Many new mothers face many new challenges after giving birth and go through a period of mood swings, which can even lead to postpartum depression. The symptoms of depression include a loss of interest in things that used to be interesting, a loss of appetite, easy fatigue, anxiety, irritability, etc. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks after delivery, it is considered postpartum depression.
In fact, about 70% to 80% of women may fall into a low mood after giving birth, and the length of time varies from person to person. There are many reasons for this, such as drastic hormonal changes in the body after childbirth, worry about whether the body shape will recover, wounds during childbirth or breast pain caused by breastfeeding, lack of sleep, worry about insufficient breast milk secretion, and excessive hair loss. Most of them are afraid of not being able to take good care of their children or having different parenting concepts from their spouse.
New mothers need to wear many hats, have a decent career, have a fit body, and have a harmonious family. How can we do it all? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has rich experience and a variety of effective methods for treating postpartum depression. It can help new mothers get through this period of physical and mental suffering and solve the fundamental problems that cause depression.
TCM treats both body and mind, assisting postpartum recovery
According to TCM theory, postpartum depression falls into the category of depressive disorders. The childbirth process can easily deplete one’s Qi, blood, and body fluids, leading to a deficiency in vital energy and a lack of nourishment for the mind and spirit.
From a TCM perspective, women with postpartum depression are considered to have extremely weak Qi and blood. During the entire pregnancy, blood volume increases nearly twofold to support the baby, but things change after childbirth. Labor and breastfeeding deplete the body’s blood and fluids. When blood and fluid levels are low, TCM views this as a deficiency in liver blood, heart blood, or Yin deficiency, leading to such symptoms as restlessness, palpitations, dry mouth, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating—these are the typical symptoms of postpartum depression.
TCM treatment for postpartum depression is highly effective, and acupuncture is a promising non-pharmacological therapy for alleviating postpartum depression symptoms.
Acupuncture Treatment for Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Research has found that acupuncture can alleviate depression by increasing hippocampal and neural network plasticity while reducing brain inflammation. It can help restore the body’s natural hormone balance in a shorter period of time. It is a valuable complement to self-care for any new or expectant mother, especially in the days following childbirth.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Postpartum Depression
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress: Acupuncture calms the nervous system and the mind by lowering blood pressure, promoting healthy circulation, and reducing the release of stress hormones.
- Aids in healing from the physical birth process: Giving birth is a wonderful and strenuous experience, and women utilize a significant amount of Qi and blood to create and deliver a child.
- Restores physical balance: Once we understand the underlying patterns and root causes of postpartum depression, we can make unique diagnoses for patients, alleviating the core symptoms, allowing the body to heal, and preparing them for parenthood.
- Time for self-care: Acupuncture allows time for self-care. Restoring the body’s equilibrium is crucial for a new mother’s journey and her overall health.
Acupuncture Points for Postpartum Depression
In TCM theory, feelings of sadness and anxiety are primarily attributed to deficiencies in the heart, spleen, or liver. Treatment aims to nourish Yin, replenish blood, and soothe the liver while strengthening the spleen. There are seven acupuncture points used in postpartum depression, regular massaging of these acupressure points can help regulate emotions, relieve anxiety, and enhance mental well-being.
Acupuncture Points for postpartum depression:
Taichong (LR3): used to regulate liver Qi, alleviate stress, and improve mood
Sanyinjiao (SP6): used to tonify Qi and promote circulation of blood
Zusanli(ST36): use to improve digestion, and promote overall wellness
Shenmen(HT7): used to nourish the blood and cool and clam down the internal fire
Neiguan(P6): used to lessen nausea and prevent vomiting
Daling(PC7): use to clear heat from the heart, calm the mind and loosen the chest
Hegu (LI4): used to relieve pain and promote the flow of Qi
FAQ
Q 1: How long does it generally take for acupuncture to be effective in treating depression?
There is significant individual variation in this regard. In general, most patients with depression will experience noticeable changes after around five sessions, and some patients may even show improvement after the first session. For genuine cases of depression, as opposed to mild depressive moods, it typically requires 20 to 30 sessions of treatment, taking approximately 3 to 6 months to achieve full recovery.
Q 2: What is the recommended frequency for acupuncture in the treatment of depression?
It is recommended that patients should be able to get 2-3 treatments per week in the first few weeks, then transition to once a week for a few weeks, and maintain once a month or even once every 2-3 months for a period of time. The more frequent treatment in the initial phase can quickly initiate clinical effects, and it can also work rapidly when combined with antidepressant medication.
Q 3. What are the advantages of scalp acupuncture in the treatment of depression?
Scalp acupuncture is a modern acupuncture technique that combines traditional acupuncture methods with theories from modern neuroscience, especially brain science. Scalp acupuncture primarily stimulates specific areas of the head related to the disease and produces corresponding responses within the brain. It is mainly used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders, among others. In recent years, depression has been one of the key diseases that scalp acupuncture has researched and applied for. It can achieve more direct and efficient therapeutic effects by stimulating brain areas associated with depression.
Q 4. What are the recent developments in acupuncture for the treatment of depression?
Acupuncture for the treatment of depression has a history spanning thousands of years and has been continuously evolving. One area of development is an increased focus on the role of the brain in mental disorders such as depression. In clinical practice, acupuncture treatment often concentrates on acupoints along the governing vessel meridian, head acupoints, scalp acupuncture, and abdominal acupuncture.
It’s important to note that acupuncture points used in postpartum care may vary depending on the individual’s unique symptoms and needs. A qualified and experienced TCM practitioner will customize the treatment plan to each patient to ensure the best possible outcomes.
At Shanghai Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of postpartum care for new mothers, and TCM and acupuncture can be powerful tools in promoting health and happiness during this critical time. Our team of TCM practitioners in Dubai is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to new mothers to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition into motherhood.
