Pregnancy

Jani has undertaken comprehensive obstetric acupuncture training and is able to offer treatment for all aspects of antenatal, labour and postpartum care. Acupuncture is an effective way to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy in the assurance that there are no negative side effects to the baby. Acupuncture is proven effective in turning breech presentation babies, and for the induction of labour. Jani specialises in counselling couples pre-labour, teaching techniques to cope with the labour, including acupressure for labour, and she is especially good at coaching Dads on how best to help. Labour attendance is the very favourite part of her work.

Acupuncture for Pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy.
It is what every woman wishes for; wanting the very best for her child throughout all the stages of gestation, wishing for a good labour, and hoping that all will be well when the baby is born.

So many of the discomforts of pregnancy are not treated in western medicine, as everyone involved, GP's, consultants, midwives and mothers, would prefer to avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs or intervention treatment. For many women this may leave them suffering the discomforts of pregnancy with not much more than good advice and being asked to just put up with it.

The ancient Chinese believed that pregnancy and childbirth should be a period of balanced health during which the well being of the developing child can be maximised. A healthy pregnancy and labour was considered important for ensuring that the child had the best possible start in life, and for reducing the risk of ill-health later in life.

Because of this philosophy, acupuncture treatment in pregnancy has been studied in depth and is well understood within Chinese medicine. Acupuncture for pregnancy and childbirth is a safe and effective way of treating so many of the discomforts of pregnancy, in the sure knowledge that it is safe for the baby and won't engender any unwanted side effects.

For many modern women the reality of their lives and commitments may mean that they need to work during their pregnancy. This can be a depleting experience for some women, often leading to an increase of some of the symptoms of pregnancy (see antenatal care) and potentially depriving them of the extra rest that is so necessary during this special time. Acupuncture is an excellent therapy for helping to build the bodies reserves of energy, giving mothers that little extra to help cope with the demands of working in pregnancy.

Many women may wonder if acupuncture is painful, as so many people equate needles to having an injection. Acupuncture needles are significantly smaller than hypodermic needles; some are not much thicker than a human hair! The insertion of the needles is very gentle and the majority of people do not experience any sensation from this. Most people feel a sensation of some sort when the needle meets the energy (the Qi), usually described as a dull aching sensation or a surging sensation. Most practitioners are very aware of the delicacy of the pregnant state and are able to modify treatment to meet any extra sensitivity.

Other complementary therapies which can help in pregnancy are: osteopathy or chiropractic, cranial sacral therapy, homeopathy, nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, shiatsu, and hypnotherapy. Always try to find a referral or recommendation to someone who specialises in treating pregnancy and childbirth.

Jani White 07932 00 00 25 practices from The Birth Company in London , Tel: 020 7725 0528.
In Oxford she practices from The Bell Trees Clinic along with 3 other members of the Acupuncture Childbirth Team who are also based there. Tel:01865 200 365

To find an Acupuncture Childbirth Team member in your locality of Oxfordshire please contact the ACT secretary on: 07790 043532
www.actoxford.org.uk