TCM Conditioning During Pregnancy: Relieving Morning Sickness
Dietary Recipes Recommended by Dr Li Rui
Pregnancy is a journey full of anticipation, but many expectant mothers face various discomforts along the way. In an interview, Dr Li Rui pointed out that a pregnant woman's physical state differs significantly from her usual condition, involving increased cardiopulmonary load, changes in hormone levels, and gastrointestinal irritation. These factors lead to discomfort, particularly "morning sickness" during the first trimester, characterized by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Regarding this, Dr Li Rui from the Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre noted: "Many pregnant women experience morning sickness in early pregnancy. In mild cases, appetite decreases; in severe cases, they may be unable to eat, leading to weight loss and affecting fetal development. TCM believes morning sickness is mostly caused by Spleen and Stomach weakness and the upward reversal of Liver Qi. By warming and tonifying the Spleen and Stomach and harmonizing Liver Qi through TCM, symptoms can be significantly relieved."
She emphasized that TCM conditioning for morning sickness follows the principle of "Syndrome Differentiation," addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. By combining mild TCM herbs with dietary therapy, it effectively relieves pregnancy reactions while protecting the health of both mother and fetus.
Use TCM Herbs with Caution During Pregnancy; Avoid Stimulating Materials
Dr Li Rui also reminded expectant mothers that not all TCM herbs are suitable during pregnancy. The following should be used with extreme caution or avoided entirely:
• Hawthorn (Shan Zha), Red Yeast Rice (Hong Qu), Musk (She Xiang), Asarum (Xi Xin), Cinnamon (An Gui), Pangolin Scales (Chuan Shan Jia), Sanling, and Ezhu.
These herbs possess properties that promote blood circulation, resolve stasis, or stimulate the uterus, which may cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. Medication must be taken under the guidance of a professional TCM physician; do not self-prescribe.
Pregnancy Care Recommendations
Dr Li Rui specifically suggests the following for daily life:
• Try to sleep on your left side to reduce pressure on the uterus and the inferior vena cava.
• Drink two glasses of milk and eat one apple daily to supplement calcium and vitamins.
• Maintain a peaceful mind and a regular routine; avoid emotional fluctuations.
• Utilize mild TCM dietary therapy and acupuncture to condition the body and alleviate discomfort.
TCM Recommended Dietary Recipes for Pregnancy Discomfort
1. Sugarcane and Ginger Juice
Efficacy: Strengthens the stomach and stops vomiting; harmonizes the middle burner. Suitable for mild morning sickness and poor appetite.
Ingredients: 1 stalk of sugarcane (peeled and sliced), 1 slice of fresh ginger (grated).
Method:
1. Extract about 1 cup of juice from the sugarcane.
2. Squeeze about half to one tablespoon of juice from the grated ginger.
3. Mix the juices and steam in a bowl for about half an hour. Drink while warm.
2. Yam, Barley, and Pork Rib Soup
Efficacy: Strengthens the Spleen and dispels dampness; reduces swelling and relieves aching. Suitable for pregnancy edema and leg soreness.
Ingredients: 1 segment of fresh Chinese Yam (sliced), a small amount of Job’s Tears/Barley (Yiren), 200g Pork Ribs, salt to taste.
Method:
1. Blanch the ribs to remove blood foam. Place in a pot with barley and 6 bowls of water; boil for 40 minutes.
2. Add the yam slices and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt.
3. Plantain Seed (Che Qian Zi) and Bean Soup
Efficacy: Promotes urination and clears heat; relieves frequent or urgent urination and backaches.
Ingredients: 50g Mung Beans, 50g Black Beans, 15g Plantain Seeds (wrapped in gauze), 1 spoon of honey.
Method:
1. Boil the beans and the gauze-wrapped seeds until the beans are soft.
2. Remove the gauze bag and add honey to taste.
4. Adzuki Bean Porridge
Efficacy: Strengthens the Spleen and replenishes Qi; promotes diuresis to reduce edema. Suitable for lower limb swelling.
Ingredients: 100g Adzuki Beans (Chi Xiao Dou), 100g Japonica Rice.
Method:
1. Pre-soak the beans and wash the rice.
2. Boil both in water until soft and thick. Add sugar to taste.
5. Fig Porridge
Efficacy: Moistens the intestines and relieves constipation. Suitable for pregnancy constipation, dry mouth, or dry cough.
Ingredients: 30g Figs (dried or fresh), 100g Japonica Rice.
Method:
1. Wash the rice and boil to make porridge.
2. When the porridge is almost ready, add sliced figs and cook until soft.
6. Braised Chicken with Chestnuts
Efficacy: Tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes the stomach; relieves back pain and fatigue.
Ingredients: 750g Chicken (cut into pieces), 250g Shelled Chestnuts, ginger slices, green onions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and sugar.
Method:
1. Marinate chicken with soy sauce and wine for 10 minutes.
2. Sauté ginger and onions, stir-fry chicken until dry, add seasonings, chestnuts, and enough water to cover. Simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Steamed Eggplant
Efficacy: Clears heat and reduces swelling. Relieves early-stage hemorrhoid pain or blood in the stool.
Ingredients: 1–2 Eggplants, salt and oil to taste.
Method:
1. Wash and slice the eggplant. Steam for 8–10 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with a little salt before serving.
These dietary methods are recommended by Dr Li Rui as mild and safe for pregnancy. If you experience persistent vomiting, difficulty in nutrition intake, or significant physical discomfort, it is recommended to receive professional TCM conditioning early to ensure a healthy environment for the fetus and prepare the mother for a smooth delivery!
