Acupressure for Morning Sickness

 

There is nothing quite like morning sickness 🙁

How does morning sickness feel like?

Morning sickness can be one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy, yet it is experienced by many expecting mothers. While the nausea and vomiting may make these nine months seem like a grueling time for expectant mothers, morning sickness could also be a sign that a mother’s body is uniquely adapting to the changes necessary for protecting a baby.

Understanding morning sickness can go a long way in giving this experience some sense of comfort, helping parents-to-be see it as an important part of what the body does naturally to prepare for the arrival of their child.

These effects can become so severe that they begin to interfere with a woman’s ability to work or attend social engagements. For some expecting mothers, morning sickness may last all nine months of their pregnancy while others may only suffer adverse symptoms during the first trimester. Either way, it has a huge impact on pregnant women and often makes them feel isolated as they struggle through this difficult experience.

The physical discomfort associated with morning sickness can weigh heavily on emotional stability and wellbeing, making it especially difficult for pregnant women to manage their daily lives.

Which is why today we are thrilled to share some amazing advice from Dr Amanda Waaldyk, a renowned Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

Getting to Know Dr. Amanda Waaldyk

Dr Amanda Waalydk is an experienced clinical practitioner and the founder of Angea Women’s Health Clinic, a unique centre that specializes in providing women with integrated Chinese medicine treatments focused on fertility, female endocrinology and other health-related issues.

For many years, Amanda has been helping her clients to achieve optimal well being through a holistic approach to health management tailored to each individual’s needs. The clinic staff uses natural treatments such as acupuncture and herbal remedies designed to help with hormone balance, stress management and fertility problems. She follows a patient-centered approach backed by reliable research in both conventional and traditional Chinese medicine.

With the support of this clinic, many women have had success in their journey towards achieving inner balance, regardless of their life stage or circumstance.Amanda’s approach is soul meets science, guiding her patients to ultimate health with a whole body system.  She is a registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine, yoga & meditation teacher and energy healer.

Amanda has the unique ability to help her clients look inward and access their own inner wisdom. Through her counsel and expertise, she is able to guide them on a journey towards greater balance while fostering self-awareness and growth in the process. She equips each individual with the specific tools they need to take back control of their health, allowing them to live their happiest, healthiest life. With a deep understanding of nutrition, holistic health practices and lifestyle counseling, Amanda is an invaluable resource for those looking to live their most thriving version of themselves.

Many of us are familiar with the ancient Chinese art form of acupuncture, which involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin on acu-points. However the concept of acupressure may be a little unfamiliar, despite their similarities. Acupressure is an effective alternative to acupuncture, which stimulates the same acu-points through applied pressure. 

Acupressure is an ancient form of healing that has been used for centuries to help people boost their natural energy flow and improve their health and sense of well-being. It is based on the principle that energy flows within our bodies along pathways known as meridians, which correspond to specific areas of the body. When these energies become blocked or stagnant it can cause pain, discomfort or illness.

Acupressure improves the body’s function and promotes natural self-healing by stimulating specific anatomical sites – the acu-points. Now, acupressure is leading the charge in providing a natural alternative to curing nausea and is proving to be a useful, natural alternative to morning sickness treatment. An example of this is Sea-Band’s acupressure wristbands, which are a safe, drug-free approach to nausea that is induced by pregnancy… the dreaded morning-sickness!

How does acupressure work? 

The art of acupuncture, or the self-treatment of acupressure corrects the energetic imbalances and eliminates symptoms. In traditional Chinese medicine problems like headaches, lower back pain, insomnia, nausea and so on are deemed as symptoms associated with these energetic imbalances. 

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing art that is gaining increasing popularity as a modern medical and therapeutic treatment. It has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and it can also be very useful when trying to conceive and increase fertility. Acupressure works by stimulating certain points on the body, known as acupoints, which helps regulate hormones and improve blood flow in order to promote conception.

Acupressure initiates the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture and acupressure’s effects on the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems. This therapeutic technique has been practiced for thousands of years and works by stimulating the nerve pathways which activate signal transduction along with beneficial biochemical changes that can restore physical and emotional well-being. By targeting these corrective pathways, acupressure promotes natural healing and improved physical health, mental clarity, and overall relaxation.

After stimulating specific acu-points, the nervous system is activated and signals the brain to release certain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine or endorphins. These then block the other chemicals that cause the nausea and vomiting, reducing and eliminating the symptoms.

With reference to nausea the Nei Guan points or the pericardium 6 (P6), located on the wrists have been scientifically shown to relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting induced by many causes, some we’ve already touched upon. 

In order to find your Nei Guan point, place three fingers horizontally from the base of your wrist. The Nei Guan point lies just below the third finger between the two main tendons (essentially in the middle). 

Can acupressure help with morning-sickness?

Now that we understand how it works, it’s not hard to see how it has such a positive impact on relieving you from experiencing nausea and vomiting. During pregnancy most women are hesitant to use traditional medication, as these pose risk to the baby. And for some, morning sickness can be experienced over a long period of time and a natural, non-toxic solution is usually preferred. 

Practitioners believe that when energy has a more balanced flow, health and wellness can be improved. Studies have shown a small but significant reduction in nausea symptoms in women who have tried acupressure for morning sickness. While it may not provide complete relief from all symptoms of morning sickness, it can be a helpful tool for expecting mothers looking to reduce their discomfort and feel better during pregnancy.

Using the Sea-Band as an example again, their acupressure wristbands can be worn at the onset of morning-sickness, with results seen in a matter of minutes! However, if you know that you are likely to experience the bands can be used as a preventative tool, worn before the onset of the nausea. 

 

Acupressure and fertility

Studies have shown that acupressure can be beneficial in regulating hormones associated with hormonal imbalance, such as those responsible for the menstrual cycle. By stimulating nerve pathways and specific points on the body using sustained pressure, natural processes can be encouraged – ultimately having a positive effect on those suffering from hormonal imbalance issues. As an added bonus, there are no harmful side effects associated with the use of acupressure, making it an attractive option when seeking therapeutic treatment options.

Through regular application of acupressure it may be possible to experience symptom-free menstrual cycles as well as more balanced hormones overall.

This regulation can ultimately improve the chances of conception by balancing reproductive hormones that are essential for ovulation and fertilization. It may also help reduce morning sickness associated with pregnancy, as well as improve sperm count and motility which can enhance a couple’s chances of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques.?

Everyone who wants to conceive will benefit by getting themselves in good physical and mental shape before trying for a baby. It’s important to live an active lifestyle incorporating good nutrition, exercise, yoga and adequate sleep. To release our mind of stress and negativity, practice meditation, mindfulness and self-care.

Taking care of yourself before trying to conceive is one of the best things you can do. Being in good physical and mental shape will support your fertility and help ensure a smooth pregnancy. An active lifestyle that includes smart eating, exercise, yoga and adequate sleep will go a long way towards getting you in shape for conception. To further reap the benefits, try incorporating activities like meditation, mindfulness and self-care into your routine.

If you are preparing for pregnancy, it is important to take necessary steps prior to conception.These pre-pregnancy measures can include having a physical examination and necessary vaccinations, evaluating lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and exercise levels; and addressing any medical conditions or mental health issues.

With these simple but important changes, you’re setting yourself up for a better chance at achieving the pregnancy that you desire.

 

 

For more information on Dr Amanda Waaldyk visit http://angea.com.au 

For more information of Sea-Band visit http://sea-band.com.au