Interview with Prof. TCM Univ. Yunnan and Dr. Natalie Lauer: “Holistic healing knowledge for 40 weeks of baby belly – and the time after”

"In this very special phase of life, it is essential to listen to your own body - regardless of what demands the world outside places on the pregnant woman. It's all about her now and the miracle that is happening in her body. TCM knows a whole range of gentle methods and self-help measures to bring body, mind and soul into balance and thus ensure the well-being of mother and child." The TCM experts Prof. TCM Univ. Yunnan Li Wu and Dr. Natalie Lauer , authors of the guide " TCM for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding ", have compiled a comprehensive repertoire of holistic healing knowledge to energetically balance the body in all phases of the baby period and to relieve discomfort in a gentle and natural way.

Her new guide, "TCM for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding," deals with what is probably the most beautiful but also the most challenging phase in a woman's life. What answers can traditional Chinese medicine give to the questions of expectant mothers?

Dr. Li Wu: Chinese teachings provide various explanations for typical complaints that occur in the various phases of pregnancy. They help the expectant mother to better understand what is happening in her body. In addition, TCM offers numerous gentle applications that can have a positive effect on the temporary energetic imbalances caused by pregnancy. Equipped with this knowledge, pregnant women can promote their well-being and that of their unborn child and enjoy this very special time.

Expectant mothers have an intuitive knowledge of what changes they will face during pregnancy. However, this usually clashes with the demands of the modern world. What is particularly important here to overcome these challenges?

Dr. Natalie Lauer: Listening to your own body is the most important thing, especially during this special phase of life - regardless of what demands the world outside places on the pregnant woman. It's all about her now and the miracle that is happening in her body. Of course, that's easier said than done. The magic word is: slow down. Body, mind and soul should be brought into balance now at the latest.

During pregnancy, the top priority is to take care of the unborn child. What treatment methods and health measures does TCM have to promote the well-being of mother and child?

Dr. Li Wu: TCM has a wide range of gentle treatment methods for pregnant women, such as a suitable diet, acupuncture and acupressure, medicinal baths, herbal recipes, exercise and meditation, which promote your well-being and that of your child. In our book, we describe the best measures for self-treatment and give proven recommendations for self-help for common complaints such as shortness of breath, heartburn, exhaustion, nausea and much more.

According to TCM, depending on the stage of development of the unborn child, temporary energetic fluctuations occur in the expectant mother. What symptoms can therefore occur in certain phases of pregnancy?

Dr. Li Wu: Each month of pregnancy is marked by a different meridian, which is then particularly stressed. This results in, in addition to other energetic fluctuations, the typical pregnancy symptoms. For example, in the second month of pregnancy, the gallbladder meridian is responsible for supplying the young life. A feeling of fullness in the chest or upper abdomen, lack of appetite and nausea/vomiting are common during this time. In the ninth month of pregnancy, on the other hand, the kidney meridian is very actively involved in supplying the offspring; shortness of breath and back pain typically occur during this phase. Likewise, due to the growing body size of the offspring, Qi stagnation occurs in the back area, which can cause or intensify pain there.

Dr. Natalie Lauer: Many women experience hair loss either immediately after giving birth or 90 days later. One or two teeth can also cause problems; in earlier times, one often fell out. The reason for this is that the Qi of the kidneys controls hair and teeth. The birth process puts a lot of strain on it, and it takes time for it to regain its strength. Only then will the hair and teeth recover.

Nutrition plays an important role in health and is therefore one of the five pillars of TCM. Which foods play an important role in pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding?

Dr. Li Wu: During pregnancy, it is important to support the stomach and spleen Qi as best as possible. Some women also suffer from anemia during pregnancy, which is usually caused by a lack of Qi. To strengthen the middle and prevent anemia, boiled or steamed and easily digestible dishes are recommended. Stews or soups and dishes cooked gently in the oven are good for the mother and her child. The ingredients should have a neutral or warm character.

Dr. Natalie Lauer: The classic for the postpartum period is the strong chicken soup. The soup eliminates cold, dissolves blood stagnation, tonifies Qi and blood-xue, strengthens the middle and helps to build up the weakened kidney essence.

Dr. Li Wu: The nutritional tips for breastfeeding are basically not very different from those during pregnancy. On the one hand, the child continues to receive nutrition from the mother, and on the other hand, it is still important to build up her postnatal Qi and kidney essence.

According to TCM, the health care of the unborn child does not begin after the egg has been fertilized. What does this mean for couples who want a baby?

Dr. Natalie Lauer: Parents-to-be should ensure optimal conditions by living a healthy lifestyle two years before conception and ensure that the egg and sperm are of the highest energetic quality. This means: exercise, a balanced diet, as little alcohol as possible, no nicotine, no drugs and, above all, little stress! In this way, they optimize the energy of the prenatal essence, which the child will draw on throughout its life. Since the child should store a maximum of this essence in its kidneys, it is beneficial for the mother to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. It also promotes the energetic balance of the mother, who is exposed to considerable energy fluctuations during this time. This was already agreed upon in ancient China, and the "care of the embryo", also known as "education of the embryo", was therefore given great importance.

Book tip:

Prof. TCM Univ. Yunnan Li Wu / Dr. Natalie Lauer: TCM for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Mankau Verlag, 1st edition April 2021, paperback, 13.5 x 21.5 cm, 302 pp., 18.95 euros (D) / 19.50 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-595-0.

Link recommendations:
More information about the guide “TCM for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding”
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about author Prof. TCM Univ. Yunnan Li Wu
More about author Dr. Natalie Lauer
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