Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32472/
Modified and translated by CFJA
In Canada, pelvic floor therapy is also provided in the field of physiotherapy as part of postpartum care. Is it possible for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment to address or support this kind of pelvic floor therapy as well?
Although this information is from Japan, it may also be helpful and relevant in Canada, so I would like to share this article:
Is Postpartum Pelvic Correction Really Necessary? Acupuncture and Moxibustion as an Option for Postpartum Recovery
Pregnancy and Childbirth Are Physically Demanding
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, that the number of births in 2025 (January–December) declined for the 10th consecutive year❶. The total number of births was 705,809. When I was a child, the number was around two million, so the decline in births feels truly dramatic across generations.
Childbirth is a major life event that has historically carried significant risks. During the Edo period in Japan, it was even said that only midwives were permitted to cross directly through the procession of a feudal lord during sankin-kōtai without kneeling or bowing. This reflects how essential childbirth assistance was considered, even at that time. Even today, I believe society as a whole should continue to support childbirth and child-rearing.
That said, pregnancy and childbirth place a tremendous burden on women. In modern society, many women continue working both before and after giving birth. Some work until just before maternity leave begins and return to work only about one month after delivery. Improving social systems and environments that support women and child-rearing is essential.
One of the important roles healthcare practitioners can provide is health support and management for mothers before and after childbirth.
The most common complaints among pregnant women visiting clinics are lower back pain, morning sickness, and breech presentation.
As the baby grows, the abdomen gradually extends forward. This increases the arch in the lower back, and many women gradually begin to experience back pain. Improving muscle strength through exercise before pregnancy can be one helpful preventive measure.
People with weaker digestive function tend to experience morning sickness more strongly. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment before pregnancy or during early pregnancy may help improve overall constitutional balance and reduce symptoms.
Breech presentation is often seen in individuals whose bodies are excessively chilled. Avoiding excessive cold foods and drinks, as well as using air conditioning moderately, can be helpful. For women between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, approximately 90% of breech presentations may improve with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment❷. I encourage you to consult a licensed acupuncturist in your area.
What Can Be Done for Postpartum Discomfort?
After the enormous task of childbirth, mothers would ideally like a chance to rest. However, childcare begins immediately after delivery. One of the mother’s biggest responsibilities is breastfeeding. Since newborn babies feed approximately every three hours, many mothers experience significant sleep deprivation.
According to surveys of mothers during the first year after childbirth, the following symptoms are commonly reported:
《Akachan Honpo》❸
Q: What physical problems did you experience during the first year postpartum?
1st: Sleep deprivation — 75%
2nd: Lower back pain — 69%
3rd: General fatigue — 69%
5th: Shoulder stiffness — 59%
6th: Pelvic problems (instability, widening sensation, pain, etc.) — 52%
《Miki House》❹
Q: Please select the physical and emotional difficulties you experienced postpartum.
1st: Breastfeeding-related difficulties (difficulty breastfeeding, breast pain, and other nursing problems) — 77.2%
2nd: Lower back pain, shoulder stiffness, and wrist pain (tenosynovitis) — 56.8%
3rd: Hair changes (hair loss, gray hair, etc.) — 53.8%
4th: Inability to sleep (due to nighttime crying, etc.) — 51.0%
5th: Changes in body weight and body shape — 44.6%
6th: Postpartum pain and discomfort (afterpains) — 41.7%
Looking at surveys from these two major companies, many of the most common symptoms are related to breastfeeding, such as shoulder stiffness from nursing and lower back pain from repeatedly carrying the baby. Because mothers have very little time to rest, overwhelming numbers report visiting clinics with complaints of total body fatigue.
Among them, many mothers whose postpartum recovery is not progressing smoothly seek treatment because they continue to feel pelvic instability.
The pelvis gradually changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and many experts believe that it generally returns to its original state within approximately three to six months after delivery❺. Some studies, however, suggest that slight pelvic misalignment of about 1–3 mm may remain after childbirth❻, although both viewpoints are generally cautious or skeptical regarding the necessity of “pelvic correction.”
At the same time, it is also true that some women continue to feel pelvic instability even more than six months after giving birth.
References
❶ Vital Statistics Preliminary Report (December 2025)
❷ Is Breech Presentation a Sign That the Baby Is Signaling the Mother’s Physical Imbalance? Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Breech Presentation
❸ Preparing for Childbirth: Managing Minor Postpartum Troubles — Akachan Honpo Institute for Life with Babies
❹ Survey of Approximately 2,300 Mothers: “Top 13 Postpartum Problems Mothers Wish They Had Known Before Childbirth” — Miki House
❺ Is Postpartum Pelvic Correction Really Necessary? — Obstetrics and Gynecology Online Journal
❻ What Is Pelvic Correction? — A Medical Perspective on Pelvic Adjustment
❼ How Can Postpartum Health Be Improved? — The Importance of Appropriate Timing for Resuming Daily Activities After Childbirth
❽ Can Cold Food and Drinks During Breastfeeding Affect the Baby? — Lifestyle Habits Mothers Should Be Aware of During Breastfeeding