In the weeks after a baby arrives, the sentence we hear most often is some version of “I feel completely emptied out.” Lower back ache, night sweats, waking to nurse and then not being able to fall back asleep, hair coming out by the handful in the shower — none of that is in your head. It is the body running on depleted qi (气) and blood, with residual blood stasis (瘀血) and a strain of liver qi stagnation (肝郁) layered on top. Richmond is home to one of the largest Chinese-Canadian communities in the region, and many of the families we see want to continue the recovery work after the confinement month is over. For Richmond postpartum TCM care, Sky TCM sits inside Aberdeen Plaza, and Dr. Judy Chu, R.Ac has been a steady part of that picture for local mothers for years.
Why find TCM for postpartum care
In TCM the postpartum body is described as being in a state of compound deficiency and stasis. Ten months of pregnancy already redirect qi and blood toward the baby, birth itself draws on the reserve again, and breastfeeding continues that outward flow. At the same time the uterus is returning to size, lochia is clearing, and hormones are dropping fast. Your western six-week check covers blood pressure, the incision, and mood screening — all of it useful. TCM adds a second lens: pulse, tongue, and a longer conversation about how qi, blood, and the liver-kidney-spleen network are doing. From there we use acupuncture, moxibustion (艾灸), herbal formulas and tuina (推拿) to refill what is empty, soften what is stuck, and ease what feels tight. The two systems are not competing — they sit alongside one another.
What we offer for postpartum
- Postpartum qi and blood depletion — fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, night sweats — acupuncture with food therapy (食疗)
- Residual blood stasis — lingering lochia, mild lower abdominal pain — moxibustion with gentle abdominal work
- Lower back, hip and pelvic-belt tension — acupuncture paired with tuina
- Postpartum anxiety, low mood, tearfulness — acupuncture to ease liver qi stagnation
- Breastfeeding concerns — clogged ducts, low supply, tender lumps — tuina with food-based suggestions (please see your GP first if fever is present, to rule out mastitis)
- C-section scar tightness and pulling — moxibustion with soft-tissue release, once the scar is fully healed
- Hair shedding, night sweats, cold hands and feet — a whole-system qi, blood and kidney protocol
Dr. Judy’s Richmond postpartum clinical experience
Postpartum mothers have always been one of the largest groups walking through our door, and Dr. Judy’s habit is to read the person first and write the plan second. Two mothers can describe the same fatigue and need completely different work — depleted qi and blood goes one way, liver qi flaring into low-grade heat goes another. Each first visit begins with a long conversation, pulse and tongue reading, and then a decision about how to weave acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs and tuina together, and how quickly or slowly to move. Dr. Judy trained at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and has practiced for more than 20 years across China, Taiwan and Canada. She is registered with CTCMA of British Columbia and consults in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
When can you start coming in
For a vaginal birth, once lochia has cleared and the wound is healing well, most mothers can begin gentle acupuncture from around two weeks postpartum. The first few sessions stay light — the focus is rebuilding, calming the nervous system, and helping you sleep. For a C-section, we usually wait until the six-week check is complete before adding acupuncture, and we avoid points around the abdomen until the scar is fully healed. Breastfeeding is fully compatible with both acupuncture and moxibustion; Dr. Judy will skip specific point combinations that can reduce supply. If you are still in the confinement period and unsure whether to begin, please call us and we will help you decide what is appropriate now.
Visit us in Richmond
Dr. Judy Chu, R.Ac at Sky TCM
3779 Sexsmith Rd, Unit 1138, Richmond BC V6X 3Y6
Aberdeen Plaza (Lansdowne area), upper floor
778-681-8886
Daily 10AM – 6PM by appointment
Canada Line Aberdeen station is a short walk away, with free underground parking at the plaza.
Frequently asked
Can I take Chinese herbs while breastfeeding?
Yes, in many cases — but it is case-by-case. We adjust formulas based on whether you are nursing, avoid specific herbs that are not suitable for either mother or baby, and choose the formula only after a proper assessment. When the timing is not right for herbs, we often lean on acupuncture, moxibustion and food-based therapy in the meantime; the body still recovers.
Can I bring the baby to the appointment?
Yes — many mothers do. The clinic is quiet, and we suggest bringing a family member along to hold the baby so you can fully relax during your session.
Will acupuncture affect my milk supply?
With the right point selection, no. Some mothers actually feel that fullness flows more easily afterward. We avoid the specific combinations known to reduce supply.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
BC’s provincial MSP does not generally cover acupuncture or TCM (a limited supplementary program exists for premium-assistance beneficiaries). Most private extended health plans do include R.Ac acupuncture coverage — please confirm the exact amount with your insurer. We provide receipts for reimbursement.
Is it too late to start at six months or a year postpartum?
Not at all. The first year still counts as a recovery window — qi, blood, pelvic stability and mood can all keep moving. Even later, we can build a plan around what you are feeling now.
Dr. Judy Chu, R.Ac at Sky TCM
3779 Sexsmith Rd Unit 1138, Richmond BC V6X 3Y6 · 778-681-8886 · Daily 10AM–6PM by appointment
Book a first consultation · About Dr. Judy · Our treatments
Further reading:
– C-section recovery: a six-month TCM path
– Postpartum 42 days: rebuilding qi and blood
– Vancouver’s damp-cold climate and the confinement month
– Richmond TCM clinic overview
– Vancouver TCM clinic overview
