Symptom families: Postpartum issues, Chest & Hypochondriac Pain and Distention
Postpartum lateral costal region pain refers to discomfort or aching experienced in the rib area following childbirth. This type of pain can be acute or chronic, varying in intensity and often exacerbated by certain movements or pressure.
The condition is not uncommon and may be linked to the physical and hormonal changes a woman's body undergoes during and after pregnancy. Understanding the nature of this pain is essential for effective management and recovery, especially in the postpartum period where a mother's comfort is crucial for both her well-being and her ability to care for her newborn.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), postpartum lateral costal region pain is seen as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often attributes such pain to physical strain or hormonal changes, TCM considers it as potentially stemming from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or Blood Stagnation, especially in the Liver and Kidney meridians.
TCM emphasizes restoring balance and harmony in the body through various treatments, acknowledging that postpartum recovery is a holistic process involving both physical and energetic healing.
In treating postpartum lateral costal region pain, TCM employs acupuncture as a key modality. One significant acupoint in this context is Shiguan KID-18. Located 3 cun above the umbilicus and slightly lateral to the anterior midline, this point plays a vital role in regulating Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner.
It is known for its effectiveness in easing pain and harmonizing the Stomach. By targeting such specific acupoints, TCM aims to alleviate the discomfort associated with postpartum lateral costal region pain, thereby aiding in the overall recovery and well-being of postpartum mothers.
See more details below about Shiguan KID-18, an acupoint used to address postpartum lateral costal region pain.
3 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.