professional. Give your body some love and compassion. Being in a hurry can sometimes slow down the recovery process”.

What more information on how Chinese medicine diet therapy or the postpartum herbal pantry kit to aid in your postnatal recovery?  We offer a FREE 15 minute consultation in our clinic. Come chat with us.  Simply BOOK ONLINE or email us on eastentialtcm@gmail.com and we will endeavour to attend to your queries within 48 hours.

Fertility series - Five Key Aspects from Chinese medicine perspective for Preconception Health

When you and your partner decides on when to start trying to have a baby, it is good to have an idea of your partner's and your health in check.  Here are 5 important aspects from Chinese medicine perspective for preconception health:

Cycle, Ovulation & Fertile mucous - It is important that your cycle is regular and there are signs of ovulation.  The appearance of substantial fertile mucous that is clear and stretchy resembling an egg white consistency preceding ovulation is an indication of your "peak day".  Fertile mucous acts like an alarm, alerting you to your most fertile days and, it facilitate the sperm's journey up the cervix aimed at getting these sperm inside the female reproductive tract well before the egg is released.  The egg is one of the shortest lived single cell in the body, its lifespan only last between 6 to 12 hours.  A simple tool such as a fertility app can help you monitor your cycle and body temperature to determine when ovulation occurs.  It also indicate your most fertile phase for intercourse and it keeps a log of your physical and mental health symptoms.

Emotions and mental health - Anxiety, depression or fear can affect your reproductive health.  In Chinese medicine, there is a connection between the Heart (Mental/Emotions) and the Kidney (Uterus).  It is said that when the Heart is happy, peaceful and tranquil, the function of the uterus would be harmonised.  Meaning ovulation would occur at the right time and the cycle is regulated.  Emotional well being and mental health is important to your partner as well.  This will impact on his sexual function and his ability to enjoy the journey with you.  Not only do you need to work on your physical health, emotional and mental health is equally as important in preconception health.

Nutrition and Nourishment - How you fuel your body can either enhance or deteriorate the function of your body.  Food influence your well-being, weight, energy levels and how you feel from a day to day basis.  By understanding that food is medicine that provides nutrition for your body, you can begin to nourish your body by changing the way you connect with food.  From a Chinese medicine perspective, we are encouraged to consume warm cooked meals and to stay away from cold and raw foods such as smoothies, cold and raw salads, poke bowls, protein shakes, and ice-cream.  Greasy, deep fried food, junk food, and overly spicy food are discouraged and the consumption of alcohol should be limited and cold beverages should be avoided.  This general principle is applied for preconception health.  It helps to keep the stomach and womb warm and well nourished, an important aspect in increasing the success rate of natural conception.

Lifestyle - Stress!  Most common issue that I constantly hear about during preconception consultation in my clinic.  In Chinese medicine, stress can cause Qi stagnation.  When Qi does not flow harmoniously, it disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.  Therefore, hindering the energetic Organs of the Liver, Spleen, Heart and Kidneys that aid in reproductive matters, to work on coping with stress rather than on conception affairs.  Begin by addressing what is the source of your stress, than take steps to either minimise or find strategies to manage that stress for example, reducing work load responsibilities, practice meditation or yoga, etc.  By tweaking and adjusting your lifestyle now will help you and your partner have a higher success rate in conceiving naturally.

Sexual function - Check in with each other.  Is there poor libido, premature ejaculation problems, performance issues or pain on sexual intercourse?  These are signs that suggest an imbalance in the body or a physical problem that can either be addressed with Chinese or western medicine.  It is best to address these issues as soon as possible because treatment to restore good healthy sexual function does take time.  Therefore, the sooner you get it checked out and treated, the quicker you can start trying for a baby.

The body is very resilient and copes with whatever we throw at it.  We also believe that the body can heal itself quickly.  As a practitioner, I would like to believe that this is the case for every body but we are all built and shaped differently.  If you and your partner would like to have a baby six months to a year down the road, I urge you to put your health and lifestyle as a priority now.  Changes on the physical, mental, emotional and cellular level takes time therefore, preconception health should be right at the top of your "To Do List".

Would like more information?

Dr Jacqueline's main focus of practice is fertility and women's health.  She is compassionate and understand the struggle and emotional strain a couple goes through natural fertility.  If you would like to discuss or understand how Chinese medicine can help with natural fertility, please BOOK ONLINE for a consultation.

Resources

Lyttleton, J. (2013). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine.

Image from Unsplash by Taylor Hernandez