In traditional Chinese medicine, the belief is that after a woman has a baby, there is an empty space in her body where the baby once was. Her body is open, her ligaments loose, and it’s believed that if "yin" or wind/cold comes into this open space, it will cause future ailments and prevent the body from properly recovering.
To improve a woman's wellbeing post childbirth, the Chinese practice zuò yuè zi, also called "sitting the month" or "confinement month”, which has been around for over 2,000 years. Confinement represents a key feature of Asian populations, most notably in countries dominated by Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures but it is also practiced in many non-Asian cultures as well, including South African, Mexican and Amish women.
The confinement month is an extended period of rest for mothers postpartum lasting anywhere from 26 to 45 days in which mothers and their babies are confined to their homes and cared for by other women; traditionally mothers or mothers-in-law step into this caretaking role, but hiring a confinement nurse or checking into a confinement hotel have become new norms in our modern society.
During this postpartum period, mothers often undergo a set of practices to assist them in recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Some of these practices may include prolonged rest, a special diet and actions to heighten personal hygiene.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of the recovery month is divided into stages: The first week is to restore uterine function and help with the discharge of lochia [blood, mucus, and uterine tissue]. The second week is about promoting metabolism and restoring physical strength. The third and fourth weeks are to regulate blood energy and improve physical conditioning.
Confinement practices have been linked to reducing later maternal health conditions such as postpartum depression. With the best results seen in trials that combined TCM herbal formulas and practices with conventional treatments such as psychotherapy.
There is no doubt that this time in a woman’s life requires special attention to her wellbeing and that drawing on the wellness practices of ancient models has an application in our modern world.
