Postpartum Depression

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, birth is a shift from a yang state to a more yin state. Yin being the abundance of warmth, blood, and nutrients. The yang state is the period after birth where a woman loses an abundance of fluids, energy, and blood essence. A study comparing the effectiveness of acupuncture and antidepressants combined with antidepressants alone shows that acupuncture combined with psychological intervention is more effective than medication alone. Through acupuncture'(https://www.americanacupuncturecenter.com/acupuncture)s ability to regulate the body’s various physiological systems, such as serotonin, melatonin, and norepinephrine, acupuncture can help relieve severe depression. It can also promote relaxation and regenerate the body’s cellular level. At the American Acupuncture Center, we help women improve their mental health through a variety of techniques such as stress reduction and relaxation.

Mothers are urged to consume warm drinks and eat soft digestible substances to strengthen their yang, promote blood flow, and build qi. They should also eat a variety of vegetables and protein, as these can help maintain a healthy body.

Many Chinese herbal formulas are utilized to address both the root and symptoms of postpartum depression. Many Chinese herbs are used to balance hormone levels in the body which can with alleviate depression and anxiety. The combination of herbs used for treating various conditions should be taken as directed by the doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.They supplement lost resources such as blood and fluids in order to speed recovery.