Pregnancy Acupuncture

BY JESSICA STRACHAN

Hi there expecting parents, I’m Jess from MACHI Health and there is nothing I love more than caring for expecting parents and providing traditional medicine lifestyle tips that can really make a difference through your 12 month pregnancy journey. Yes! 12 months, because the three month postpartum period is just as important as the last nine months.

At MACHI we deeply understand pregnancy through lived and clinical experience and we’re here for the challenges that arise through your pregnancy journey and are here to provide you the best quality care for whatever comes your way. 

WHY MIGHT YOU CONSIDER ACUPUNCTURE FOR PREGNANCY? 

Chinese medicine has deep roots in the care and support of women during all life's transitions and pregnancy is a focused area of health care. All of your symptoms are important and your comfort, physical and mental health are our priority because your healthcare doesn't stop once your new baby has arrived.

We are here to provide traditional medicine support with Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Pregnancy massage, Cupping and lifestyle advice for all trimesters woes.

• Nausea/Morning Sickness

• Abdominal Pain & Reflux

• Constipation & Haemorrhoids

• Insomnia & Anxiety

• Lower back, pelvic and all types of pain conditions

• Fluid retention & Carpal tunnel

• Fatigue & Headaches

• Breech Presentations

ACUPUNCTURE FOR BIRTH PREPARATION

From 35 weeks, we work with you to prepare your body for labour and birth. This is by:

• Encourage optimal positioning of baby

• Reduce tension and encouraging nervous system relaxation

• Supporting cervical ripening and softening

ACUPUNCTURE FOR LABOUR INDUCTION 

As you approach 40 weeks, we may use more stimulating acupuncture points to help induce labour if necessary.

We also invite birth partners into session and teach you how to use acupressure to support the labour process.

PREGNANCY ACUPUNCTURE FAQS 

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE FOR BOTH MUM & BABY? 

Acupuncture is generally considered safe and our single use, ultra fine needles are not used in or around the abdomen in your pregnancy acupuncture session.

It is most important to receive your acupuncture care from a skilled practitioner that is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) like our MACHI Health practitioners who also hold appropriate training in Australia, Bachelor Health Science & a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chinese Medicine.

Our team will always keep your safety, consent and control in the treatment room as their highest priority.

CAN I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE IN MY FIRST TRIMESTER?

Yes, in your pregnancy acupuncture session with MACHI we don’t apply acupuncture to your abdomen. Our style of practice focuses on distal acupuncture, at your arms, legs and face. 

WHEN SHOULD I START ACUPUNCTURE IN PREGNANCY?

Acupuncture can be provided in all trimesters based on what arises in your body. Everyone experiences pregnancy in their own unique way, requiring more or less support at different stages throughout the nine months.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT? 

We practice a gentle style acupuncture and use the finest quality needles that allow for painless and effective treatments.

Acupuncture shouldn’t hurt, although there are points on the body that might be very sensitive or relate to a pain condition which may lead to greater sensation from the needle, but overall, you may experience a dull ache when the needle is applied.

WHY WOULD YOU WORK WITH US DURING THIS LIFE CHANGING PHASE?

• Our team is passionate about the support of women through pregnancy and postpartum and understand it is one of life’s most extreme transitions. 

• We are registered with AHPRA and focus our ongoing professional development on supporting patients from menses, conception, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. 

• We are trauma-informed and understand that childbirth changes and challenges us, the experience alters our body and mental/emotional state, requiring compassionate and knowledgeable support.

• We’ve made your acupuncture sessions more comfortable, offering expecting parents the space to relax on a floor futon, giving the comfort of a spacious bed instead of the dimensional constraints of a massage table.

Chinese medicine offers support for all trimesters of pregnancy and beyond, and our practitioners at MACHI understand the beauty and challenges of pregnancy and life postpartum, and we are there to provide you the best quality care for whatever life throws your way. 

LEARN MORE OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

We would love to discuss more details with you, feel free to contact us on (03) 9111 9910, or make an appointment for your first session here