MM Pregnancy sickness
In early pregnancy, morning sickness can – literally – leave you sick to your stomach. Here, acupuncturist, kinesiologist and EFT practitioner, Roisin Armstrong, tells MM readers how kinesiology can help fight off this common pregnancy niggle.
Soothing pregnancy mind, body and spirit
Roisin Armstrong Author of ‘Porridge is an Aphrodisiac’
Getting pregnant is such a huge moment in a woman’s life but, for many, this exciting time can be blighted by various issues such as not sleeping, heartburn, morning sickness or excessive urination. Kinesiology is a method of healthcare that creates harmony of the body, mind and spirit. Any problems identified are treated with acupressure and gentle spinal adjustments, massage or neuro- vascular and neuro-lymphatic points, along with dietary advice and the use of nutritional supplementation. Take morning sickness, for example,
which, contrary to its name, can occur at any time of the day. This distressing issue can range from just mild annoyance to a totally debilitating but rare condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can, in severe cases, result in hospitalisation. It is estimated that as many as 80 per cent of women can suffer from it in the course of a pregnancy, but there are many ways to help get through the potentially difficult first 16 weeks of pregnancy, when, in most instances, it will stop.
A kinesiology treatment will very gently
restore all the organs of the body which have been thrown out of balance through the hormonal changes. It is a very safe treatment where I gently massage acupuncture points, mostly on the hands and feet, head or torso. (This not only helps to alleviate morning
sickness but can help with other issues such as very gently realigning the spine to reset it, thereby helping to soften ligaments and extra weight.) Through muscle testing I can also
identify any particular food issues which may be triggering morning sickness and suggest alternatives to ensure that the diet remains as balanced as possible. Safe nutritional supplements may also
be suggested as often the sickness is a result of a deficiency. A kinesiology treatment is very relaxing
and soothing and can restore sleep if that has become an issue, as well as strengthening the kidneys to cope with the extra urge to pee. Heartburn is often an issue and again
strengthening the digestive organs can offer very good relief. It is really important that you tell your
midwife or GP who will initially recommend that you try a number of changes to your diet and life style to help reduce your symptoms. These include: • getting plenty of rest as tiredness can make nausea worse
• taking the time to get up slowly – particularly if you feel sick first thing in the morning
• eating something like dry toast or a plain biscuit before you get up as, for many women, this is enough to stop all the symptoms
• drinking plenty of fluids - especially water. Sipped slowly and frequently, this may help prevent vomiting. It is important to replace the fluids lost through vomiting and to prevent dehydration
• eating small, frequent meals that are high in carbohydrate, such as bread, rice
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and pasta. Many women find toast, crackers and crisp breads are easier to digest and plain foods work much better than sweet or spicy foods
• nibbling at regular intervals even if you don’t feel like eating a full meal
If you find food smells difficult, try eating cold foods in the short term, or try to have friends or family cook for you so you avoid smells. It’s probably a good idea to avoid fizzy
drinks as these can fill the tummy with wind and give the illusion of fullness. It’s better to eat something solid. Try to distract yourself as much as you
can – the nausea can get worse the more you think about it.
Roisin is the author of ‘Porridge is an Aphrodisiac’, which provides comprehensive info on a healthy diet at any time. Roisin can be contacted at her Holywood and Belfast clinics on 07770 862637 or at her Portglenone clinic (Bannside Pharmacy)
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