Using the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Restore Health After Childbirth

How is "postpartum" defined?

Postpartum refers to the period of time after a woman gives birth. It typically lasts for six to eight weeks, but can extend for up to a year. During this time, the mother's body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth, and she adjusts to caring for her newborn. Postpartum is also a time of significant emotional change for many women, as they may experience mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety. 
The Chinese term Zuo Ye Zi is the first 30 days of rest after childbirth. In addition to resting, postpartum nutrition will be important in restoring your energy as a new mother.

How can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can be a beneficial complementary therapy during the postpartum period, offering support for both physical and emotional recovery. It can help with a range of postpartum issues, including lactation problems, pain, emotional well-being, and hormone regulation. Dr. Zamora is here to assist you from preconception through pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

Postpartum Nutritional Guidelines

• Drink plenty of warm fluids including fresh juices, water, herbal teas, and soups.
  
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  
• Eat nutrient dense foods with an emphasis on iron, protein, and fiber.
  
• Avoid greasy, spicy, and cold foods. Include cooked vegetables.
  
• Add black sesame oil and/or ginger to cooking.
  
• Avoid eating while stressed.
  

Warming Postpartum Teas

Ginger Tea- Ginger tea can be taken daily to improve digestion and warm the yang. Peel ginger, slice about an inch into thin slices, and boil for 10-20 mins. Drink warm before meals. Add honey or lime for extra flavoring.

​Stinging Nettle- Nettle is a great source of iron and vitamin K. It can ease postpartum fatigue, reduce bleeding, increase breastmilk, and reduce hemorrhoids. You can find stinging nettle in the grocery store in the tea aisle.
Chinese Red Date and Goji Tea- Both will help restore the liver and kidney energy while also being high in vitamin C. To make the tea: Use 10 jujubes (Chinese Red Dates) and 20 wolfberries (Goji). Rinse and put them in a saucepan with two liters of water; bring to boil. Simmer and cook for around 45 minutes. Turn off the saucepan and let it cool. Serve warm. You can eat the berries or strain.

Blood and Qi Building Foods

• Animal protein and seafood: Chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, gelatin, mussels, oysters, sardines, and eggs.
• Grains: Rice, oats, wheat, bran flakes, millet, and quinoa.
• Legumes: Lentils, beans, mung beans, and raw snap peas.
• Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables, beets, seaweed, sprouts, artichokes and celery.
• Fruits: All berries, grapes, dried apricots, dried figs, and prunes.
• Nuts and seeds: Almond, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, and cashew.
• Herbs and other: Nettles, wheat gress spirulina, yogurt, kefir, mushrooms, soaked chia seeds.
  
• Fats: Coconut oil, avocado, ghee, grass fed butter.

Postpartum Restorative Chicken Soup

Ingredients
Organic Free range chicken
3-4 slices fresh ginger
Apple cider vinegar
1 leek, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1-2 carrots chopped
1 small onion, diced (if tolerated by baby)
1 tomato, diced
Alfalfa sprouts or kale, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp pepper or cumin
Fresh herbs: Choose any or all:
1 large sprig of rosemary, half a bunch of parsley, 1 large sprig of sage, 2 large sprigs of thyme, chopped
Directions:

1. Rinse chicken and place in a large stock pot and enough water to cover. Add fresh ginger and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer until chicken is fully cooked. About 90 minutes.
   
2. Remove chicken and remove meat from bones. Set aside. (can keep bones to make a broth later)
   
3. Add prepared vegetables (except the tomatoes and garlic) into the same pot as the chicken was cooked. Add water to cover and cook for 15 minutes.  Then add fresh herbs and tomatoes. Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add alfalfa or kale and garlic. Finally, salt to taste and add in chicken. 

*Note: Do not add salt until the final step to maximize proper extraction of nutrients.

What are patients saying?

“The facility is spotless. Dr Zamora is gentle & caring. I find the online booking very easy & convenient. I’ve had good results.” (S.B. June 2025)

Contact Us:

Contact us today to experience outstanding postpartum care that nurtures your well-being and supports your journey. We are located in North Scottsdale and serve all surrounding areas. Call us at 480-300-5767 or visit our website for online booking at www.azacu.com.