Holistic pregnancy with TCM: Prof. Li Wu and Dr. Natalie Lauer accompany you through the most beautiful time in a woman’s life

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a number of methods for balancing the body's energy and gently alleviating common complaints. The guide "TCM for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding" provides the necessary knowledge and practical tips so that the expectant mother and her baby can spend the pregnancy, birth and the time afterwards in holistic well-being.

Wide range of gentle applications

Experience shows that anyone expecting their first child has a lot of questions. The new book by TCM experts Prof. Li Wu and Dr. Natalie Lauer will not be able to answer all of these questions. But it does introduce the teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and shows how to maintain health during pregnancy and breastfeeding in order to stay fit and happy.

TCM has a wide range of gentle treatment methods such as appropriate nutrition, acupuncture, medicinal baths, herbal recipes or exercise and meditation that promote the well-being of mother and child. The book also covers other topics such as birth preparation, the birth process and the postpartum period - including medical tips and information. The self-help section presents numerous applications for the gentle treatment of common pregnancy and breastfeeding complaints from TCM, so that this special time can be enjoyed to the fullest without having to deal with annoying complaints.

Basics of Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a history that goes back thousands of years and has always taken a holistic approach. The focus here is on the unity of body, mind and soul and the associated free flow of Qi, which is determined by Yin and Yang. In a healthy person, there is a dynamic balance between Yin and Yang. The two opposing poles constantly merge into one another in a flowing process.

The life energy Qi flows in a complex network of channels (meridians) that runs through the entire body. The sophisticated energy system corresponds directly to the organs. Each organ is assigned to certain parts of the body, emotions and an element. The Chinese assume a total of five elements (also called phases of change): wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They support, control, complement and balance each other.

If the system is in dynamic balance and Yin and Yang are balanced, this means health. Disharmony ultimately leads to illness. In order to maintain or restore harmony, the TCM doctor initiates various processes that promote Yin or Yang as needed.

The miracle of emerging life

Anyone who witnesses the birth of a child is suddenly gripped by the inexplicable and magical charm of this miracle of creation. It is the direct experience of the perpetual cycle of creation and decay, change and renewal, life and death, being and non-being.

According to TCM, the health care of the unborn child does not begin after the egg has been fertilized. Rather, the parents-to-be should ensure optimal conditions two years before conception by living a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that the egg and sperm are of the highest energetic quality. This means exercise, a balanced diet, as little alcohol as possible, no nicotine or drugs and, above all, little stress. In this way, they optimize the energy of the prenatal essence (also known as the original Qi), which the child draws on throughout its life.

According to TCM, the fertilization of the egg marks the beginning of the complex energetic changes that the expectant mother will go through in the following months. Her organs will have to work extremely hard in the next few months, as they now also take on a protective and nutritional function for the unborn child.

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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