I was bestowed an opportunity to work in Switzerland through my profession as a Chinese Medical doctor during 2007 and 2008. Not only my eyes were pleased with huge, breathtaking blue lakes and spectacular Alp’s mountains with snow peaks all year round, and my stomach was satisfied with delicious Swiss Cheese fondue and Lindt Chocolate, but also my expertise was broadened. Treating the conditions associated with the pregnancy was one of them. Actually how to treat them was one of the topics when I pursued my medical degree at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine back in the 1990s. However, after I started to work in 1997 in a hospital in Beijing, the most of the conditions I saw were pain and sequelae caused by the strokes, either an ischemic stroke or an intracranial hematoma.
Morning sickness affects 70-80% of all pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. Its common signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting. They are often triggered by certain odors, spicy foods, heat, excess salivation or — often times — no triggers at all. Despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night. Some women have morning sickness throughout pregnancy. Mild nausea and vomiting of pregnancy typically won't cause any complications to the mom and baby. But if untreated, severe nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration, an electrolyte imbalance, decreased urination and hospitalization.
One day in April 13, 2022, Jean, 37 years old, came and said “I have been experiencing nausea”. She was in her first trimester. Her appetite was poor and she felt tired and looked slim. Generally speaking, Acupuncture is safe for a pregnant woman. Normally I choose the Acupuncture points in her limbs, and use fewer acupuncture needles. In order to achieve good results, manipulating them is required. But I have to do it slightly so her Qi or Chi cannot be stimulated too much. Based on Chinese Medical theory, the normal stomach Qi or Chi should go downward. Morning sickness happens if Stomach Qi or Chi of pregnant women goes up instead. The purpose of acupuncture treatments is regulating its direction to be normal.
She started to feel a little better after the first session. After 6 weekly sessions her discomfort was reduced significantly and her appetite improved a lot. You can imagine how happy she was, as better appetite means more nutrition can be taken to nourish a mom and baby.