Postpartum wind can be relieved through appropriate exercise, but it should be done in conjunction with specific symptoms and medical advice. Postpartum wind is caused by weakness of qi and blood after childbirth and invasion of wind and cold, resulting in joint and muscle pain. Exercise can improve blood circulation and strengthen the body, but excessive exercise may aggravate symptoms. Moderate exercise should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.
1. Moderate aerobic exercise helps with postpartum recovery. Postpartum women can choose low-intensity aerobic exercises such as walking, yoga, or Tai Chi. These exercises can accelerate blood circulation, reduce joint pain, and will not put too much strain on the body. Walk for 20-30 minutes every day, and pay attention to keeping warm; choose gentle postpartum recovery yoga to help relax the mind and body; Tai Chi regulates Qi and blood through slow movements and improves physical condition.
2. Localized exercises to relieve joint pain. For painful joints, some localized exercises can be performed, such as wrist and ankle rotation exercises, and avoiding maintaining the same posture for a long time. Wrist rotation: Make fists with both hands and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times each; Ankle rotation: Lie flat or sit up and slowly rotate your ankles 10-15 times each time; Shoulder joint exercises: Raise both hands and slowly make circles, 5-10 times each time.
3. Combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment with exercise yields better results. Postpartum wind falls under the category of "Bi syndrome" in TCM. It can be treated with external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and massage, combined with exercise, to achieve the effects of dispelling wind and cold, clearing the meridians, and relieving pain. Acupuncture points include Zusanli, Hegu, and Fengchi. Massage techniques should be gentle, avoiding excessive force.
4. Pay attention to keeping warm and adjusting your diet before and after exercise. Postpartum women are physically weak, so they should avoid getting cold during exercise. After exercise, they can drink warm ginger and jujube tea or brown sugar water to help dispel cold and warm the body. Ginger and jujube tea: Boil 3 slices of ginger and 5 jujubes in water and drink. Brown sugar water: Add appropriate amount of brown sugar and brew with warm water. Warmth measures: Wear long-sleeved clothing during exercise and change into dry clothes in time after exercise.
5. Avoid strenuous exercise and high-intensity workouts. The body needs time to recover after childbirth. Strenuous exercise such as running and jumping may increase the burden on joints and is not conducive to postpartum recovery. Low-intensity and gentle exercise should be chosen.
Postpartum recovery from wind-related ailments requires comprehensive conditioning, with exercise being a crucial component. However, it's essential to choose appropriate exercises based on individual constitution and symptoms, and to perform these exercises under the guidance of a doctor to achieve the best results. Combining moderate exercise with traditional Chinese medicine conditioning and dietary care can effectively improve postpartum wind symptoms and promote overall physical recovery.