In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), great respect is given to the demands pregnancy and labour have on a woman’s energies. In fact, we say it takes two years to return to pre-pregnancy vitality after a normal, low-stress pregnancy and delivery, longer if there were any complications, excessive blood loss or stressful interventions.
 
In TCM, we judge health on the strength of your overall vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced ‘chi’). We also acknowledge the energy of the Blood, and the paired energies Yin and Yang. When our vital energies are weak, our bodies let us know through subtle signs and symptoms that we, as Chinese Medical practitioners, aim to interpret and then treat.
 
Of particular note when it comes to menstrual recovery is the Blood energy. Whilst Qi, like electricity, is an invisible force, Blood is tangible. Just as in conventional medicine, Blood is the physical fuel for our bodies – the supply of nutrients to every single cell, the lubricant for our joints and muscles, the river of life that flows throughout of body. If Blood energy is weak, which often happens post-partum, our body is therefore physically weak. In its wisdom, the body will protect its precious Blood reserves and not allow regular, heavy bleeding through a period – not until the body can afford the monthly loss.
 
As well as period problems, other signs of low Blood energy include:
- anaemia – iron or B12 deficiency
- weak limbs
- numbness and tingling
- poor milk supply if breastfeeding
- hair loss
- weak nails
- dry skin
- blurred vision or seeing ‘floaters’
- dizziness on standing
- anxiety, low mood, irritability
- poor sleep and nightmares
- mild, lingering headaches
- PMS
- poor immunity
- fatigue
 
 
Blood deficiency is very common in women, not just those who have had children. We need to manage blood loss every month, and if our reserves are weak, we will notice many of the signs above. If this rings true for you, or your periods are less regular, lighter or more depleting than pre-pregnancy, you may benefit from some acupuncture to help restore those precious energies, and get you back to your vital self.
 
Fiona O'Farrell is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Naturopath. She runs The Gate Clinic in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. See www.thegateclinic.ie for more information.
Natural Health Therapist

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