As we are in the last stages of pregnancy, and I am hoping for a natural
birth, I started to look for alternatives to help facilitate the
transition to labor and delivery. We had heard from numerous friends and
family that they had been amazed by the effects of acupuncture. So with
an insurance plan that includes alternative medicine (yay!), I ventured
to my first appointment this morning. I've never had a big fear of
needles so I didn't feel nervous, just excited to see what sort of
results I could experience.
First I learned that I am spleen person. I should have asked what that actually meant, but according to my rudimentary internet search, apparently it means that I am very yin-like, earthy type. She also told me that spleen people tend to have easier labors, not sure if that is true, but it sure sounds nice to me. The acupuncturist was incredibly thorough in collecting information both related to physical and emotional well being. I truly appreciated all her care and concern. My friend who recommended her to me had told me that her acupuncture is so effective with pregnant women that she has had women whose water breaks right during the session. She assured me that would not happen today, thanks goodness as we are not totally prepared yet.
So she got me all relaxed on the table and then proceeded to fill me up with needles. With some of the needles she inserted I felt immediate relief, like in my shoulders and jaw, areas where I habitually hold a lot of tension. However the coolest part of the whole experience was that I felt very in tune with what I can only describe as the apana vayu from the study of energy in yoga. This energy is associated with a downward flow. Throughout the treatment I had visions of my pelvis opening and the baby's head moving through it, and it wasn't painful or scary, it just felt like the sensations of opening and surrendering.
I'm going back for further investigation on Thursday. And the acupuncturist recommended coming 2-3 times during the last week. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
First I learned that I am spleen person. I should have asked what that actually meant, but according to my rudimentary internet search, apparently it means that I am very yin-like, earthy type. She also told me that spleen people tend to have easier labors, not sure if that is true, but it sure sounds nice to me. The acupuncturist was incredibly thorough in collecting information both related to physical and emotional well being. I truly appreciated all her care and concern. My friend who recommended her to me had told me that her acupuncture is so effective with pregnant women that she has had women whose water breaks right during the session. She assured me that would not happen today, thanks goodness as we are not totally prepared yet.
So she got me all relaxed on the table and then proceeded to fill me up with needles. With some of the needles she inserted I felt immediate relief, like in my shoulders and jaw, areas where I habitually hold a lot of tension. However the coolest part of the whole experience was that I felt very in tune with what I can only describe as the apana vayu from the study of energy in yoga. This energy is associated with a downward flow. Throughout the treatment I had visions of my pelvis opening and the baby's head moving through it, and it wasn't painful or scary, it just felt like the sensations of opening and surrendering.
I'm going back for further investigation on Thursday. And the acupuncturist recommended coming 2-3 times during the last week. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
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