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🌿 The Importance of Postpartum Care (산후씰리): Holistic Healing After Birth

Updated: Feb 3


Why Postpartum Care matters?

Giving birth is a transformative experience, both physically and emotionally. However, postpartum recovery is often overlooked in modern healthcare. In Eastern medicine, postpartum care is considered crucial for long-term health, and many cultures have developed traditional healing practices to support new mothers during this period.


At Life Giving Acupuncture & Herb Clinic (ģƒėŖ…ģ£¼ėŠ”ķ•œģ˜ģ›), we emphasize holistic postpartum careĀ to ensure mothers recover fully, regain their strength, and prevent long-term health complications.



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Understanding the Postpartum Body

During pregnancy, a woman's uterus expands up to 500 times its original sizeĀ to accommodate the growing baby. After childbirth, the uterus begins contractingĀ and typically returns to its pre-pregnancy size within four weeks.


For the first two to three weeks postpartum, lochia (Auro, 오딜)—a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue—is discharged from the uterus. Initially, it appears as bright red blood, then gradually fades pale. However, if lochia continues for an extended period, it may indicate delayed uterine recovery, requiring medical attention.



🌿 The Role of Oxytocin in Uterine Contraction

Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, causes the uterus to contract more strongly, sometimes leading to postpartum pain. Normally, this pain subsides as the uterus heals, but if a mother experiences severe pain, low energy levels, or blood stagnation, additional treatment is needed to:

āœ”ļø Improve blood circulation

āœ”ļø Eliminate stagnant blood

āœ”ļø Replenish Qi and blood for recovery


In Eastern medicine, postpartum care focuses on blood nourishment and joint strengthening, as pregnancy and childbirth weaken the mother’s joints, regardless of whether she had a natural delivery or a C-section.



🩸 Managing Postpartum Swelling & Circulation

During the postpartum period, muscle fibers contract to stimulate milk production, and blood vessels adjust to reduce swelling (edema). Although mild edema naturally subsides, some women may experience prolonged swellingĀ due to a weak constitution or poor circulation.


āš ļø If edema persists beyond the expected timeframe, it may lead to chronic swelling and postpartum obesity.


šŸ’” Research has shown that early postpartum treatmentĀ can prevent long-term complications and improve overall recovery outcomes.



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🌸 Postpartum Recovery in Traditional Eastern Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Korean Medicine (KM), the postpartum period is often called ā€œZuo Yue Ziā€ (åęœˆå­) or ā€œSanhujoriā€ (산후씰리).Ā This period, usually 4–6 weeks after childbirth, is seen as a time when a mother’s body is most vulnerable and in need of care.


šŸ”¹ Blood Deficiency & Qi (Energy) RestorationChildbirth results in significant blood loss, which can lead to Qi and Blood DeficiencyĀ (氣蔀虛). Eastern medicine prioritizes:

āœ”ļø Nourishing the bloodĀ with herbal formulas

āœ”ļø Restoring energy (Qi)Ā through diet and acupuncture

āœ”ļø Supporting organ function, especially the liver, spleen, and kidneys


šŸ”¹ Cold Exposure & ā€œCold-Windā€ SyndromeIn Eastern medicine, the postpartum body is believed to be in a ā€œcoldā€ state, making mothers more susceptible to:

āœ”ļø Joint pain and fatigue

āœ”ļø Digestive disorders

āœ”ļø Weakened immunity


šŸ’” This is why warm foods, herbal teas, and avoiding cold environmentsĀ are recommended to support recovery.



🌿 Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine for Postpartum Recovery


✨ Acupuncture for Postpartum Healing

Acupuncture helps new mothers by:

āœ”ļø Boosting blood circulationĀ to speed up recovery

āœ”ļø Regulating hormonesĀ to prevent postpartum depression

āœ”ļø Relieving painĀ from childbirth and C-section recovery

āœ”ļø Improving milk productionĀ for breastfeeding mothers


šŸ“ Common acupuncture points for postpartum care:

  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Strengthens spleen, liver, and kidney

  • ST36 (Zusanli): Boosts energy and immunity

  • CV6 (Qihai): Restores Qi and helps digestion



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🌱 Herbal Medicine for Postpartum Health

Herbal medicine is essential in postpartum recovery, offering nutritional support and healing properties. Some key herbs include:

  • Dang Gui (당귀, Angelica Sinensis): Nourishes blood and regulates menstruation

  • Huang Qi (황기, Astragalus): Strengthens immunity and energy

  • Sheng Hua Tang (ģƒķ™”ķƒ•): A classic postpartum formula to clear blood stasis, promote healing, and reduce pain


Herbal medicine is carefully formulated to be safe for both mother and baby, ensuring high-quality breast milk productionĀ for the child.


Additionally, postpartum treatments can help prevent postpartum obesityĀ and promote faster recovery from abdominal separation using herbal therapy and electro-acupuncture.


šŸ’” These natural therapies help mothers recover faster and prevent long-term postpartum issues!


Customized Herbal Decoction
Customized Herbal Decoction

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🌸 Postpartum Wind: Causes and Prevention

Postpartum recovery is not just about physical healing; it also plays a crucial role in long-term health and chronic disease prevention.


šŸ”¹ What is "Postpartum Wind (ģ‚°ķ›„ķ’)"? Postpartum wind refers to stagnation of blood and blocked meridiansĀ after childbirth, which can cause:

āš ļø Joint pain and muscle aches

āš ļø Numbness and sensory abnormalities

āš ļø Fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness

āš ļø Indigestion and poor metabolism

āš ļø Postpartum depression


Women who experience rapid weight gain during pregnancy, IVF treatments, or C-sectionsĀ are at higher riskĀ for postpartum wind. If untreated, it can impact long-term health and mobility.


šŸ’” A research studyĀ indicated that over 51% of postpartum women experience postpartum wind, underscoring the need for early and accurate treatment.



šŸ¼ Nutrition & Lifestyle for Postpartum Recovery

🄣 The Importance of Warm, Nourishing Foods


Postpartum mothers need warm, easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense meals.

āœ… Bone broth & soups – Strengthens blood and Qi

āœ… Steamed or cooked vegetables – Aids digestion

āœ… Ginger & Red Dates Tea – Warms the body and improves circulation

āŒ Avoid cold, raw foods, as they slow digestion and recovery


šŸ›Œ Rest & Gentle Movement

āœ”ļø At least 4 weeks of restĀ to allow internal healing

āœ”ļø Gentle stretches & walkingĀ to prevent stagnation

āœ”ļø Avoid overexertionĀ to prevent long-term weakness


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🌟 Final Thoughts: Supporting Mothers for Long-Term Health

Postpartum recovery is not just about the first few weeks—it impacts long-term health. Proper nutrition, rest, acupuncture, and herbal medicineĀ can help mothers regain strength, balance hormones, and prevent chronic issues like fatigue, joint pain, and emotional imbalances.


āœ”ļø Prevent chronic postpartum conditions

āœ”ļø Strengthen joints and muscles

āœ”ļø Support hormonal balance and mental health


šŸ’” If you’re seeking natural postpartum recovery, Life Giving Acupuncture & Herb Clinic (ģƒėŖ…ģ£¼ėŠ”ķ•œģ˜ģ›) offers specialized care to support your healing journey.


šŸ‘‰ Contact Us:Ā  https://www.lifegivingacupuncture.com/contact-1-1Ā Ā or (Clinic) 949.364.4885

šŸ‘‰ Follow Us for More Wellness Tips:Ā @lifegiving.clinic



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šŸ“– Research Papers & Books on Postpartum Care

šŸ“š Scientific Studies on Postpartum Recovery & Herbal Medicine

ā€œEffects of Acupuncture on Postpartum Pain and Recoveryā€ – Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

šŸ“Œ This study highlights how acupuncture alleviates postpartum pain and improves uterine contractions.


ā€œThe Role of Herbal Formulas in Postpartum Uterine Recoveryā€ – Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM)

šŸ“Œ Research demonstrates that herbal formulas like Hwanghu-tang accelerate blood clearance and uterine recovery.


ā€œPostpartum Depression and Traditional Medicineā€ – Frontiers in Psychology

šŸ“Œ This paper explores how herbal treatments and acupuncture help regulate hormonal imbalances and emotional well-being after childbirth.

etc.


šŸ“– Recommended Books

ā€œThe Fourth Trimesterā€ – Kimberly Ann Johnson

ā€œHealing Your Body Naturally After Childbirthā€ – Jolene Brighten

ā€œTraditional Chinese Medicine and Postpartum Recoveryā€ – Xiaolan Zhao

etc.


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Life Giving Acupuncture & Herbs

Clinic location:  4222  Green River Road, Suite 101, Corona, CA 92878-3836

1+ 949.365.4885

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