Mother Warming is a postpartum treatment that helps energize the mother and facilitate recovery. Best of all, it can be done by the mother (or, better yet, her partner) in the convenience of their own home!
Mother Warming is a technique that utilizes Moxa (Ai Ye or Artemisia), which is a herb that can be used to warm and stimulate acupuncture points through a process called moxibustion. It improves circulation to relieve pain, boosts energy, and is used to warm specific parts of the body. In this case, it is focused on the abdomen and is used to help warm the channels and stop bleeding. You can pick up some Moxa sticks from us @ Rebalance Chinese Medicine.
Moxabustion stick
MOTHER WARMING
This is a one time treatment given on day four or five postpartum to warm the abdomen. Please note: this should not be done on women who have a fever or experience night sweats because using Moxa can heighten these conditions. While it is safe to do if the mother has undergone a caesarean section, it is best to avoid using Moxa if there is any redness or discharge on the scar.
To begin, slowly move the Moxa stick up and down the abdomen area from acupuncture point ‘Ren-2’ (which you can find right at the pubic bone) to acupuncture point ‘Ren-8’ (which is right at your navel) for about five to ten minutes or until the mother feels pleasantly warm. The area should look quite pink. And you will feel that the skin is warm to touch.
The ren meridian from Pubic bone (CV2) to Belly button (CV8)
Next, if the partner is able to assist, continue to use Moxa on the lower back area, in a T-shape motion. Start on acupuncture point ‘Du-2’ (which can be found right below your tailbone) and head up to ‘Du-4’ (which is your lumbar spine), then head over to the side area of the sacrum – this is where the kidneys are located.
Lower back – moxa sacral fan technique
Begin at the base of the spine (DU2) and gently and slowly move the moxa stick upwards to the top of the waist. Do this for about 5 minuets or until the skin is pink and feels warm to touch. Then begin to branch out over the sacrum. Go up in a straight line and then choose the right side to begin to curve the moxa over the sacrum. Next go straight and curve higher – continue with one side and then the other until both sides are feeling warm.
Moxa is an excellent way to assist with warming the area, moving blood, assisting with pain, and enabling the body to heal itself. Moxa promotes blood flow, muscle relaxation, and relaxation.
Make sure that you have a warm area to perform the moxibustion in as you want to keep mum warm and away from draughts. Afterward, open a window to release the smoke and make sure both partners have a drink of water, as moxa can be quite drying.
To continue facilitating the body in building good quality qi and blood, we also recommend having an acupuncture treatment about 10 to 14 days postpartum. You can come in to see us, but we can also come to you! Reach out to our team to find out more about how we can assist you or call 0412 789 772 to book an appointment – please make sure you ask for a home visit if you would like us to help you while at home.
Julia is available at Rebalance Chinese Medicine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Level 1 855 Plenty Rd, South Morang, Vic 3752
0412 789 772
To book online go to http://www.rebalancetcm.com/bookings
