164: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Reproductive Health

We’re diving deep into acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. We’re talking specifically about how these treatments can be used in support of people dealing with reproductive health issues and mental health conditions. Abigail Morgan is a mother of two, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and a writer. She is board certified by the state of CA in traditional Chinese medicine and has an additional board certification from the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). She is the owner of FLOAT Chinese Medical Arts in Glendale, CA, an integrative private practice that focuses on reproductive health for all genders and all aspects of the childbearing cycle. Abigail is a passionate advocate for choices in childbirth, and she’s been helping families get pregnant, stay pregnant, and thrive as parents since 2006. She is currently writing a memoir about her experience with postpartum anxiety and her remarkable recovery from it. She’s partnered with a nutritionist to create a new podcast. In today’s episode, we discuss how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine help with stress during pregnancy and the postpartum. There is a lot of information here for us to learn about these ways to promote healing. Show Highlights: Abigail’s work with clients in the childbearing cycle and all aspects of reproductive health How Abigail works in conjunction with many therapists about perinatal mental health Why stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia are common issues with Abigail’s clients What acupuncture is and how it works Common misperceptions about acupuncture and the needles used Benefits of acupuncture: regulates the nervous system, increases blood flow, and reduces blood pressure An interesting study from Georgetown in 2013 about how acupuncture works on a molecular level How we give and receive energy (qi) in our bodies How acupuncture specifically helps with nausea during pregnancy Why the common contributors to anxiety are exhaustion, poor nutrition, headaches, insomnia, and pain The importance of self-care How traditional Chinese medicine helps integrate the mind-body connection How Abigail does empathetic listening with her clients The supports that Abigail offers her clients for the early postpartum period Emotional and physical changes that happen in the early postpartum period How Abigail refers clients out to others who can help them Herbal medicines that nourish the blood and body Why isolation is the #1 risk factor for postpartum anxiety and depression How to find a licensed acupuncturist (visit A.B.O.R.M.) The podcast that Abigail co-hosts with nutritionist Gloria Williamson, “A Nutritionist and Acupuncturist Walk Into a Bar” Resources: Float Chinese Medical Arts Instagram: Mama Float Facebook: Float Chinese Medical Arts Podcast: Instagram: Nutrition Acu Podcast A.B.O.R.M.