Prenatal Acupuncture and Its Effects - Research Paper Example

The Case Study of a patient in her third trimester who was given acupuncture treatment for pregnancy-related ailments was discussed. The patient’s relief from the ailments, improvement in general health, enhanced preparation for labor culminating inefficient parturition also highlighted the effectiveness of prenatal acupuncture. A detailed discussion on the multiple roles, the effects, and efficacy of prenatal acupuncture, supported by findings was presented, to answer the inquiry question.

Future research is recommended, to study the neurophysiological and other mechanisms of prenatal acupuncture. This will help to increase knowledge and insights about the treatment, and to promote highly skilled clinical best practice. The term “acupuncture” is derived from the Latin acus, a needle, and punctura, a puncture. It is an ancient system of healing that has been practiced in China for the last 4000 years. The Chinese discovered that stimulation of particular points on the surface of the body affects the functioning of certain organs.

Through the process of critical thinking and clinical observation, traditional Chinese medicine developed as an autonomous system of practice (BJOG, 2002: 1). This ancient holistic system based on philosophy and logic is still relevant in modern times due to its efficacy. Each treatment is planned according to the particular individual’s diagnosis (Zhufan, 2000: 5). The main aim of traditional Chinese medicine is to prevent disease and to restore the body to balance and harmony if a disease is present.

The role of an internal energy is also considered important in recovery, especially in chronic pain (Calmels, 1999: 129). During pregnancy, most patients are reluctant to take drugs for relief from ailments because of their possible side-effects, hence acupuncture is considered ideal. It helps to improve the pregnant woman’s health and to prepare her body for more efficient labor. However, treating pregnant patients with acupuncture requires great care, to avoid the risk of miscarriage.

Some of the ailments towards the end of pregnancy for which acupuncture can be effective are: leg cramps, low-back and pelvic pain, hyperacidity, etc. Breech presentation of the fetus can be corrected by moxibustion, which is burning of a herb at acupuncture points (West, 1997: 86).