Sitting For Long Time During Pregnancy May Harm Your Baby

Prolonged Sitting During Pregnancy May Affect Placenta Health, Study Finds

A recent study has found that long periods of sitting during pregnancy could potentially affect placental health, which is crucial for the well-being of both mother and baby. (Source: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport)

Study Details

The Queensland Family Cohort study, conducted in Queensland, Australia, discovered that pregnant women who sit for extended periods may face risks to their placenta’s health, impacting fetal development. The research tracked 203 pregnant women, who reported their physical activity levels at 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were divided into low, moderate, and high activity groups, with special attention to their daily sitting time. Sitting for more than 8 hours a day was considered excessive.

Key Findings

Using ultrasound technology, the researchers evaluated the health of the placenta, including its stiffness, thickness, and blood flow resistance. They found that overall physical activity levels did not significantly affect placental health. However, women who sat for more than 8 hours daily had stiffer placentas and altered blood flow, indicating potential functional impairment.

Importance

The placenta is vital for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, acting as a crucial bridge between mother and baby. Any factor affecting placental health needs careful attention. This study highlights that excessive sitting could impair placental function, potentially impacting fetal growth.

Implications for Pregnant Women

It’s essential for pregnant women to maintain appropriate physical activity during pregnancy. This study emphasizes the importance of reducing prolonged sitting and encourages regular movement throughout the day to promote placental health and optimize fetal development.

Daily Activities and Exercise Recommendations

Dr. Richard Zeng from Melbourne’s Almond Wellness Centre suggests that healthcare providers should educate pregnant women about the risks of prolonged sitting. They should also encourage regular activity breaks and suitable physical exercises to mitigate these risks and support maternal and faetal health.

Daily Activities

Walking: Aim for 30 minutes of walking daily to stay active and relaxed. Morning or evening walks are ideal to avoid high temperatures.
Household Chores: Light housework, like tidying up or washing dishes, can help maintain activity levels. Avoid lifting heavy objects or prolonged bending.
Standing Breaks: Try to stand and walk for a few minutes every hour to avoid long periods of sitting.

Physical Exercise

Prenatal Yoga: Helps enhance flexibility and strength while reducing stress and anxiety. Consider joining a prenatal yoga class with an experienced instructor.
Swimming: Excellent for full-body exercise with minimal pressure on joints and the back. Slow swimming or water aerobics are good options.
Prenatal Pilates: Strengthens core muscles, improves posture, and balance. Seek guidance from a professional trainer.
Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise: Activities like light jogging or stationary biking for 20-30 minutes, 3-5 times a week, keeping intensity moderate to avoid fatigue.

Acupuncture for Symptom Relief

Pregnancy Acupuncture: For symptoms like lower back, hip or pelvis pain, acupuncture can be an effective treatment option. It helps alleviate discomfort and promote overall well-being. Ensure treatments are performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner.

Precautions

Consult a Doctor: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new activities or exercise routines.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate fluid intake during and after exercise.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose suitable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing.
Listen to Your Body: Stop any activity if you feel unwell, dizzy, or fatigued, and consult a doctor.

Appropriate daily activities and exercise can help pregnant women maintain good physical and mental health, preparing them for childbirth and postpartum recovery.

Seeking pregnancy support in Melbourne? Visit our specialised Pregnancy Acupuncture page.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Boost for Cancer Survivors

Cancer treatment might end, but for many survivors, the journey to feeling truly well can be a long one. Thankfully, acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer promising ways to tackle the lingering challenges. Beverley de Valois, in her article “Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: The Missing Piece,” and the Almond Wellness Centre both highlight how these traditional therapies can be game-changers for cancer survivors.

Life After Cancer Treatment: The Reality

So, you’ve beaten cancer. That’s fantastic! But if you’re like many survivors, you might still be grappling with a range of physical and emotional issues. From persistent pain and fatigue to anxiety and sleep problems, the aftermath of cancer treatments can be tough. This is where acupuncture and Chinese medicine step in, offering a holistic approach to help you feel better overall.

Why Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture isn’t just about needles—it’s about restoring balance. It can help with chronic pain, hot flushes, lymphedema, and those pesky sleep problems. Even better, it has fewer side effects than many conventional treatments. Plus, it’s fantastic for your mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and the fear of cancer coming back.

The Power of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Over at Almond Wellness Centre, they combine Chinese herbal medicine with your conventional treatments. Research shows that this combination can ease symptoms like low white blood cell count, nausea, vomiting, and anaemia. This is especially helpful for patients with cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and liver cancer. By improving blood counts and reducing side effects, these herbs can really boost your overall well-being.

Integrative Care: The Best of Both Worlds

Integrating acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine into your cancer care routine offers a well-rounded approach that addresses both your body and mind. Here’s how it can help:

Beat Fatigue: Acupuncture can tackle cancer-related fatigue, giving you more energy to enjoy life.
Manage Pain: It’s effective for pain, including that caused by chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
Ease Side Effects: Both acupuncture and herbal medicine can reduce chemo side effects like nausea, vomiting, and low blood counts.
Improve Sleep: By reducing stress and anxiety, acupuncture can help you sleep better.
Boost Quality of Life: Addressing physical symptoms and providing emotional support, these therapies can significantly improve your overall quality of life.

Backing It Up with Research

Research supports the effectiveness of these therapies. For instance, studies show that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve quality of life for cancer patients. It’s also been shown to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and joint pain in breast cancer patients, and herbs like chamomile and lavender can help with anxiety and depression.

Personalised Care at Almond Wellness Centre

At Almond Wellness Centre in Coburg and Ringwood, you’ll get a personalised treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Dr. Richard Zeng and his team are dedicated to supporting your cancer recovery with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice tailored just for you.

Wrapping It Up

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can make a huge difference in your life after cancer treatment. By addressing both physical and emotional challenges, these therapies offer a holistic approach to improving your quality of life and supporting long-term recovery. If you’re considering these complementary therapies, reach out to experienced practitioners to see how they can help you on your journey to better health.

References

De Valois, B. (2023). Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: The Missing Piece.
Science Reports (2015). Combining CHM with chemotherapy reduces symptoms in cancer patients.
de Valois B. Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal, and Transformation. London: Singing Dragon; 2023.
Journal of Clinical Oncology (2010). Acupuncture reduces pain and dysfunction in head or neck cancer patients.
PubMed (2024). Electroacupuncture improves fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients.
PubMed (2010). Acupuncture for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Phytotherapy Research (2018). Herbal Medicine for Depression and Anxiety in cancer patients.
Society for Integrative Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology. Guidelines for integrative oncology.
Mao JJ, Nofisat I, Ting B, et al. Integrative medicine for pain management in oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol, 2022;40(34):3998-4024.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Your Period? Should You Avoid It?

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng (Acupuncturist Melbourne TCM Doctor)

One of our regular patients recently asked today, “Hey Dr. Zeng, can I still get acupuncture when I’m on my period? Will it mess things up?”

The safety of acupuncture during menstruation has always been a hot topic. For women dealing with period problems like cramps, irregular cycles, or trouble getting pregnant, acupuncture can be a game-changer.

But some folks worry that because acupuncture gets things moving, it might throw off their flow, leading to heavier bleeding or wonky cycles. That’s why some say it’s best to skip acupuncture during your period.

What the Research Says

A 2016 study titled “Thinking About Acupuncture During Your Period” published in Acupuncture Research explored this exact concern. Drawing on extensive clinical experience and up-to-date acupuncture knowledge, the authors found no clear evidence to support avoiding acupuncture during menstruation. In fact, claims that acupuncture can disrupt your cycle aren’t backed by solid research.

My Take

In my opinion, getting acupuncture while you’re on your period won’t cause any surprises or extra harm if you’re in good health. Acupuncture works by kickstarting your body’s self-repair systems to help it heal. It’s all about bringing balance back to your body, so it only does its thing when things are out of whack. If everything’s already humming along smoothly, acupuncture won’t shake things up.

What to Keep in Mind

Worried acupuncture might throw your period off? The evidence says otherwise. Still, some people may feel a bit more sensitive during their period. If you’re having acupuncture during that time, it’s helpful to make sure:

Your acupuncturist selects appropriate points
Techniques are kept gentle to avoid overstimulation

Bottom Line

For most people, acupuncture during a period is completely fine. If you’re considering it, work with an experienced acupuncturist and let them know where you are in your cycle and how you’re feeling that day. This helps ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.

In short, acupuncture during your period generally isn’t a health concern. But choosing a gentle approach and sharing a bit about your cycle with your practitioner is always a smart way to get the best results.

If you’re trying to conceive, treatment timing throughout the menstrual cycle is often more important than avoiding acupuncture during your period. Many women include acupuncture as part of a broader fertility care plan before attempting natural conception or IVF treatment.

Ovulation Bleeding and Acupuncture Chinese medicine

Have you ever noticed a bit of spotting in the middle of your menstrual cycle, or even experienced what feels like “two periods” in one month? Well, that’s what we call “ovulation bleeding.” And guess what? Acupuncture and Chinese medicine might just have some insights into it!

Understanding Ovulation Bleeding:

Hanging Out with Hormones: Around days 14-16 of your cycle, you might see some spotting or light bleeding.

This is due to the hormonal rollercoaster ride, especially the drop in estrogen after ovulation. It triggers a mini-shedding of the endometrium, resulting in light bleeding. You might even experience mild tummy cramps as a bonus.

What to Expect:

It’s not a full-on period; the bleeding is less than your regular flow.
The color might be dark red or brown, sometimes with a bit of mucus.
You might feel some mild cramping.
The good news? It usually calms down on its own after ovulation.

Should You Worry?

Most of the time, there’s no need to stress. But if the bleeding is more than you’d like, your doc might suggest a low-dose estrogen or short-acting contraceptives.

When Things Get Complicated:

If the bleeding seems excessive, it could signal other issues like hormonal imbalances or structural quirks. It’s a good idea to consult your doc for a closer look and some targeted care.

Exploring Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:

TCM’s Perspective on Ovulation Bleeding: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture takes centre stage to balance your qi, blood, and overall well-being.

Fun Strategies:

Boosting Qi and Blood Flow: Target spots like ST36, GV4, and CV4 to keep things flowing smoothly.
Warming Up the Body: Points like BL20, BL23, and CV4 help kick cold vibes to the curb.
Harmonising Yin and Yang: Specific points help balance the yin and yang energies.
Supporting the Spleen and Kidneys: Hit BL20 and BL23 to give these organs some love and address any deficiencies.
Double Nutrition Power: SP10 and CV6 points work together to nourish both qi and blood for a balanced boost.

Bridging TCM with Western Medicine:

Feeling intrigued by acupuncture and Chinese medicine for your ovulation bleeding?

For women trying to conceive, acupuncture is commonly used to support ovulation, menstrual cycle regulation, egg quality, and overall reproductive health. Whether you’re preparing for natural conception or planning IVF treatment, a personalised treatment approach can be tailored to your individual needs.

Your body gets the care it deserves, and you get to explore what works best for you.

So, party on – with balance! 🎉

Acupuncture in the 3rd Trimester

Embracing the Final Stretch: How Acupuncture Supports Your Third Trimester Journey

As you enter your third trimester, your body and mind are preparing for one of life’s most transformative experiences. At Almond Wellness Centre, our Chinese medicine practitioners feel privileged to support Melbourne families during this special time. Many expectant parents find acupuncture offers gentle, holistic support as they approach their birthing day.

Breech Baby:

Around weeks 34-35, your healthcare provider will monitor your baby’s position. If your baby is breech or transverse, acupuncture with moxibustion may be considered as a supportive approach.

Moxibustion involves warming specific acupuncture points with a gentle herb called mugwort. Some research, including studies referenced in the Cochrane Library, has explored this traditional technique for supporting optimal fetal positioning.

Many women find this approach comforting, and it aligns with recommendations from some maternity care providers seeking to support natural positioning.

Getting Ready for Labor:

From approximately week 36, regular acupuncture sessions may help support your body’s natural preparation for birth. These treatments focus on:

Supporting overall wellbeing and relaxation
Addressing common pregnancy discomforts
Encouraging optimal pelvic alignment

Some research suggests this preparatory approach may help support the body’s natural processes as labor approaches.

Acupuncture Labor Induction or Preparation?

As you approach your due date, acupuncture may be used to support your body’s readiness for labor. It’s important to understand that acupuncture aims to work with your body’s natural timing rather than forcing processes that aren’t ready.

When conditions are favourable, gentle acupuncture may help support the body’s natural rhythms. If your body needs more time, treatments can focus on relaxation and overall wellbeing.

Labor Pain Relief and Contractions on Cue:

Many expectant parents find acupressure techniques particularly helpful during early labor. We can teach simple acupressure methods that you or your partner can use for comfort and support.

A Holistic Approach to Birth Preparation

Acupuncture in the third trimester represents a comprehensive approach to birth preparation, focusing on:

Supporting optimal fetal positioning
Promoting maternal relaxation and wellbeing
Addressing individual concerns and discomforts
Preparing both body and mind for the birthing experience

Many women report feeling more centred and physically prepared after acupuncture sessions during their final trimester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is acupuncture safe during the third trimester?

A: When performed by a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy. We use pregnancy-specific points and techniques to ensure both maternal and fetal wellbeing.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: This varies depending on individual needs. Some women benefit from weekly sessions from week 36, while others prefer more frequent visits as their due date approaches. We’ll create a personalized plan during your consultation.

Q: Can acupuncture help with pregnancy-related discomfort?

A: Many women find acupuncture helpful for addressing common third-trimester discomforts like back pain, pelvic pressure, and sleep difficulties, while also supporting overall wellbeing.

Q: Do you work alongside my obstetric care team?

A: Absolutely. We believe in collaborative care and are happy to communicate with your midwife or obstetrician to ensure coordinated support throughout your pregnancy journey.

Ready to Explore How Acupuncture Might Support Your Third Trimester?

Reach out, and let’s chat. Whether you’re in Melbourne’s northern or eastern suburbs, at Almond Wellness Centre, we’re here to support you on this beautiful journey.

Here’s to the magic of acupuncture and the extraordinary journey ahead!

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