Q I am a pregnant woman in my 30s. I have sustained a gastrocnemius muscle injury; is it safe to receive acupuncture or herbal medicine?
A Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy can generally be performed safely as long as contraindicated acupoints (such as Hegu and Sanyinjiao) are avoided, and many studies have confirmed its effectiveness for musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women. Regarding herbal medicine, since there are herbs that are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy (such as Sophora flavescens, Euphorbia pekinensis, and Pinellia ternata), the attending Korean medicine doctor must verify the pregnancy status and use only safe prescriptions. The same precautions are required during breastfeeding.
Detailed Answer
In acupuncture treatment for pregnant women, specific acupoints that can induce uterine contractions are avoided. Tender points at the site of calf muscle injury and safe acupoints on the front and outer sides of the leg can be used during pregnancy. Herbal medicine prescriptions are designed within the range of mild blood-tonifying prescriptions, primarily focusing on Angelica sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus, excluding herbs contraindicated for pregnant women. In principle, moxibustion and bee venom acupuncture are avoided during pregnancy and applied after childbirth. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective In Korean medicine, the priority in treatment during pregnancy is stabilizing the energy surrounding the fetus. Even when treating blood clots caused by gastrocnemius muscle injury, methods that move energy too forcefully are avoided; instead, the approach focuses on gently replenishing blood and promoting circulation. At Dongjedang, we always confirm pregnancy status during the initial consultation and establish treatment plans for pregnant women using only verified safe sites and prescriptions.
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