Postpartum Care Inpatient Program
Table of Contents
The importance of recovery from postpartum syndrome and depleted stamina
After childbirth, a woman's body is in a state of significantly depleted qi and blood (氣血) after the demands of pregnancy. If recovery is not adequate at this time, postpartum syndrome (sanhupung, 産後風) — joint pain, cold sensations, and chills — can become chronic. In Korean medicine, this is viewed as deficiency of both qi and blood (氣血兩虛), with replenishing qi and blood (補氣補血) as the core of treatment.
Advantages of an inpatient setting — combining breastfeeding and treatment
In postpartum inpatient care, treatment times are arranged around the breastfeeding schedule. Herbal prescriptions safe for breastfeeding mothers — Ssanghwa-tang (雙和湯) and Gunggwiboheul-tang (芎歸補血湯) — are used, and acupuncture is performed mainly on acupoints that do not interfere with breastfeeding. Warm needling (oncheom, 溫鍼) is applied to Zusanli (ST36, 足三里), Sanyinjiao (SP6, 三陰交), and Guanyuan (CV4, 關元) to improve blood circulation in the lower abdomen.
Edema management and pelvic alignment
Postpartum edema arises from weakened spleen (脾臟) function and an imbalance of fluid metabolism. During the inpatient stay, daily acupuncture and moxibustion (灸) are performed to manage lower limb edema, combined with herbal medicine that drains dampness and promotes diuresis (利水滲濕). For widening of the pelvis and pubic pain, pelvic chuna manipulation is performed daily to support postpartum pelvic stabilization.
Emotional stability and sleep management
Postpartum mood changes (baby blues) arise from a combination of qi-blood deficiency and hormonal change. During the inpatient stay, Gammaekdaejo-tang (甘麥大棗湯) is taken before bed, and ear acupuncture (i-chim, 耳鍼) is applied to Shenmen (神門) and Baihui (GV20, 百會) to improve sleep quality.
- Key prescriptions: Ssanghwa-tang, Gunggwiboheul-tang, Gammaekdaejo-tang
- Main acupoints: Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, Shenmen, Baihui
- Length of stay: 7 to 14 days
- Notes: Breastfeeding-safe prescriptions, schedule synchronized with breastfeeding