Traditional Wisdom for the fourth trimester
The recovery process and rituals from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a woman post birth are really generous, kind and considered.
Birth is a moment where the body goes from most ‘yang’ to most ‘yin’. At the end of pregnancy the body is warm, full of blood, full of life (literally!). Birth is a very ‘yang’ experience, very outward and energetic. After the birth your body is at its most ‘yin’, you have an empty space inside you and the loss of vital substances (blood, fluid and energy) means you are in a vulnerable state.
To bring balance back to the body, great importance is given to rest, warmth, nourishing foods and providing protection for the mother.