Acupuncture helps with many reproductive conditions. The needles stimulate the nervous system to send messages to the brain that change the hormonal output from the brain to the ovaries and uterus.

For example, there is a point on the hand that has the effect of calming down the sympathetic nervous system and reducing nervous tension. This in turn allows blood flow to return to the digestive and reproductive organs and has the effect of improving digestion and reducing both abdominal and menstrual pain. So we say the point improves digestion and eliminates pain in the abdomen.

We feel you — those first few months or pregnancy can be pretty rough – and for some it never seems to end. But, we’ve got good news! Acupuncture is commonly used to treat morning sickness, and many mamas find that it helps. In addition to nausea, acupuncture can help alleviate some of the other less pleasant pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, hemorrhoids, sciatica, joint pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupuncture isn’t usually an instant fix — but it can help. Acupuncture helps to prepare your cervix for labour and delivery and, in many cases, this helps to naturally speed things along.

Because we’re in the business of better births, at Oona we recommend starting acupuncture at week 36 of your pregnancy for labour preparation. The goal is that when labour does finally start, it’s more efficient. We believe babies should usually “cook” as long as they need to, but we’d like to give you the best chance of having a more efficient labour once your little one is ready to meet you.

Postpartum acupuncture has many benefits for our postpartum patients. However, it’s important to get the green-light from your physician or midwife before receiving your first postpartum acupuncture treatment. Some of our patients can have acupuncture 1-2 weeks after having a baby, while others may be advised to wait longer.

No, acupuncture shouldn’t hurt. In fact, when we are using it to affect the hormonal system, it needs to be gentle in order to be most effective.

The most useful points on the body are below the elbows and below the knees and often we only use a few points in a treatment.

No, acupuncture will work whether you are a true believer, a skeptic or anywhere in between. Acupuncture may be new to you, but it’s an old medicine with a long history of safety and effectiveness.

Great question! For prenatal care, we typically use points on your arms, legs, lower back, and specific areas that support your treatment goals. We never place needles on your belly during pregnancy—your growing baby stays completely undisturbed. Your acupuncturist will always explain exactly what they’re doing and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

For breech babies, we recommend starting acupuncture and moxibustion around 34–36 weeks. For labour preparation, we usually begin at 36–37 weeks with treatments tailored to your birth preferences and history. The earlier we start, the more time we have to help your body prepare naturally.

Nope! Acupuncture isn’t about forcing anything. Instead, it supports your body’s natural readiness by helping regulate hormones, improving circulation, and reducing stress. Think of it as preparing the stage rather than rushing the performance.

Research shows some really encouraging results! A 2021 Cochrane review found that moxibustion plus usual care probably reduces the chance of non-cephalic presentation at birth. Specific studies show success rates ranging from about 40-75% depending on timing and individual factors. For example, one study found that 71% of babies treated with moxibustion were in vertex (head-down) position at birth compared to 54% in the control group. Another study reported that 41% of breech babies turned spontaneously after moxibustion treatment alone.

What’s really promising is that when moxibustion doesn’t work on its own, it often makes external cephalic version (ECV) more successful afterward. The key is starting early—ideally between 32-36 weeks—and many clients see their babies moving around much more during treatment, which is always a good sign! Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations based on your baby’s specific position, your pregnancy history, and timing.

Postpartum acupuncture is like a gentle reset for your body. It supports recovery, helps balance your hormones, improves sleep (yes, please!), eases mood changes, and can help with breastfeeding challenges. It’s an effective way to support your body as it heals and adjusts to your new reality.

Absolutely! Studies consistently show that acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, with no significant differences in delivery outcomes compared to those who don’t receive treatment. Our practitioners are specifically trained in pregnancy-safe techniques.