Restoring Balance: Combining Corrective Exercise and Chinese Medicine for a Thriving Pregnancy and Postpartum Journey

We welcome our friend and pre and post natal fitness expert, Joanie Johnson, as our guest blogger. She is joining forces with us at Garden Acupuncture for a series of blogs addressing the many questions we all have about exercise in relation to fertility, pregnancy and postnatal care. Chinese medicine is a holistic approach to health and physical activity is an integral part of this. Having Joanie as a referral source has been invaluable for our patients on their many different paths through life as women.

Part One: Balance

As a Pre & Postnatal Corrective Exercise Specialist, my focus lies in helping people optimize not only their physical health but also their overall wellness. While my specialization is in corrective exercise,  I have come to appreciate the similarities between my approach and the principles of Chinese medicine, leading me to recommend acupuncture to many of my clients.

Both corrective exercise and Chinese medicine share a common goal: finding balance within the body.

Although I'm not an expert in Chinese medicine (that's where my knowledgeable friends at Garden Acupuncture come in), I understand this balance as Qi—the vital life force that flows throughout our bodies. When Qi flows freely the body is healthy and vibrant. However, if Qi becomes blocked or stagnant, it can pave the way for illness and disease.

Similarly, the goal of corrective exercise is to restore balance to the body. By identifying and addressing muscular imbalances, movement compensations, and postural dysfunctions, I work with my clients to enhance their overall movement function while minimizing the risk of injury.

There’s a remarkable synergy that occurs when we combine the power of corrective exercise and acupuncture for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Together, they work in perfect harmony to optimize your well-being and journey towards parenthood.

Acupuncture has been proven to improve fertility for both men and women. It increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduces stress, and helps regulate hormones. Additionally, corrective exercise plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for pregnancy by alleviating stress, improving circulation, promoting hormonal balance, and bolstering overall physical health. Together, they maximize your chances of experiencing a healthy pregnancy.

And we’re all aware of the roller coaster of pregnancy. Continuing to combine acupuncture and corrective exercise during the prenatal period can make your experience considerably more enjoyable. Acupuncture helps soothe morning sickness and keeps stress and anxiety in check. Corrective exercise reduces the risk of common pregnancy-related issues like back pain and pelvic discomfort. It also helps prepare your body for easier labor and delivery.

And when it's time for postpartum recovery, acupuncture works its magic by combating postpartum depression, boosting milk production, and even reducing the risk of urinary incontinence. Meanwhile, corrective exercise focuses on restoring core strength and functionality, reducing the risks associated with pelvic floor issues, improving posture, alleviating daily aches and pains, and even helping correct diastasis recti.

Both modalities share a common goal: to help people achieve balance and wellness in their bodies. By collaborating, we can provide even greater support and benefits to those looking to enhance their health, fertility, and overall well-being. 

If you have any questions about how acupuncture or corrective exercise can boost your perinatal journey, don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me, Joanie Johnson, at Transformation-Nation.com, or my amazing colleagues at Garden Acupuncture. We're here to chat and support you every step of the way!

Joanie Johnson PPCES, DCC, CPT, is a mom, former professional dancer and visionary behind Transformation Nation.  Book a no-cost consultation to discover how we can help you embark on a fitness journey that truly transforms your parenthood experience.