Pregnancy in Chinese medicine
"...In order to plant a tree or flower in the ground, the farmer needs to know whether the season is suitable, whether the type of soil is suitable for that seed, and what type of care it needs. The farmer also knows that if he does not cultivate the seed from the day he plants it, the chances of the seed germinating and succeeding are slim. These things require planning and forethought, otherwise the chances of a tree bearing fruit are extremely slim. The same is true in pregnancy. Planning, execution, and forethought should begin long before..." From the Center for Acceptance, Pregnancy According to Chinese Philosophy The Conception Stage The moment of conception is of utmost importance. The fate of a person is determined from this moment until the end of a person's days. In order to achieve a proper conception, good preparation is necessary for the mother and father. The importance of preparation is that the egg cell and sperm cell will be of good quality in energy and DNA content. The mother's preparation for conception is paramount because the mother's lungs are responsible for the soul. The lungs are responsible for the soul, for what called corporal sole. Therefore, conception according to the approach of Chinese medicine depends not only on the kidneys but also on the health of the mother. The stage of pregnancy Pregnancy is a period of change. The type of energy, yin, increases and causes the formation of amniotic fluid (placental fluid). The blood that would normally be released during menstruation turns into milk. The direction of flow changes. During menstruation, the vector (direction of flow) turns downwards and during pregnancy it rises upwards towards the breasts and changes its nature from blood to milk. During this transition, problems may arise such as excess energy flowing upwards and as a result, there may be morning sickness that characterizes pregnant women and even very severe vomiting. The kidneys are extremely important in that they provide the essence of energy - the pre heaven: for the growth of the fetus and as a source of nutrition. In a normal and healthy pregnancy, the woman flourishes during pregnancy, especially between months 4-7. From the point of view of Western medicine, there is a secretion of hormones - estrogen, progesterone and chorionic Gonadotropin from the kidney. This is why some women feel better during pregnancy and others deteriorate. In the Chinese approach, the difference is in the basic kidney condition of the woman before conception. Another change that occurs during pregnancy is an increase in heat. This heat is important to increase the supply of food and blood to the fetus. Although there is apparently an abundance of blood for the fetus, the mother may have a relative and absolute blood deficiency. According to the Chinese, this process occurs because the blood that was intended for the fetus returns to the mother, which is also the bleeding during menstruation. The absolute part can be a lack of blood and this will cause a situation equivalent to Chinese medicine, a lack of wine and, against this background, an increase in heat. This heat is necessary to increase the supply of food and energy to the fetus. · In a study conducted in England on 150,000 pregnant women, it was found that women with relative anemia - the duration of pregnancy was longer and usually reached full term. The birth was of healthier babies compared to women who suffered from significant iron deficiency and absolute anemia, who had a higher risk of miscarriages and defects In fetuses. Pregnancy lasts 10 months (equivalent to 9 birth months in the Western world). From the moment of fertilization, each meridian nourishes the fetus during a month (4 weeks). 1. Liver supports the first 4 weeks of pregnancy. 2. Gallbladder weeks 4-8. 3. Heart (in the 12th week the heart matures). 4. Triple heater - weeks 12-16. 5. Spleen - pancreas 16-20. 6. Stomach (in the 24th week the stomach matures. 7. Lungs 24-28. 8. Large intestine 28-32. 9. Kidneys (in the 36th week the kidneys mature). 10. Bladder 36-40. In the first month the embryo ( EMBRIO ) is formed. In the second month the fat is formed. In the third month the embryo becomes FETUS . In the fourth month the characteristic shape of the baby is already recognized. In the The fifth month begins movement. In the sixth month, tendons, muscles and bones are formed. In the seventh month, skin and hair are formed. In the eighth month, the formation of the internal organs is completed. In the ninth month, the food that is the source of energy enters the stomach. In the tenth month, the kidneys and soul are established, and then the baby is born. The bladder pathway is the last of the pathways and is in the last month. Hence, the inversion of the fetus is performed in the last month and at point 67 BL. The entire future course of the unborn person's life depends on the proper development of the fetus in the womb. The process of development in the womb determines to what extent the person will be able to realize the energy potential inherent in him. In addition, the two systems - yin and yang and the five elements operate in the universe and also at the level of the fetus: the person is created from the connection of heavenly and earthly energies. On the seventh day of fertilization of the egg there is rest and there is no activity until the 17th day, the DNA is perfect. On the 18th day of fertilization, the soul enters the body through the vertex at point 20 GV. This soul determines the spiritual personality, the way in which each person will express themselves and use their inner knowledge - their intuition. From the 18th day, the "spoiling" begins, which is the personal and unique expression for each person. Below is the development of the fetus according to the three trimesters of pregnancy: First trimester: Maturation of the SHEN/HEAVEN essence between week 0 (the moment of fertilization) and week 12: Time of heaven, the time of SHEN. This is the time of developing awareness of life, maturation of the fetus and decision to become. At the end of week 12, the heart matures, and the SHEN essence also matures within the fetus. A significant portion of miscarriages caused during this stage are related to a defect in the fetus. Second trimester: Maturation of the QI, YI/EARTH essence (the spirit associated with the earth element) Weeks 13 to 24 are related to the level of the earth's qi and the maturation of the ability to produce and assimilate. Fluids are multiplied in the mother's body And the fetus begins to gain weight. Third Trimester: Maturation of the MEN/JING essence (the spirit associated with the water element) Weeks 25-36 are associated with the maturation of the will to live and the strength with which the baby will come into the world. Willpower - the "zhi". Common problems in pregnancy: Main syndromes: 1. Lack of blood and/or yin 2. Qi blockages 3. Phlegm/dampness Lack of blood and/or yin often develops in women with a tendency to this problem, secondary to excessive work or congenital kidney weakness. The weakness increases because a lot of blood and yin energy are needed for the fetus. Lack of blood and yin causes the liver's yang energy to be exalted or the "spirit" to be strengthened. Lack of kidney energy will cause internal weakness of qi, of the fetus and disruption of the mother's ability to nourish the fetus. Qi blockages are a common phenomenon in pregnancy. Qi blockages are caused by the fetus Especially in the last months of pregnancy. One of the common symptoms caused by this is spleen weakness, which begins to accumulate phlegm. Other common problems that may occur during pregnancy as a result of an imbalance in various meridians that are most actively involved in pregnancy: Kidney qi deficiency resulting from the energy being directed towards the development of the fetus. This phenomenon is especially common in the first 3 months of pregnancy and the woman will feel weak. In addition, there is the stomach, whose energetic direction is downwards and in a state of pregnancy the direction can change and rise upwards, so nausea and vomiting may occur. There may also be difficulty breathing for the same reason of changing the direction of the energetic flow. Kidney weakness may lead to an increase in liver yang and an increase in internal wind, which will cause more migraine attacks during pregnancy. Heat and wind that rise upwards may also lead to an increase in low blood pressure and even a pathological condition, as occurs in preeclampsia. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus causes Qi in a certain path, which causes difficulty breathing and pressure in the chest. The pregnant woman should avoid too much physical work to prevent Qi and blood blockages. The woman should get enough sleep as part of the rest and energy creation process. In addition, the woman should avoid getting into stressful situations and/or problematic emotional situations to prevent Qi blockages. In addition, proper nutrition should be observed! (The source of energy) It is important that the diet be nutritious and easy to digest. It is important to avoid spicy and/or fatty foods. In the last trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid salt, thus reducing the burden on the kidneys and the chance of edema. Nutrition and maternal emotions - their effect on the fetus. In China, gynecologists consider what is called "fetal education". It is believed that the mother's nutrition and emotions affect the fetus, and hence an appropriate diet, environment and attention to the mother's emotions can have a positive effect on the fetus. Month 1 In the 1st month, the fetus is nourished through a meridian The liver. The woman should eat cooked, nutritious and easy-to-digest food. She is allowed to eat some sour (many women have a strong need for sour during this period). It is important to eat barley (at this stage) – it contributes to the proper development of the fetus. Blood circulation in the 1st month is very important and the woman should not exert herself or do too much physical activity. Month 2 In the 2nd month, the fetus is nourished through the gallbladder meridian. During the second month, it is important not to eat spicy, dry or too hot foods. Avoid physical work. At this time, joint pain can develop anywhere in the body – a sign of the fetus’s growth. The fetus’s qi begins to exist. Exposure to extreme cold may cause a miscarriage, and exposure to excess heat may weaken the fetus. Month 3 In the 3rd month, the fetus is nourished through the heart meridian. The fetus’s body is taking shape. The sex of the fetus is still changing this month under external influences (from the mother), as the Chinese believe, for example, if the mother wants her son to practice archery, if the mother If the mother wants a daughter, she should hold jewelry. If the mother wants the child to be handsome, she should look at jade (a good stone). For a child with a healthy heart, the mother should make sure to be at ease, sit quietly a lot. If the mother suffers from abdominal fullness, umbilical pain, a feeling of heaviness, eat chicken soup. Month 4 In the 4th month, the fetus is nourished through the Triple Warming Meridian. During the fourth month, the fetus receives essences through the mother's kidneys into its bloodstream. At this time, it is important for the mother to eat rice and fish (strengthens the fetus's blood). The ears and eyes become clear and sensitive at this stage. The fetus's yang is developing. The mother should maintain and avoid emotional instability. It is important to eat moderately. Month 5 In the 5th month, the fetus is nourished through the Spleen Meridian. The fetus receives the qi necessary to establish its personality from the mother's heart. It is advisable to sleep during the hours of the lungs (between 03:00-05:00), change clothes frequently, Stay away from strangers, wear enough clothes and expose yourself to the sun. It is important to eat wheat, meat, lamb. Suitable plant: shan zhu yu. It is important to balance sweet with salty. At this stage, the extremities are developing. It is important that the mother is not hungry and does not eat too much. Do not eat dry food. Month 6 In the 6th month, the fetus is nourished through the stomach meridian. The fetus begins to receive qi from the mother's lungs - giving it strength. It is important that the mother engages in moderate activity and does not stay at home. If she goes to an environment where she can see horses or dogs running, and eats meat from wild animals - it will make the fetus with strong muscles!. The skin will be lush, the body strong and the back durable. In this month, the fetus's mouth and eyes are perfect. The mother should eat sweet food (not in large quantities). Month 7 In the 7th month, the fetus is nourished through the lung meridian. The fetus receives qi from the mother's liver into its bones. The mother should exercise to encourage the circulation of qi and the blood. The bed should be dry, the mother should avoid cold foods and it is important to eat rice which will strengthen the bones and teeth of the fetus at this stage. During this month, the fetus's hair and skin begin to develop. It is important that the mother does not speak too loudly or too quickly. Do not wear clothes that are too thin and do not shower too often. If the mother feels heaviness, coldness in the extremities, restlessness, fullness, difficulty in inhaling/breathing, it is recommended to take: cong bai tang. Month 8 In the 8th month, the fetus is nourished through the large intestine meridian. The fetus receives qi from the mother's spleen - which characterizes the growth of the skin. During this time, it is important for the mother to avoid excessive feelings of worry and it is important to practice weak breathing in order to strengthen her own qi which is responsible for the moisture and shine of the fetus's skin. The mother should avoid overeating and alternatively starving. If she suffers from alternating chills and fever, heaviness, restlessness, blurred vision, it is recommended to take: shao yao san . Month 9 In the 9th month, the fetus is nourished through the kidney meridian. During this month, the fetus receives an extract from the mother's extract that brings about the end of hair and skin growth. All organs in the fetus's body are active. The mother should eat sweet, wear fewer layers and not stay in damp houses. If she suffers from diarrhea, a feeling of pressure from the fetus, difficulty breathing, it is recommended to take: ban xia tang . Month 10 In the 10th month, the fetus is nourished through the bladder meridian. During this month, all yin organs are ripe and ready and all yang organs are free to operate. "When a melon is ripe, it falls to the ground" The mother progresses towards childbirth. Development of the fetus according to Western medicine: Pregnancy begins from the first day of the mother's last menstruation and ends nine months later with the birth of the baby. Between the 6th and 10th day, from the day of conception, the fertilized egg takes root on the uterine wall. After implanting in the uterus, the fetal cells continue to divide and reproduce. The baby's growth in the womb lasts 9 months. It is customary to divide the period into 3 periods of time called "trimesters" or to divide the 9-month period into 40 weeks (approximately), of which the "embryonic period" - the first 14 weeks, is separated from the "fetal period" - the last 26 weeks. Description of fetal development according to 9 months (divided into weeks): Week 0: Beginning of the embryonic period (EMBRIOGENESIS). Week 3-8: The initial stage of fetal development. At this stage, the structures of the skeleton, blood vessels, and nervous system begin to appear. · By the third week of the fetus's life, its shape is straight. · Starting from the fourth week, its shape changes to the letter "C" · There are signs of seeing arms and legs, and the body ends in the shape of a tail. · It is about 0.5 cm in size and weighs about 0.4 grams · A basic nervous system begins to develop: head, tail, heart-brain 2 ventricles – begins to beat. · Buds of the circulatory system, liver, kidneys and limb buds appear. · The embryo is the size of a coffee bean. Week 5-6 · Brain tissue develops. · The skeleton begins to form, including depressions in the skull for the eyes and jaw. · An embryo can already be seen. Week 7-8 · Limbs elongate and elbows and knees are visible. · The embryo moves slightly but cannot be felt. · The head is huge in relation to the body. · Initial facial features can be seen: eyes, ears, nose and mouth. · The formation of the brain and spine is visible. · The embryo is about 2.5 cm long. · By week 8, the embryo has an almost complete body shape. · The head rises upwards and the tail has almost disappeared.* Weight 2 grams. Week 8-12: The embryo begins to receive food and oxygen from the mother through the placenta. Week 12 · The embryo looks like a small humanoid creature, taking on a head shape similar to a human. · The fetus moves its hands and feet and fingernails begin to appear. · The skin is red and delicate. · The kidneys and bladder are functioning. · The brain structure is almost complete. · Swallowing movements are seen. · Tooth buds appear. · The sex of the fetus can be identified. · The fetus produces blood cells independently. · The fetus is 6-9 cm in size and weighs 9 grams. Week 14 End of the embryonic period and the end of the fetal period, which ends with birth. Week 16-20 · The head is still large in relation to the body. · The eyes are far apart. · Ears and nose are in place. · The fetus grows hair on the head and is covered with downy hair. · The limbs become proportional. · All internal organs (liver/pancreas-spleen and digestive system) develop and grow. · For females, the vagina opens. · The fetus is 11.5-13.5 cm in size and weighs 100 grams. Week 20-24 · The legs lengthen significantly. · The nostrils open and movements such as breathing begin. · Enamel formation in the tooth buds. · Eyebrows and eyelashes appear. · The fetal muscles develop and the fetal movements strengthen. · The nervous system matures. · The size of the fetus is between 16-18.5 cm and weighs 300 grams. Week 24-28 · The fetus is proportionally large and thin. · Red and wrinkled skin. · Sweat glands are formed. · The bone marrow functions to produce blood cells. · The lungs develop. · The fetus is able to hear. · The fetus is 23 cm in size and weighs 600 grams and its movements can be clearly felt. Week 28 · The fetus is still thin. · Its skin is red and less wrinkled. · Nails appear. · The lungs continue to develop. · Cycles of wakefulness and sleep can be identified. · Weak sucking reflex. · Able to close and open Eyes. · There is a reaction to light. · The fetus usually turns over and its head is comfortably positioned in the pelvis. · The fetus is 27 cm long and weighs 1.110 g. Week 30-31 · The lungs are ripe for breathing. · The fetus begins to accumulate fat under the skin. · Its skin is pink and smooth. · It is aware of sounds outside the mother's body. · Teeth can be seen inside the jaw. · In males, the testicles begin to descend towards the scrotum. · The fetus is 31 cm long and weighs between 1.800-2.100 kg. Week 36-40 · Round body. · The fetus's movements weaken. · The fetus has completed its development. · The fetus is 35 cm long and weighs between 2.200-2.900 kg. Week 40 · The fetus's body is plump. · Good muscle tone. · Constant mobility. · Crying when hungry or uncomfortable. · Strong sucking reflex. · Genitals The females are developed and the testicles for the male are in the sac. · It is 40 cm long (top to rump) and weighs 3,200 kg. The baby at the moment of birth, the cervix opens and the baby finds its way out of the uterus. Immediately upon leaving the uterus, the obstetric team will clean the baby's airways and wait for the baby's first gasp. Crying indicates proper functioning of the lungs, which begin to act instinctively as soon as the baby is born. Common problems during pregnancy Nausea and vomiting usually appear at the beginning of pregnancy and disappear after 3 months of pregnancy. Caused by the inability to lower stomach qi. A pregnant woman undergoes emotional changes at the beginning of pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes that cause stagnation of liver qi, which attacks the stomach. Stagnation of liver qi can also develop into fever. In addition, the problem of descending qi can also result from weakness of the spleen and stomach, which leads to the development of Phlegm blocking the flow of stomach qi downwards. 1. Weakness of the spleen and stomach with nausea, vomiting of clear phlegm or liquids, in extreme cases as soon as food is put in the mouth, vomiting, poor appetite, epigastric and abdominal swelling and fullness, fatigue, constant desire to sleep, dizziness, tongue: pale with a white, moist coating. Pulse: weak and rolling. Treatment: Strengthening the spleen, stomach hormone, lowering descending qi and stopping vomiting. Formula: XIANG SHA LIU JUN ZI TANG ( ban xia , chen pi , bai zhu , dang shen , sha ren , mu xiang , fu ling , gan cao ) with zi su ye , zhu ru and three pieces of sheng jiang . * If there is a risk of miscarriage, ban xia is given in a dose of 6 grams, if there is no risk of miscarriage and there is a lot of vomiting, the same dose of 9 grams is given. If there is also cold in the spleen and stomach, bai du kou, ding xuang can be added. If there is a violation of fluids and wine with dry mouth and constipation, we will remove mu xiang, fu ling, sha ren and add yu zu, huo ma ren, mai men dong, shi hu. Points: sp9 st40 st36 cv12 bl21 bl20 bl17 pc6 and GV9 (prick and remove) If there is abdominal pain, we will prick CV14. Moxibustion on ginger in cv8 3 times 2. Disharmony between the liver and stomach Vomiting of acidic/bitter fluids, chest fullness, pain in the hypochondrium, frequent sighs, dry mouth, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness and a feeling of pressure in the head, restlessness and irritability, tongue: slightly red, yellowish coating and possibly dry. Pulse: stringy and rolling. Treatment: calm down The liver, we destroy the stomach, we lower the descending qi and stop vomiting. Formula: SU YE HUANG LIAN TANG (huang qin, wu mai, ban xia, chen pi, zhu ru, huang lian, zi su ye). *If there is damage to the body's veins and stomach wine, sha shen, shih u, lu gan can be added. For pressure in the head, we add ju ye, qing pi. If there are multiple symptoms of heat and fire (bitter taste/excessive thirst/red tongue with yellow coating, etc.), a modification of the formula should be given: LIU WEI DI HUANG WAN: sheng jiang, zhu ru, zhi shi, chen pi, ban xia, fu ling, huang qin, mai men dong, huang lian, gou qi zi. Acupuncture points for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy in the ear: shen men, endocrine, spleen, stomach, triple heater and liver. Edema during pregnancy This problem may occur From the accumulation of fluid and dampness as a result of spleen weakness, kidney weakness or stagnation of qi as a result of the fetus's pressure on the internal organs. Acupuncture points: Gb40 sp9 sp8 kid6 kid5 kid3 st40 st36 bl 23 bl22 1. Spleen weakness In mild cases, superficial edema begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body depending on the severity of the condition - head, limbs and body. The skin looks oily, white and shiny, dizziness, heaviness in the head, lack of taste and stickiness in the mouth, worries and restlessness, feeling of weakness in the limbs. Tongue coating: white and oily, pulse: deep and rolling. If the condition is severe, there will also be pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, little urine or difficulty urinating, soft stools, edema throughout the body, swelling and fullness in the abdomen, qi is lowered, palpitations and pulse: weak and rolling. Treatment: We will strengthen the spleen and qi and remove dampness. Formula: BAI ZHU SAN: chen pi, bai zhu, da fu pi, fu ling, sheng jian pi 2. Kidney Qi weakness: superficial edema of the face and limbs, shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling of coldness in the lower limbs, lower back pain, fullness in the abdomen, pale tongue with a thin and white coating. Slow and deep pulse. Formula: ZHEN WU TANG 3. Qi stagnation: swelling/edema in the lower abdomen, dizziness, difficulty in movement, headache, lack of appetite. Pulse: deep, stringy and rolling. Tongue coating: oily and thick. Treatment: mobilize and regulate Qi and disperse stagnation. Formula: TIAN XIAN TENG SAN: wu tao, gan cao, sheng jiang, xiang fu, tian xiang teng, chen pi . Ear acupuncture points for edema during pregnancy: shen men, sabcortex, bladder, adrenal gland Kidney, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen. Treatment for preparation for childbirth The treatment helps to soften the cervix and shorten the duration of childbirth. Two weeks before childbirth, give a formula of: TAO REN PAO JIANG, DANG GUI, HONG HUA ZHI GAN CAO, CHUAN XIONG. At the same time, you can give an extract of the plant: black cohosh, which helps cause uterine contractions, and: squaw vian to soften the cervix. Acupuncture: bl34 bl33 bl32 bl31 gv21 li4 sp6 bl67 bl60. In addition, do a strong massage in the gb21 area. In kid1 from week 39, you can perform a treatment to induce childbirth twice a week: li4, sp6. gv1 sp9. Inject upwards. After childbirth, the same plants that prepare for childbirth should be given with the addition of: Wang bu liu xiang for milk production. Chuan lian zi, san qi, bai ji in cases where there are stitches. · Giovanni Obstrics Gynecology Book gynecology in Chinese medicine · Study materials for the R.S. Medicine · The Complete Guide to Chinese Medicine / Yeshurun Neumann, Iris Shapira, Shadi Marjieh, · The Book of Tao / Nissim Amnon · Internet Articles on Pregnancy in Chinese Medicine / Western Medicine · Pregnancy The Complete Guide / Like a Baby / The Book of Tao, Lao Tzu The softest of all experiences the hardest of all Coming out of heat without space Into a space without heat From this I learned the virtue of natural flow All that is necessary The life force will already do There is much wisdom and power in places where there are no words But who will be able to handle worries like a baby