Mother warming: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Postnatal Care

What is Mother Warming?

Mother Warming is a one-off postpartum treatment designed to support women during the few days after birth. This time signifies the beginning of what is often referred to as the Golden Month.

Mother warming is an ancient therapeutic technique involving moxibustion to warm and nourish the body. Moxibustion promotes recovery and healing after childbirth.

The gentle warmth generated during this process aims to replenish depleted Qi and Blood. It enhances energy levels, improves sleep quality, alleviates pain, and fortifies the uterus. Whether performed in clinic or at home, mother warming is a valuable practice. It is celebrated for its potential to bring about a harmonious and revitalised postpartum experience.

What is the Golden Month?

In our modern world the postpartum phase is often overlooked and women are regularly praised for ‘bouncing back’ to their pre-baby body. In Traditional Chinese culture the Golden Month is an important period lasting up to 40 days. It marks a crucial phase for new mothers to recover and replenish after childbirth. During the Golden Month, women are encouraged to prioritise rest, warmth, and nourishing foods to restore their physical and mental well-being. The Golden Month aims to prevent ailments such as low milk supply, prolapse, insomnia, fatigue, depression, pain, and blood clots by prioritising the restoration of Qi and Blood.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is an essential part of Chinese medicine. It is a treatment that burns moxa, a substance prepared from the mugwort plant, over specific acupuncture points or meridians.

How is moxibustion used in postpartum recovery?

The treatment is administered with a moxa stick, which gently smoulders so that it gives off a warming heat. The moxa stick is held above the abdonmen and moved slowly up and down from the top of the pubic bone to the belly button. The treatment is carried out for between 5 and 10 minutes and should feel warming and relaxing.

Further treatment can also be carried out on the lower back and sacrum.

Can I do mother warming treatment at home?

The beauty of this treatment is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Ideally you would get your partner to do the treatment for you so that you can fully relax.

It is important that you consult with a fully qualified acupuncturist before commencing any treatment at home. If you are at all unsure, you can request a home visit from your acupuncturist so that they may carry out the treatment for you.

What are the benefits of mother warming?

Mother warming is a nourishing and well received treatment, helping new mothers to feel fully supported and cared for. The benefits include:

• improved blood circulation
• reduced bleeding
• reduced pain and discomfort
• enhanced energy levels
• improved quality of sleep
• increased emotional well-being
• better milk supply
• better sleep and more energy
• improved pelvic floor function
• a healthy foundation for future fertility

Is moxibustion safe for postpartum women?

The treatment is completely safe but there are a few times when it should be avoided. Don’t use moxa if:

• You have any signs of infection
• You are experiencing night sweats
• You have any retained blood post birth
• It’s best to wait for 2 weeks after a C-section, rather than the usual 3-5 days
• Avoid using over a c-section scar if there is any redness or soreness

Care must also be taken not to cause any injury and to fully ventilate the room. Moxa sticks need to be properly extinguished after use. The best way to do this is by putting it out into a jar containing salt and sealing with a lid.

If you are at all unsure about carrying out this treatment yourself then you should get a qualified acupuncturist to do it for you, either in your home or in clinic.

Is there scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of moxibustion for postpartum recovery?

Scientific evidence supporting the use of moxibustion, especially in the context of postpartum care, includes several research studies:

Postpartum pain:

In a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion was investigated as a therapeutic intervention for postpartum pantalgia (postpartum pain). The research, conducted on 99 women, demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction with both individualised moxibustion and quantitative moxibustion compared to a group using voltaren ointment topically for pain relief.

Postpartum Urodynamics and Pelvic Floor Function:

Another study examined the effects of moxibustion on postpartum urodynamics and the recovery of pelvic floor function. This research involved 150 postpartum women divided into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received moxibustion on abdominal points, including those used in mother warming, along with pelvic floor muscle function training. The study concluded that moxibustion, combined with pelvic floor muscle training, significantly improved postpartum urodynamics and pelvic floor muscle strength.

Postpartum urinary incontinence

Another study showed Electro-Acupuncture combined with penetrating moxibustion could improve the urinary control ability, relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence and have a better long-term effect in patients with postpartum SUI, which is superior to biological feedback training of pelvic floor muscle.

Postpartum self-care

Self-care practices take on heightened importance during the postnatal period, offering new mothers the essential opportunity to nurture their physical and emotional well-being amidst the demands of caring for a newborn. Simple acts, such as taking a warm bath, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or engaging in gentle exercises like postnatal yoga, contribute to relaxation and rejuvenation. Adequate rest, listening to one’s body, and seeking support when needed are integral components of self-care. Embracing self-compassion and allowing for personal time fosters resilience and mental well-being, acknowledging the significance of the mother’s health in the overall care equation. Eating nourishing warming foods like soups and warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric will help.

Want to know more?

Then why not contact me for more details. I can provide you with everything you need to know as well as provide the equipment and step-by-step instructions for a safe and effective treatment.