After giving birth, a woman's body goes through numerous physical and emotional changes.
Postpartum care is crucial to ensure a speedy recovery and optimal health. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), postpartum is considered a vulnerable period for women, and proper care is essential to prevent complications and restore balance in the body.
In addition to wholesome whole foods nutrition, and proper physical movement, it is essential to use natural topical products for postpartum care.
Using natural topical products in postpartum care can help alleviate common symptoms such as dry skin, stretch marks, and sore nipples and improve hair shedding and re-growth.
Here are some ways natural topical products can help during postpartum, according to TCM:
1. Minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals- Natural topical products are formulated using plant-based ingredients and are free from synthetic chemicals, minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful toxins. This is especially important for postpartum women, whose bodies are still recovering from the stresses of childbirth and may be more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
2. Promotes healing- Natural topical products are often formulated with ingredients known for their healing properties, such as different body butters (such as cocoa, shea, illipe, and more), oils (such as argan, olive, apricot, and more), and vitamins (such as E, & C). These ingredients can help soothe and heal the skin after childbirth, reducing dryness, inflammation, and the risk of infection.
3. Promote blood circulation- In TCM, promoting blood circulation is essential to promote healing and prevent stagnation which can cause numerous skin issues. Natural topical products such as plant-based oil blends or balms can help promote blood circulation and alleviate postpartum skin issues.
4. Supports a holistic approach to postpartum care- Acupuncturists believe in taking a holistic approach to postpartum care, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. Natural topical products can be a part of this approach, as they can help soothe and heal the body while promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
5. Aligns with traditional Chinese medicine principles- Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes using natural remedies to promote health and healing. Using natural topical products, postpartum women can align with these principles and support their body's natural healing processes.
6. Safe for babies- When made by a certified practitioner, natural topical products are safe for babies as they do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Mothers can use these products without worrying about exposing their newborns to harmful substances.
1. Promote blood circulation- I love adding my Butterfly Gua Sha to my skincare routine together with the StretchySkin oil blend. Together, they help moisten the skin and move the blood in the superficial layer of the skin, thus making the skin look smoother and helping it rejuvenate itself faster.
An additional tip to improve blood circulation would be to move the body. In the first six weeks after giving birth, it is not usually recommended to get into a vigorous physical movement; however, even the most gentle slow walk around the neighborhood can help improve our blood circulation and, perhaps, improve our mood (being in the fresh air, and out of bed).
2. Nourish the skin- During pregnancy, the skin undergoes significant stretching, which can cause stretch marks and dryness. Natural topical products such as shea, cacao, mango butter, almond, apricot oil, or other oil blends and balms can help nourish and hydrate the skin, promoting elasticity and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
3. Soothe sore nipples- Breastfeeding can cause soreness and irritation of the nipples. Natural topical products such as shea butter mixed with chamomile and lavender essential oils can help soothe and protect sore nipples, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
Click here to find a great post-nursing balm- Nipple Treasure.
4. Encourage healthy hair growth- According to TCM, when a woman gives birth, she loses a great deal of blood, and energy (Qi), resulting in a temporary state of "blood deficiency," which causes hair loss, among other symptoms. In most cases, the hair usually grows back.
However, from my clinical experience, the hair grows significantly more beautiful when and less dull when a woman nourishes her body with natural topical ingredients and whole foods from within.
Click here for a great hair oil- Rejuvenate Treasure.
In summary:
Postpartum care is essential to ensure a speedy recovery and optimal health for women.
According to TCM, natural topical products can help alleviate common postpartum symptoms and promote healing. Natural ingredients are safe, effective, and aligned with TCM's philosophy of promoting balance and harmony in the body.
If you, or someone you know, are looking for natural topical products for postpartum care, check out our skincare line, specially formulated with natural ingredients to promote healing and nourishment during this vulnerable period.
Using natural topical products in postpartum care aligns with TCM's philosophy of using natural remedies to support the body's innate healing abilities. Natural ingredients allow the body to absorb nutrients more easily, promoting healing and restoring balance Visit our Belly Treasures store and discover our postpartum skincare line, specially formulated with natural ingredients to promote healing and nourishment during this vulnerable period.
Citations:
Ho, M., Li, T. C., & Su, S. Y. (2011). The Association between Traditional Chinese Dietary and Herbal Therapies and Uterine Involution in Postpartum Women. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medic : eCAM, 2011, 918291. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/918291
Yang, L., Di, Y. M., Shergis, J. L., Li, Y., Zhang, A. L., Lu, C., Guo, X., & Xue, C. C. (2018). A systematic review of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for postpartum depression. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 33, 85–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.08.006
Draelos Z. D. (2018). The science behind skincare: Moisturizers. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 17(2), 138–144. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12490