Pregnancy depression acupuncture

Depression during pregnancy and Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pregnancy depression

When it comes to treating pregnancy depression, acupuncture is gaining recognition as an effective and safe solution. Now a new and largest study to date published in Obstetrics & Gynaecology confirms acupuncture to be effective for antenatal or pregnancy depression. There’s a growing call for this ancient therapy to become a mainstream option, especially considering the positive effects on both mother and baby.

Pregnancy Depression: More Common Than You Think

 

Pregnancy depression is more common than previously thought, with 1 in 7 pregnant women may suffer the baby blues. Now an influential body of US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women during pregnancy are screened for the condition affecting health not only of the mother but also of the developing baby.

Why antidepressants may be risky during pregnancy

Since 2008 NZ Medsafe has been warning that SSRI antidepressant use in pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital abnormalities and that in later stages of pregnancy can lead to neonatal complications indicative of a withdrawal syndrome, and to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn; and that doctors need to discuss this with their patients.
Some antidepressants were considered to be relatively safe not so long ago, but there is more and more evidence confirming that any kind of antidepressants may temporarily or permanently harm the developing foetus. The March 2010 issue of Pediatrics reports that antidepressants may permanently or reversibly affect fetal brain development.

Why you shouldn’t delay and address pregnancy depression as soon as it is diagnosed

Addressing pregnancy depression promptly is vital for safeguarding both mother and baby. Left untreated, it can lead to preterm births and elevated cortisol levels, possibly causing low birth weight or impaired brain development. Children born to mothers with pregnancy depression may also show heightened cortisol levels by age 10, indicating long-term effects on emotional health.

Acupuncture for pregnancy depression

Pregnancy depression and stress can lead to adverse effects on the baby. Acupuncture is a safe effective treatment against the baby blues.

  • Many thousands of preterm births could be prevented if women diagnosed with the condition receive treatment during pregnancy.
  •  Antenatal depression and stress increase cortisol levels; this may lead to babies, who are born small and possibly smaller brains in proportion to their bodies.
  • Babies born to mothers with this debilitating condition have a blunted stress response, which may mean it is harder for them to react to stressful situations.
  • Antenatal stress can alter the structure of her offspring’s brain, particularly regions vital for emotional development.
  • Antenatal depression has a long-term effect on the child. Children born to stressed mothers have shown abnormally high cortisol levels at age 10.

The bottom line? Depression during pregnancy may harm the developing foetus and so can antidepressants. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for antenatal and postnatal depression. If you are pregnant and suspect that you may be suffering from depression, reach out to your obstetrician, midwife or GP and get in touch with us today.

Acupuncture for TMJ

TMJ Acupuncture: A Path to Relief

Experiencing TMJ disorder (TMD or TMJD) can turn even the joy of biting into your favorite chocolate bar into a painful ordeal.  TMJ disorder is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the skull. This joint’s dysfunction can lead to a range of symptoms, impacting one’s quality of life. Symptoms may include recurring headaches or migraines, tooth pain, and jaw discomfort to name a few.

Common treatments include occlusal splints, physical therapy, and medication with a various degree of success. But there’s an alternative on the horizon. A systematic review by Cho and Whang, published in the Journal of Orofacial Pain, shines a light on acupuncture. This ancient Chinese treatment shows promise in offering relief for TMD.

Their review published in Journal of Orofacial Pain encompassed 19 randomised controlled trials. The results were compelling. Acupuncture outperformed physical therapy and was more effective than both indomethacin plus vitamin B1 therapy and a wait-list control. Importantly, it was deemed safe, with no serious adverse events reported.

Acupuncture was compared against placebo in three studies. Again, the findings were strikingly persuasive. The therapeutic effects were notably beyond just a placebo effect.

Yet, the journey of understanding doesn’t end here. The review underscores the need for more comprehensive trials, with larger participant numbers and a focus on long-term results. This will deepen our understanding of acupuncture’s role in treating TMD, further integrating it into modern healthcare.

Acupuncture stands out as a natural, safe, and effective option for TMJ pain. In the realm of TMJ solutions, there’s a subtle but significant shift happening towards holistic treatments. Our acupuncture method, merging ancient wisdom with modern evidence, is at the forefront of this change.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the painful symptoms of TMJ disorder, the acupuncture we provide may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. This is our field of expertise – don’t miss out on our unique approach to TMJ relief. Meet our Auckland team and schedule a consultation with a qualified acupuncturist today. Take the first step towards a pain-free, balanced future. Your journey to wellness starts now.