Acupuncture is an ancient healing art and key component of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years. This medicinal therapy involves an acupuncturist inserting tiny needles at various points on your body in order to stimulate your qi -- life force energy -- reduce your pain and balance your internal organs and bodily systems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States in the past decade and might provide natural, effective relief for sciatic pain during pregnancy; however, consult with your doctor prior to using acupuncture during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Sciatica
Your sciatic nerve runs down your lower spine, pelvic area and the back of your legs. As your pregnancy progresses, your baby gets bigger, sits lower in your abdomen and can put extra pressure on your sciatic nerve. This pressure can cause pain and numbness in your lower back, buttocks and backs of your thighs. You might even find the pain so unbearable that you find it difficult to move, walk and sit or sleep in certain positions.
Acupuncture Treatment
Your acupuncturist might treat your sciatica using a combination of acupuncture with other Chinese medical therapies, such as Chinese massage, cupping, electrical stimulation or stretching. Your acupuncturist might stimulate acupuncture points directly at the site of your pain and discomfort as well as at other parts of your body, including your ears. Acupuncture helps to open the flow of qi and blood and helps relax your muscles, which in turn can help reduce your pain. You might feel somewhat better after your first treatment, but might need several acupuncture treatments to experience complete and lasting pain relief.
Risks and Side Effects
Acupuncture generally is considered safe as long as your acupuncturist is licensed, properly trained and follows clean needle techniques and procedures. Millions of people are treated every year in the United States and very few complications are reported to the FDA. Adverse effects might include minor discomfort or pain at the site of the needle, bruising, bleeding, a bent or broken needle or possible infection. These risks are greatly reduced if the practitioner is properly trained and uses FDA-approved sterile, nontoxic acupuncture needles.
Find an Acupuncturist
Look for a qualified, licensed practitioner in your area. Ask your doctor, naturopath, chiropractor, relative or a close friend for a referral. You might consider looking for an acupuncturist who has experience and specialized training in treating women during pregnancy, since there are certain acupuncture points that should not be stimulated during pregnancy. You can contact your local health department or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for a list of credentialed acupuncturists in your area.
