An acupuncturist gets to the heart of the healing process
By Hilary Laferriere-Boly
Acupuncture is a rich medicine that has many wonderful applications. Most people think of Acupuncture for back or joint pain. It does a wonderful job of relieving pain. There also a great many other conditions for which acupuncture can offer relief.
Did you know that acupuncture can also be a wonderful contribution in women's health? Acupuncture can assist women at all stages of life — smoothing out hormonal fluctuation and the accompanying mood swings of teenage girls (I wish it had been on my parent's radar at that time of my life), painful periods, fertility, even helping to induce labor, and assisting with life and hormone changes at menopause.
One of my most astonishing acupuncture experiences was working with "Elizabeth" days after she delivered her first child. Elizabeth had labored for 22 long hours before reluctantly agreeing to a C-Section. Laboring is important -serving as a signal to child and mother, asking them to respond and prepare for the next step. It was Elizabeth's great wish to have a healthy baby and she very much wanted a vaginal birth.
From the C-section, she moved slowly as the stitches were still red and healing. Elizabeth was hard on herself, feeling like she'd failed a "real" delivery. A few days after birth, Elizabeth was producing very small amounts of colostrum-her milk hadn't yet come in. The baby was eager to be fed. Feeding was a struggle for both of them; he cried, hungry and frustrated. She, too, was overwhelmed, frustrated and tired.
After a visit to the midwife, Elizabeth was told the baby was losing weight and if her milk did not come in very soon, she would have to consider an alternative. Interestingly, there are groups of women so devoted to mother's milk that moms with too much send their milk to mothers producing too little. As a last resort, formula.
Elizabeth hated the idea of formula. When available, mother's milk is a baby's best source of nourishment, physical and emotional. Feeding is a time for mother and child to bond: mother stroking baby's head, baby holding mama's finger, mama watching him lovingly suckle. This is perhaps some of the most precious, loving time we have in life, a wonderfully welcoming beginning.
Breast-feeding is good for mothers too, the suckling assists the uterus in shrinking back to size and milk production burns upwards of 600 calories a day, helping mom lose her "baby weight."
One friend, also a mom, has said breast-feeding her son was her favorite time of life. Through it, she recognized deep meaning in a way she hadn't before experienced. Through breast-feeding, she realized her power as a woman and it was deeply fulfilling.
Elizabeth's midwife recommended a breast pump and "finger feeding" to measure how much her baby was taking in. At first she was just producing very small amounts, perhaps an ounce.
While Elizabeth pumped, I gave her an acupuncture treatment to stimulate flow. I also touched a point called "Assembly of Ancestors," energetically calling upon grandmothers to help out and, in this instance, to calm and nurture Elizabeth. Mothers need mothering support, too.
In an instant, Elizabeth's milk flowed! 2oz, then 5oz, and 8oz! It was amazing to witness!
The mood at Elizabeth's house completely changed. Tears and frustration of baby and mom turned to celebration and relief and gratitude! Just like when we're hungry and grouchy, after a good meal, we feel satisfied and content.
Elizabeth acknowledged her harvest-the beautiful, sweet little being she'd nurtured and eagerly awaited for the past 9 months. In the following days, her wee baby boy began to plump up beautifully. Elizabeth let go of the perceived "failure" of her delivery and moved with ease and confidence to the next stage of her life: that of mommy!
Katie's Story
About Hilary Laferriere-Boly
Hilary earned her Master of Acupuncture degree from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Florida and her BA in Education and Human Development from Prescott College in Arizona.
She is trained in acupuncture for fertility and weight loss. Hilary uses Acutonics vibrational "tuning fork" treatments in conjunction with acupuncture, or for needle-free treatments.
Hilary is a Diplomate of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, licensed in Oregon and Washington. She is the past President of the South Sound Acupuncture Association. Currently, Hilary serves as President of the Oregon Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (OAAOM).
For more information you may find her at www.Acu4You.net
Latest articles by Hilary Laferriere-Boly in Spirit of Maat:
January, 2011:
Elizabeth's Story An acupuncturist gets to the heart of the healing process
January, 2011:
Katie's Story An acupuncturist gets to the heart of the healing process
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