Why is Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture So Successful in Treating and Preventing Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

Pregnancy is a turning point in a woman’s life. It is exciting and exhilarating, but can also take a toll on a woman’s physical and mental health. One of the most common mental issues that pregnant women around the world face is postpartum depression or PPD. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women experience PPD after childbirth. Dismissing PPD as just another side effect of pregnancy is the last thing you want to do. Unfortunately, the symptoms of PPD do not clear up on their own, and can get worse with time or linger for a long time dragging down your quality of life and interfering with the joy of having a new baby.

What is PPD?

Simply put, PPD is a mood disorder a woman may experience after giving birth. PPD can start anytime during the baby’s first year. Many women report experiencing PPD symptoms during the first three weeks after giving birth. Women with PPD report feeling sad, hopeless, and guilty as they do not feel like bonding with or caring for their newborn. Some common symptoms of PPD include:

• Crying more often than usual without any apparent reason
• Feelings of helplessness, sorrow, or being overwhelmed
• Frequently snapping over little things
• Overanxiety
• Problem remembering things or concentrating
• Frequent mood swings
• Eating disorder (eating too much or too little)
• Waning interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
• Sleeping more than usual or inability to sleep even when the baby is asleep
• Reluctance to interact with family members and friends
• Women with PPD often question their ability to care for the newborn
• Negative thoughts (many women report constantly thinking about hurting themselves or the infant)

From physical exhaustion to hormone fluctuations, there are several causes of PPD. It can be caused by a combination of factors. Women experiencing PPD symptoms must immediately seek medical help to impede the progression of this illness.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for PPD

Many women diagnosed with PPD use Chinese medicine and acupuncture. A licensed acupuncturist and herbalist places thin needles at specific points in their patients’ body to treat PPD or prevent the development of the disorder. Proponents of acupuncture believe that Chinese medicine and acupuncture is a better alternative to western medicine as acupuncture attacks the root cause of the problem, rather than just alleviating PPD symptoms.

An acupuncturist is adept at detecting even minor imbalances in the body and correcting them before they snowball into major issues. The Chinese have been using traditional Chinese herbs to treat and prevent PPD since time immemorial. Postpartum herbal formulas comprise herbs that promote psychological restoration by enhancing circulation, repairing damaged tissues, boosting cellular metabolism, and replenishing micronutrients.

A typical treatment plan will include consuming herbal medicine daily coupled with acupuncture visits (usually once a week). If everything goes well, you will start experiencing positive changes fairly quickly or within the first few weeks.

Is PPD controlling your life after childbirth? Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness can help you break the vicious cycle of PPD. We are a team of licensed acupuncturists in Contra Costa County. Our foremost objective is to leverage the healing power of acupuncture to touch the lives of our community members. Are you searching for acupuncture for depression treatment near you  in Walnut Creek, CA? Contact us by filling out our schedule a visit form.