Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32472/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Women Who Continue to Feel Pelvic Instability
Women who continue to experience pelvic instability for more than six months after childbirth may be considered to have delayed or incomplete postpartum recovery, traditionally referred to in Japanese as *“sango no hidachi”*❼. This term refers to the recovery of physical strength and condition after childbirth.
People who require a longer recovery period postpartum are often assumed to have a weak constitution. However, I believe that factors such as the length of the postpartum resting period (“tokoage”) and the size of the baby at delivery are also important.
“Tokoage” refers to the recovery period needed after childbirth to restore physical strength and replenish blood lost during delivery. Traditionally, a postpartum rest period of about three weeks has been considered appropriate.
The following individuals may be more likely to experience delayed postpartum recovery:
- Women under 30 years old at delivery whose postpartum rest period was less than 3 weeks (normal vaginal delivery)
- Women between 30 and 39 years old whose postpartum rest period was less than 4 weeks (normal vaginal delivery)
- Women aged 40 or older whose postpartum rest period was less than 5 weeks (normal vaginal delivery)
- Women with blood loss of 500 mL to 1 L during delivery whose recovery period did not include at least one additional week beyond the above guidelines (abnormal delivery / Cesarean section)
- Women with blood loss greater than 1 L whose recovery period did not include at least two additional weeks beyond the above guidelines (abnormal delivery / Cesarean section)
Many women who visit the clinic with postpartum symptoms seem unfamiliar with the importance of an appropriate postpartum recovery period. At the same time, many also had no nearby family support and were forced to resume activity soon after discharge from the hospital.
For those planning childbirth in the future, I encourage arranging support in advance and creating an environment that allows at least three weeks of adequate rest after delivery whenever possible.
I also have the impression that women who feel pelvic instability are more likely to have delivered babies weighing over 3,500 g. Those who delivered babies over 4,000 g often visit the clinic complaining of hip joint pain. Although pelvic size varies individually, I believe the baby’s size may also play a role.
Another important factor is body mechanics and movement patterns. During pregnancy, as the baby grows, areas of muscular tension gradually change compared with the pre-pregnancy state. After delivery, people who do not naturally return to their previous way of using their body may continue to experience pelvic instability.
For such individuals, finding time to perform stretching exercises for the lower body is important. Yoga poses may also be helpful.
The use of a traditional Japanese abdominal cloth wrap (sarashi) may also be beneficial. During pregnancy, sarashi has traditionally been used to support pelvic stability, prevent coldness, and help stabilize the fetus. At our clinic, we routinely recommend wearing sarashi for patients whose breech presentation has improved.
The postpartum period required for uterine involution (shikyū fukko) is generally considered to be about six to eight weeks. Uterine involution refers to the uterus gradually returning to its original size after pregnancy. One sign that recovery of function is progressing is the return of menstruation.
Even after childbirth, wearing a sarashi until menstruation resumes may help reduce feelings of pelvic instability. It may also help keep the pelvic region warm, which can be beneficial for women experiencing postpartum urinary leakage.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion Are Highly Beneficial for Women Experiencing Pelvic Instability
For women who are unable to rest adequately after childbirth, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment may help promote physical recovery and relieve postpartum symptoms. In addition, mothers who experience poor breast milk production often have significant tension in the shoulders and back. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment may help release this tension and improve milk flow.
These treatments may also help improve conditions seen in infants, such as hives, constipation, and nighttime crying❽, and may be used together as part of postpartum care.
For those hoping for a smoother and healthier postpartum recovery, I encourage you to contact a licensed acupuncturist or a medical facility where acupuncture treatment is available in your area.
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
At The Centre for Japanese Acupuncture, we believe that postpartum care is not simply about correcting the pelvis, but about supporting the body’s natural recovery process after the profound physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
In traditional Japanese AcuMoxa practice, postpartum symptoms such as fatigue, lower back pain, pelvic instability, poor circulation, coldness, sleep deprivation, and difficulty recovering strength are viewed as signs that the body’s regulatory functions require support and restoration. Through carefully applied acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, the goal is to help restore balance, circulation, warmth, and overall functional recovery.
We also recognize the importance of rest, breathing, gentle movement, body mechanics, warmth, and appropriate postpartum support from family and community.
Recovery after childbirth should not be rushed. For mothers experiencing ongoing postpartum discomfort, pelvic instability, fatigue, or difficulty recovering after delivery, consultation with a licensed acupuncturist may provide an additional supportive option alongside conventional postpartum care and physiotherapy-based pelvic floor therapy.
Within the scope of acupuncture practice in Canada, treatment is provided through acupuncture and moxibustion to support the body’s natural healing and recovery processes.