Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing journey but it can also be exhausting. As you nurture a new life within you, it's common to experience fatigue and tiredness. While modern medicine can offer some relief, the time-tested wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been helping pregnant women find energy and balance for centuries. In this blog post, I'll reveal seven TCM-based ways you can try at home to combat pregnancy fatigue and feel revitalized.
1. Embrace the Power of Ginger
Ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety
of ailments. It's believed to have a warming effect on the body, making it an excellent remedy for pregnancy fatigue. To benefit from ginger's energizing properties, try sipping ginger tea or adding it to your meals. Ginger can also help reduce pregnancy's morning sickness.
2. Nourish Your Qi with Iron-Rich Foods
In TCM, pregnancy fatigue is often attributed to a deficiency in qi, the vital energy that flows through the body. One way to nourish your qi is by consuming iron-rich foods. Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy, so incorporating iron-rich foods like spinach, organic red meat, dark leafy greens, berries, and lentils can help boost your energy levels and keep your experienced fatigue at bay.
3. Balance and elevate Your energy with Acupressure
Acupressure is a non-invasive TCM technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to balance the flow of qi. You can elevate your energy level by stimulating a couple of these points. Some effective acupressure points for combating fatigue include (ST36), located one hand breath from the front border of the leg's tibia bone- gently massage the point clockwise for about 5 minutes on both sides.
DU20 point, found on the midline of the head, approximately one hand breath from the anterior hairline- massage this point gently, clockwise, for about 5 minutes.
I would suggest, however, finding a good acupuncturist that’s located in your area to help you achieve the best balance possible.
4. Boost Energy with Qi Gong Exercises
Qi Gong is a gentle, low-impact exercise that combines movement, meditation, and breath control to promote the flow of qi. Practicing Qi Gong during pregnancy can help alleviate fatigue by boosting your energy levels and promoting relaxation. Be sure to consult with a qualified instructor before beginning any exercise program or join a group that practices Qi Gong, and always listen to your body's signals.
5. Replenish with Restorative Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for maintaining energy levels during pregnancy. In TCM, it's believed that sleep allows the body to replenish its yin energy, which supports overall vitality. To improve your sleep quality, establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, try to avoid screen time before heading to bed, and ensure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to rest as much as you can.
6. Help Your Fatigue with Herbal Formulas
Chinese herbal tonics can be a powerful way to combat pregnancy fatigue. In TCM, certain herbs are often used to replenish qi and nourish the blood. Find an acupuncturist that can prescribe you a tailored herbal formula to help get your energy level to where it should be. It's essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner before using any herbs, as some may not be suitable for pregnant women, so please do not take any herbs you may read about online.
7. Tap into the Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is an integral part of TCM and an excellent tool for combating pregnancy fatigue.
By calming the mind and focusing on the breath, meditation can help to balance your energy, reducing fatigue and promoting overall well-being. Consider incorporating a daily meditation practice into your routine to reap the benefits of this ancient technique.
My personal opinion
During pregnancy, a woman's body requires a significant amount of energy to nourish and support the development of a new human life. It is common for expectant mothers to strive to accomplish as much as possible before giving birth. However, in my professional opinion, it is crucial for pregnant women to prioritize rest and listen to their bodies’ needs.
As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of adequate rest during pregnancy. Research has shown that lack of rest can lead to negative outcomes such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure. Therefore, I encourage pregnant women to prioritize rest and relaxation whenever possible.
While it is understandable that women may have various responsibilities and commitments, it is crucial to remember that pregnancy is a unique time in a woman's life that requires special attention to physical and emotional well-being. By taking the time to rest and care for themselves, pregnant women can increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and, ultimately, a healthy baby.
Don't forget to check out our website's store for a range of carefully curated TCM products designed to support your pregnancy journey. Click here to visit our store and start shopping today, and share this article with a friend in need!
Resources
Leech, J. (2021, March 18). 11 scientifically proven health benefits of ginger. Healthline. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger
WebMD. (n.d.). Pregnancy center. WebMD. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/baby/iron-rich-foods#1