Pregnancy care is often approached with caution, yet it reflects overall health—not something to fear or avoid. It’s not about rigid rules or avoiding certain points, but understanding the body and responding with intention. True care isn’t about doing less—it’s about using the right tools at the right time.
In this Shoptalk, we sit down with Deborah Betts to explore pregnancy care through a Chinese medicine lens. We unpack the difference between foundational treatments and specialised care, and reframe “forbidden points” as tools for labour preparation—not limitations. Even simple treatments can offer meaningful relief for nausea, back pain, and reflux.
We also explore the importance of palpation, individual diagnosis, and follow-up—building confidence through real outcomes, not just theory.
Real progress isn’t about complexity—it’s about precision, supporting the body so it can do what it’s designed to do.
Pregnancy care as a whole-body practice — It supports natural processes, not just symptoms. Treatment reflects the body’s changing physiology, not a fixed protocol.
“Forbidden points” as purposeful tools — Not dangerous, but designed for labour preparation. Use them intentionally, not fearfully.
Simple treatments, real impact — Foundational points can effectively relieve nausea, back pain, and reflux without complexity.
Diagnosis over prescriptions — The body guides the treatment. Palpation and pattern recognition matter more than memorised point lists.
Follow-up builds confidence — Outcomes shape clinical skill. Tracking results turns theory into trusted practice.
Collaboration improves care — Acupuncture works best alongside midwives and practitioners, supporting better outcomes with less intervention.
Why is pregnancy related care not promoted as routine care within acupuncture education and the profession?
With a foundation in nursing my journey into Chinese medicine began with promoting acupuncture for fertility and pregnancy support, which expanded into developing specialized courses for midwives, publishing a textbook, and completing a PhD in this field. This expertise led me to design and lead NZQA-approved Bachelor’s and master’s programs in Chinese medicine in New Zealand.
My perspective is that Chinese Medicine bridges Western and Eastern medical traditions, and I have focus on women’s health and in particular pregnancy care supporting integrative approaches to healthcare.
Learn more about Debra Betts and how acupuncture can support your pregnancy.
Visit her website today.
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