Relieving Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain with Acupuncture

Relieving Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain with Acupuncture

by | Jun 5, 2025 | Acupuncture and Pain Relief, Acupuncture for Women's Health, Acupuncture Nashville TN, Back Pain, Health & Wellness, Treatments, Uncategorized

Low back pain is a common complaint among pregnant individuals, affecting up to 70% of pregnant women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This discomfort can range from mild to debilitating, often interfering with sleep, mobility, and overall quality of life. While medication use is often limited during pregnancy, acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free, and evidence-based approach to relieve pain and promote overall wellness.

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Low Back Pain?

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a variety of biomechanical and hormonal changes that contribute to musculoskeletal stress:

  • Hormonal changes: The hormone relaxin increases during pregnancy to loosen the ligaments in the pelvis and prepare for childbirth. However, it can also destabilize joints, particularly in the lower back and pelvis.

  • Postural changes: As the uterus grows, the body’s center of gravity shifts forward, increasing lumbar lordosis (an exaggerated inward curve of the spine), which strains the lower back muscles.

  • Weight gain: Additional body weight places more pressure on the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints.

  • Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti): As the abdominal muscles stretch, the support for the lower spine decreases, contributing to back pain.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that reduce pain and inflammation. When it comes to pregnancy-related back pain, the benefits are both local and systemic:

  • Pain modulation: Acupuncture stimulates A-delta and C nerve fibers, which signal the release of endorphins and enkephalins — the body’s natural painkillers — and modulate the pain-processing centers in the brain and spinal cord.

  • Reduced inflammation: By enhancing microcirculation in the lumbar and sacral regions, acupuncture reduces inflammation in soft tissues and joints.

  • Muscle relaxation: Acupuncture can target myofascial trigger points in the paraspinal muscles, gluteals, and piriformis — common sources of pregnancy-related discomfort.

  • Improved pelvic alignment and function: By balancing the musculoskeletal system and reducing muscular imbalances, acupuncture helps relieve tension on the sacroiliac joints and ligaments that support the pelvis.

A review published in BMJ Open (2017) concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy, especially when administered by trained, licensed practitioners. The study noted improvements in both pain intensity and functional status.

What to Expect at Affinity Acupuncture

At Affinity Acupuncture, we tailor treatment plans specifically for expectant mothers, prioritizing safety, comfort, and clinical effectiveness. We use pregnancy-safe acupuncture protocols to address:

  • Lower back pain

  • Sciatic nerve irritation

  • Pelvic girdle pain

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Stress and anxiety related to physical discomfort

Most patients begin to experience relief within the first few treatments. However, consistency is key. Pregnancy-related changes are progressive, and weekly treatments are often recommended throughout the second and third trimesters to maintain comfort and mobility.

Your Next Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to endure pregnancy-related back pain without options. Acupuncture is a gentle, safe, and effective therapy that not only reduces pain but also supports your body as it prepares for labor and delivery.

📞 Call 615-939-2787 today or visit www.affinityacupuncture.com to schedule your consultation and begin your path to relief.

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Acupuncture Regulates Hormones, Boosts Fertility

Acupuncture Regulates Hormones, Boosts Fertility

by | Apr 18, 2017 | Acupuncture for Women's Health

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Researchers find acupuncture effective for normalizing hormone levels and improving the overall health of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Scientific data demonstrates that acupuncture produces significant improvements in menstrual regularity, restores ovulation pattern regularity, increases pregnancy rates, regulates hormonal secretions, normalizes basal body temperature patterns, and increases embryo survival rates. Fertility enhancements provided by acupuncture apply to both natural conception and IVF (in vitro fertilization) patients.

Research published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion entitled Advances In Clinical Research On Acupuncture Moxibustion Treatment For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome cites several clinical studies. Let’s take a look at the finings. Chen et al. applied stimulation with acupuncture at sacral plexus acupoints and paraspinal acupoints. Acupuncture treatment sessions were regularly administered over the course of three menstruation cycles. Upon completion of all acupuncture therapy, follow-up examinations (including ultrasound imaging) demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual regularity, ovulation frequency, and cervical mucus consistency. In addition, the pregnancy rate of patients in the study increased significantly.

The research published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture reviewed the work of Wang et al. That study demonstrated an 80.8% total effective rate for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome with acupuncture. The acupuncture points used in the study included the following acupoints:

Geshu, BL17
Shenshu, BL23
Ganshu, BL18
Zhongwan, CV12
Qihai, CV6
Guanyuan, CV4
Zigong, extra
Guilai, ST29
Xuehai, SP10
Zusanli, ST36
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Dahe, KD12

Two additional acupuncture points were added, based on symptomatic presentations and differential diagnostic considerations: Taichong (LV3), Fenglong (ST40). In another investigation, Huang et al. combined moxibustion with traditional Chinese medicine massage (Tui Na) and medications. The controlled investigation demonstrated the ability of traditional Chinese medicine to regulate ovulation and secretion of sex hormones to normal levels when compared with the control group that received only drug therapy. Moxibustion was applied to the following: Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, Zigong. The researchers conclude that moxa and Chinese massage enhance the efficacy of drug therapy for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Xie et al. combined traditional Chinese herbal medicine with acupuncture and achieved significant clinical results. Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome had an 80% total treatment effective rate using the combined therapy protocol. An herbal pill (Zi Shen Yu Tai) was administered to nourish the kidneys and reinforce fertility. On the fifth day following menstruation, acupuncture was applied to the following acupoints:

Guanyuan, CV4
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Taixi, KD3
Taichong, LV3
Zigong, extra

The pattern of basal body temperatures significantly normalized using the herbal medicine combined with acupuncture therapy approach to patient care. In addition, hormone levels significantly normalized, including the following hormones: LH (luteinizing hormone), testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). The work of Xie et al. was published in the Guiding Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Qiu and Xu administered electroacupuncture to patients that had a combination of polycystic ovarian syndrome with obesity. Electroacupuncture was applied to body style acupuncture points. In addition, auricular (ear) acupuncture was added. Important clinical improvements were documented by the researchers. Patients had significant improvements in the reduction of polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms, including improved menstruation regularity. In addition, many patients experienced a healthy reduction a bodily fat. The total treatment affective rate was 89.7%.The auricular acupuncture points used in the study were as follows: Zigong, Neifenmi, Pizhixia, Pi, Shen, Luanchao. Body style acupuncture points used in the study were as follows:

Zhigou, TB6
Siman, KD14
Guanyuan, CV4
Daimai, GB26
Xuehai, SP10
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Taixi, KD3

Li et al. administered acupuncture therapy to determine whether or not it is successful for the improvement of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo survival rates. Inclusion criteria for the study predetermined that all patients were of kidney deficiency type (according to Chinese medicine principles) and had a confirmed diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The results demonstrate significant clinical improvements, including higher embryo survival rates. The following acupuncture points used in the study were as follows:

Guanyuan, CV4
Zhongji, CV3
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Zigong, extra
Taixi, KD3

In related research, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers investigated ovulation and pregnancy rates for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The study involved two groups. Group one received acupuncture, herbs, and therapeutic exercises. Group two received drug therapy (cyproterone acetate / ethinylestradiol tablets and metformin). The acupuncture, herbs, and exercise group slightly outperformed the drug group.

The combination of acupuncture, herbs, and therapeutic exercises produced higher rates of ovulation and pregnancies in PCOS patients, producing a 46.92% ovulation rate and a 32.16% pregnancy rate. The drug therapy protocol produced a 40.61% ovulation rate and a 30.16% pregnancy rate. The researchers concluded that drug therapy and Chinese medicine produce similar positive patient outcomes for patients with PCOS.

Contact Affinity Acupuncture today for Nashville Acupuncture treatments and appointments!

References
Zheng HM, Lv GY, Wang YJ, Hou WG, Chen YL, Zeng YJ. (2013). Advances in Clinical Research on Acupuncture moxibustion Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 32(9).

Wang XY, Zhang YJ, Wu FD, Lu Y & Huang GQ. (2007). Acupuncture Treatment for 26 Cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of acupuncture, moxibustion & Tuina. (05).

Chen D, Chen SR, Shi XL, Guo FL, Zhu YK, Li Z, Cai MX, Deng LH & Xu H. (2007). Needle pricking therapy in treating polycystic ovary syndrome. China Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion. (02).

Huang M, Lai H, Lv FB & Pan BQ. (2007). Moxibustion in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome. Massage methodology. (01).

Qiu HN & Xu J. (2006). Acupuncture, moxibustion and auricular point sticking in treating obese polycystic ovarian syndrome. Chinese Community Doctors. 8(14): 86-87.

Li J, Cui W, Sun W. (2009). Electroacupuncture in treating patients with kidney deficiency type of PCOS and receive IVF-ET. China Journal of Sexual Science. (07).

Bai, S. L., Jiang, X. H., Li, Y. L., Huang, W. Q., Wang, L. & Liu, X. Z. (2014). The effect of weight-loss herbal decoction combined with acupuncture and exercise on endocrine markers and pregnancy outcomes in non-obesity patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Chinese Journal of Family Planning. 22(8).

Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Papavassiliou AG. Molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Trends Mol Med JT – Trends in molecular medicine, 2006, 12(7):324.

Sun, J., J. M. Zhao, R. Ji, H. R. Liu, Y. Shi, and C. L. Jin. “[Effects of electroacupuncture of” Guanyuan”(CV 4)-” Zhongji”(CV 3) on ovarian P450 arom and P450c 17alpha expression and relevant sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome].” Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture research/[Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan Yi xue qing bao yan jiu suo bian ji] 38, no. 6 (2013): 465-472.

Article Originated at

http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1725-acupuncture-regulates-hormones-boosts-fertility

It’s Ginger Season!

by | Jun 11, 2015 | Uncategorized

For thousands of years, ginger has been a staple in natural medicine throughout Asia, India, and the Middle East.  And it’s currently in season, so finding it at a reasonable price, and the peak of nutritional benefit, should be easy. 

Ginger can offer the following health benefits: 
Eases stomach distress – motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite
Reduces pain and inflammation – arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps
Stimulates circulation
Inhibits bacteria growth and spread of rhinovirus (which leads to the common cold)

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as a juice or oil in cooking.  Whether you make yourself a soothing tea of ginger and honey, blend it into a chutney for summer sandwiches, create a sesame ginger salad dressing, or add flavorful zing in a stir fry, ginger is a wonderful addition to your kitchen medicine cabinet.