Postnatal depression is an absolutely debilitating set of symptoms that can arise in a mother after giving birth to her baby. In Chinese medicine (CM) we do not treat diseases, we do not even treat the symptoms. We treat the person. The manifestation of symptoms that are associated with the Western medicine diagnosis of postnatal depression, from a Chinese medicine perspective are clearly caused by one of three pathology’s occurring within the mothers physiological body. In CM these pathology’s are known as the root underlying cause, and re-balancing the body to heal the root underlying cause is the fundamental focus of treatment. When we re-balance and adjust the bodies energy, Qi and blood to nourish weaknesses in the body or move stagnation, we are simply re calibrating the body back into its optimal/ normal/ natural state of function and equilibrium. Thus the root underlying cause is then healed by the bodies natural innate flow of Qi and blood. The body heals itself.
*We view the body holistically in Chinese medicine and organs are determined not just by their physical roles. Understanding of an organs mental, emotional, spiritual and physical function coupled with its symbiotic relationships with the other organs and body fluids is an essential component of diagnosis and treatment in CM.
The 3 CM root causes of postnatal depression:
- Heart-Blood deficiency
The extreme exertion coupled with the loss of blood during childbirth depletes the spleen which is responsible for making blood. This causes ‘blood deficiency’. In CM the heart houses the mind and governs blood. Thus when blood is deficient, the mind has no residence within the heart and thus becomes depressed and anxious.
Symptoms: Postnatal depression, fatigue, mild anxiety, insomnia, crying, feeling guilty, loss of libido, heart palpitations and poor memory.
Treatment: Keep in mind treatment is always unique to the patients specific manifestation of symptoms, as a few pathology’s can often manifest simultaneously. Or if one pathology is not addressed immediately, further pathology’s often develop. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, western supplements, dietary and lifestyle advice.
2. Heart Yin deficiency
Yin deficiency often develops from blood deficiency, thus the symptoms are similar, but with more intensity and a few additions. This is due to deficient yin also causing empty heat. Yin deficiency manifests in mothers who already have a history or predisposition. Factors that can lead to yin deficiency include, overwork for a period of several years, loss of blood (heavy periods for many years), chronic illness, history of long term smoking and some recreational drugs also deplete yin.
Symptoms: More severe postnatal depression and anxiety, mental restlessness and agitation, insomnia (waking frequently through night), feeling guilty, exhausted, low breast milk, palpitations, loss of libido, feeling hot in the evening, night sweats.
Treatment: Treatment is always unique to the patients specific manifestation of symptoms. Treatment length will depend upon a woman’s receptiveness to treatments and willingness to adhere to diet and lifestyle recommendations, most women note improvements within the first 3 sessions. Treatment can include a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, western supplements, dietary and lifestyle advice.
3. Heart-Blood stasis
This condition is more severe again and includes neurotic, obsessive, phobic or psychotic behaviour after childbirth. Where stagnant blood is harassing the mind. The woman will not only be depressed but could also display schizophrenic like behaviour.
Symptoms: Postnatal depression, manic behaviour, scolding people, aggressive, delusional, hallucinations, suicidal, destructive thoughts, lack of bonding with her baby.
Treatment: Treatment is always unique to the patients specific manifestation of symptoms. Treatment length will depend upon a woman’s receptiveness to treatments and willingness to adhere to diet and lifestyle recommendations, most women note improvements within the first 3 sessions. Treatment can include a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, western supplements, dietary and lifestyle advice.
Conclusion: Childbirth is an incredible, powerful and exhausting roller coaster for a mothers mind, body and spirit. It is taxing on her body, a mothers state of health and balance prior and during pregnancy can determine how her mind and body are capable of functioning after her baby is born. The wonderful news is that Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years as a safe and natural alternative to treating symptoms related to post birth exhaustion, depletion or stagnation. Along with nourishing mothers whilst they are pregnant or trying to conceive, which can potentially reduce the risk of symptoms post birth.
For more information on how we can help you to restore balance, contentment and abundant energy to your life as a mother, lover, wife, superwoman (its the truth!) or to find out what we can do specifically for you contact Belle Taylor at Acupuncture Alchemy.
Dr. Belle Taylor Acupuncture 