So many of us feel like empaths or highly sensitive people. Could this have started at conception? Chronic cortisol production combined with a highly sensitive nervous system can accelerate yin depletion. This prolonged hormonal stress compromises multiple bodily systems, leading to the widespread imbalances that affect so many women today.
Our bodies can develop dysfunctional patterns while we are in the womb. If a pregnant woman experiences high stress, elevated maternal cortisol levels can pass through the placenta. This directly impacts the developing fetus, shaping a highly sensitive nervous system from the very beginning. This is one of the ways generational trauma is perpetuated—through the body and through the womb space.
Reprogramming blueprints that began in the womb is a lifelong process of unraveling ancestral patterns. Sadly, some of us never had the chance to embrace our childlike innocence that should have been nurtured in the womb. The womb is our first home. In a society that glorifies a lifestyle that causes yin depletion, how can we learn to nurture our already taxed systems?
As women we need to reclaim our ability to embrace our femininity and cut ties with a culture that doesn’t serve us. When we can learn to soften, the maladaptive patterns we came into the world with will not be passed on. Breaking these patterns is the most important work we can do in the world. As mothers, we can pass our healing work down to our children through our bodies and our wombs.
Herbal Medicine for a Peaceful Pregnancy & a Calm Baby
The Chinese herb, Ling Zhi (Gandoderma), also known as Reishi, nourishes the heart blood and calms the spirit. Ling zhi can help with insomnia, fright and palpitations. It also nourishes blood qi for a healthy pregnancy. According to Bensky’s Materia Medica it is safe for long term use and use during pregnancy. There is growing awareness of the this herb, and many women consume Reishi throughout their pregnancy with the hopes of having a “Reishi Baby,” or a baby that is unusually content and relaxed.
For personalized guidance on pre-conception and nervous system regulation before, during and after pregnancy either virtually or in-person, please see my Work With Me page.
Note: The mushroom pictured is actually a Gandoderma tsugae, also known as "Hemlock Reishi." This picture was taken on my land in the middle of summer. Hemlock Reishi has almost the same benefits as traditional Reishi and they are often used interchangeably.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your acupuncturist or a licensed healthcare provider before introducing new herbs or supplements during pregnancy.