Postpartum Recovery in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Tips and Recipe

Introduction to Postpartum Recovery in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Postpartum recovery is a crucial phase for new mothers. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides valuable advice and practices to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery. In this blog post, we will explore some TCM tips and a beneficial recipe that new mothers can use to regain their strength post-delivery.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles for Postpartum Care

In TCM, health during pregnancy depends first of all on the Blood system. If we think about it in Western medicine terms, nutrients from the mother’s body are carried to the baby via blood circulation. Blood is made from a combination of nutrients drawn from food and the mother’s own energy. If the mother’s energy, or Qi, is weak, then the blood and the nutrients reaching the foetus will also be weak.

Essence is another vital substance important during pregnancy. We are all born with a certain amount of prenatal Essence, which we receive from our parents, Western medicine calls it genetics. We can acquire extra Essence through food like extra life in a video game. The strength and quality of our Essence depend on our quality of life. Habits like overeating, under exercising, excessive alcohol use or sexual activity is said to deplete our Essence.

If we have a proper lifestyle, we can influence our essence and transmit a good quality heritage to our children.

According to TCM, the postpartum period is known as the 'Golden Month,' crucial for restoring the mother's health. The focus is on nourishing the blood, restoring energy (Qi), and ensuring overall balance. TCM practitioners emphasize the importance of rest, warmth, proper nutrition, and specific herbal remedies to aid in recovery.

Qi, Blood, and Essence after giving birth

Qi, Blood, and Essence are being transmitted by the mother to the child so they can grow. After pregnancy the mother is left in a relative deficit.

It is important to replenish these vital nutrients asap. After the delivery (vaginal or cesarean), the mother’s body is said to be “open” for a month after birth.

Traditionally, Chinese mothers were advised not to leave the house or be exposed to cold (water or weather) to give their body time to recover.

A new mother should eat foods that are good for replenishing Blood (placental encapsulation is best but otherwise a specific diet can help)

The traditional recipe is a black chicken soup along with specific herbs to strongly nourish the body, but a very good vegan option is with mushrooms. Eating black foods is the strongest way to tonify the Kidneys and Essence.

Add Dang Gui (angelica sinensis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus). To tonify Blood and Qi.

Nourishing Soup Recipe for Postpartum Recovery

A highly recommended recipe in TCM for postpartum recovery is the 'Chicken and Ginger Soup.' This nourishing dish helps replenish blood and Qi, warming the body and promoting overall healing. Thankfully a plant-based version is efficient too.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

• 750 g "meaty mushrooms (i.e. Portobello, Shiitake)

• 50 grams of dried goji berries

• 30 grams of dried red dates (jujube)

• Fresh ginger, 3 slices

• vegetables (i.e. carrots, celery etc. - optional)

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 astragalus root (can be bought online- optional)

• Salt or soy sauce to taste

• Water or vegetable stock

• 1 bunch scallions

Preparation:

1. Wash and slice mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and vegetables

2. In a large stock pot, add oil and saute ginger, garlic, celery, and scallion whites until fragrant

3. Add in mushrooms

4. Add in vegetable broth and the astragalus

5. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook until mushrooms are tender

6. Remove the astragalus root. Add in goji berries and red dates

7. Season with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions

ENJOY

When you nourish the mother, you nourish the child.