A conversation with Dr. Mary Sabo, L.Ac DACM and Dr. Michelle Han, DAOM, L.ac. of Lily + Horn
Those first weeks after birth can feel like a blur — equal parts wonder and wipeout. Between hormonal free-falls, emotional whiplash, and a sleep schedule that mocks the word “schedule,” it’s no surprise most moms feel off-kilter. Acupuncture offers a gentle way to bring the body (and mind) back online by helping to ease mood swings, support milk flow, and calm a very overstimulated nervous system.
Acupuncture was a huge part of our founder’s fertility and postpartum recovery plan, so we called in the best in the business, Dr. Mary Sabo, L.Ac DACM, and Dr. Michelle Han, DAOM, L.Ac., to get the scoop on how this ancient practice supports healing, postpartum and beyond.
Q: How can acupuncture support hormonal balance and emotional recovery after birth in the critical first six weeks postpartum?
A: "Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views giving birth as a major depletion of Qi and Blood. Emotional balance in general, and especially in postpartum, depends on the Shen (the Spirit) being well-rooted in the Heart and nourished by abundant Blood. Postpartum blood deficiency can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood swings, to name the most common. This is also the time hormones are rapidly dropping, which affects neurotransmitters that influence and stabilize our emotions. Acupuncture can help smooth this transition by supporting qi and blood replenishment (especially in combination with rest and good nutrition) and it also helps calm the nervous system, which tends to be very activated in postpartum, especially the first 6 weeks. In TCM theory, there are 2 meridians called the "extraordinary vessels" that are the most important to the pregnancy and postpartum journey: Ren (Conception) and Chong (Penetrating) meridians. The Ren governs reproduction, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery while the Chong--a.k.a. Sea of Blood--regulates menstruation and hormonal balance. Postpartum acupuncture also focuses on regulating and replenishing the Ren and Chong meridians to restore uterine health and stabilize emotions, hormones and neurotransmitters. Acupuncture sessions typically last 30-45 minutes, which is an excellent time for the mother to nap and catch up on precious sleep. It is common for wearable devices like oura rings or watches to detect "deep sleep" during acupuncture sessions, which is very restorative and helps with mood regulation."
Q: How do traditional Chinese postpartum practices like zuo yue zi intersect with modern clinical approaches in addressing common challenges like fatigue, sleep disruption, and emotional burnout?
A: "Zuo Yue Zi" (translates to "sitting the month") and modern medicine converge on the key postpartum needs of rebalancing, rest, nourishment, and emotional support. The main difference is that modern medicine may tend to prioritize newborn care, whereas TCM prioritizes the mother's recovery. Zuo yue zi requires rest, warmth, and nourishing foods to rebuild qi and blood. By emphasizing warm, nutrient dense, easily digestible food with protected rest and gradual activity, TCM provides a structured cultural framework in zuo yue zi for postpartum care and recovery. By prioritizing rest and sleep (even if it's disrupted from feeding an infant or pumping), optimal nutrition, and nervous system regulation, burnout is less likely to occur."
Q: In your experience, how does acupuncture aid in lactation support and the treatment of mastitis naturally?
A: "Acupuncture addresses imbalances in the body by nourishing Qi and blood, and balancing yin and yang. In cases of lactation, insufficient lactation is most often tied to Qi and blood deficiency (lack of resources to produce milk), Liver Qi stagnation (emotional stress restricting flow), and/or retained heat (often associated with inflammation). Acupuncture can help by stimulating prolactin release, improving circulation in the breast tissue and nourishing qi and blood.
Mastitis manifests due to obstructions in the milk ducts (we call it "phlegm heat" which is one of the terms associated with infections in TCM), which leads to swelling, pain, redness, and fever. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation (clear heat), unblocking channels to restore the free flow of qi and milk. This works great in the early stages of mastitis, but also alongside antibiotics in advanced cases. Acupuncture is widely known to relieve pain, which is also true in the case of mastitis. Massaging the breast during nursing or pumping can also help with maintaining the flow of qi and milk to prevent blockages, preventing mastitis."
Acupuncture as emotional and physical support
Acupuncture can be a layer of support for the emotional and mental health of the mother while treating physical issues and supporting healing, providing an overall treatment of mind, body, and spirit during this vulnerable postpartum time.
At Mamala, we believe that true healing happens on every level—physical, emotional, and energetic. Incorporating modalities like acupuncture, movement, and whole-food nutrition helps restore balance and build a strong foundation for the seasons of motherhood ahead.
Our Support Snacks™ were created to make that nourishment convenient (and delicious). Each snack delivers the exact functional nutrients your body needs exactly when it needs it in order for you to heal, revive, and thrive.
Lily + Horn, founded by Dr. Mary Sabo, L.Ac DACM, is based in New York City and brings nearly two decades of integrative reproductive-care expertise to a practice that bridges Eastern and Western medicine for optimal fertility and overall wellness. Named for two Chinese herbal ingredients symbolizing yin and yang, Lily + Horn embodies balance, collaboration, and holistic support—helping thousands of patients conceive and thrive.