Acupuncture

Induction of labor for medical reasons is a common referral in the women's department, including cases where waters have broken but active labor has not yet begun. Acupuncture is often recommended to alleviate pain during the early stages of labor and to expedite labor progression during the latent stage. Additionally, acupuncture treatments have recently been utilized before manual fetal inversion.

Within the delivery room, acupuncture treatments are primarily administered when labor is not progressing as expected or for various induction conditions. It is also used for non-ideal fetal positions, such as a high head position or occipital position. In addition, acupuncture treatments are frequently employed to calm the mother and provide relief from pain, nausea, and other discomforts.

In the maternity ward, acupuncture is used to address various postpartum issues, including pain, constipation, and anxiety. 

In 2015-2016, we initiated a pilot program with a small group of therapists and provided acupuncture treatment to around 300 women. The following year, in 2017, the number of mothers treated increased to approximately 1,377. With the expansion of our staff in 2018, we were able to extend our services and treat around 2,422 women during labor. Moreover, we introduced acupuncture treatments in the delivery room, dedicating about 20 hours per week to visiting patients in that setting. As of August 2019, we have already provided treatment to 3,783 mothers, and we are available for approximately 80 hours per week. Our commitment to providing acupuncture services remains steadfast and continues to grow.

Leah Cohen (pseudonym), 42 years old, was in her ninth pregnancy when I received the call after she arrived at the obstetrics emergency about six hours ago. She was experiencing intense contractions and was in labor stage 2. Despite the midwives' attempts to offer interventions such as entering the delivery room for an epidural or using laughing gas to alleviate the pain, Leah refused all options. At this point, the midwives suggested trying acupuncture.

Leah was unfamiliar with acupuncture but after seeking approval from a rabbi, she agreed to give it a try. When I entered the room, I saw a weary, desperate, and emotionally drained woman after enduring hours of pain. I provided a brief explanation of acupuncture to her.

After a brief diagnosis, I determined that Leah's muscle contractions were due to stress, preventing her body from releasing and allowing progress in the opening of the cervix. The contractions were intense and frequent but were not effectively aiding in the opening due to Leah's constriction and stress. Using acupuncture, I focused on relaxing points and specific points that promote blood flow to the uterus, known for their ability to facilitate movement.

As I inserted the acupuncture needles, I offered words of encouragement to Leah, reminding her of her inner strength and the possibility of the birth occurring suddenly. Alongside the acupuncture, I guided her through a short relaxation exercise before leaving the room. When I returned fifteen minutes later to check on Leah, I was surprised to find her fast asleep. The midwives were amazed by this development, and I assured them that it was a positive sign, believing that it would help Leah progress.

I continued attending to other acupuncture requests in the delivery room, requesting the midwives to inform me if any issues arose with Leah. After about half an hour, I returned to remove the needles and witnessed a scene I never could have imagined. Behind the curtain in the maternity ward, Leah lay with a smile on her face, cradling a peaceful baby girl in her arms.

During my brief absence, the midwives noticed a drop in the baby's heart rate and rushed to assess the situation. Leah was asleep, and upon awakening, they performed an internal examination to determine her progress. Astonishingly, the dilation had advanced from 2 to 10 centimeters in just 45 minutes, indicating that the baby was ready to be born. Within moments, the baby emerged into the world, crying with vigor.

I wished Leah the best of luck and a speedy recovery before leaving the room, filled with excitement. The effectiveness of acupuncture continues to astound me time and time again. Leah's case is just one example among many. There are countless beautiful outcomes achieved through acupuncture. While I may not always comprehend the exact mechanisms behind these miraculous results when asked why Chinese medicine, my answer is unequivocal: because it works!