c-section recovery

Written By Ozben Felek

with moxibustion and acupuncture

March 19th marked my daughter’s first birthday and the one-year anniversary of my birthing journey. While I had a home birth with a vaginal delivery, I know many women undergo C-sections.

This week, while talking to a friend who gave birth via C-section three months ago, I recommended moxibustion to support her scar tissue healing and overall postpartum recovery. Our conversation inspired me to write this blog post to share the benefits of moxibustion for C-section healing and postpartum care.


Recovering from a Cesarean birth (C-section) is a unique postpartum journey that requires both physical and emotional healing. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) especially in Kiiko Matsumoto Style Japanese Acupuncture (KMS) , moxibustion (moxa) and acupuncture are powerful tools to support postpartum recovery, especially for C-section healing. These therapies help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote energy restoration, aiding in a smoother, more balanced postpartum transition.

Why Use Moxibustion & Acupuncture for C-Section Recovery?

A C-section is a major abdominal surgery that affects blood circulation, digestion, and overall energy flow. While the body naturally heals over time, TCM offers supportive therapies that can enhance the recovery process.

Benefits of Moxibustion & Acupuncture for C-Section Healing

✔ Promotes circulation to the lower abdomen, reducing scar adhesions
✔ Eases pain and numbness around the incision site
✔ Supports digestion (often slowed post-surgery) and relieves bloating
✔ Strengthens Qi (vital energy) and Blood to combat postpartum fatigue
✔ Aids emotional well-being by balancing energy and reducing stress

When to Start Moxibustion for C-Section Recovery

Moxibustion should not be applied directly over the incision until it is fully closed and healed, which typically takes 4–6 weeks postpartum. However, moxa can be used earlier on distal acupuncture points to support postpartum healing. Acupuncture can be done as early as couple days.

How to Do Self-Moxibustion for C-Section Recovery

Once your scar has fully healed, you can begin gentle moxibustion therapy at home to promote scar healing and postpartum recovery.

What You Need

  • A moxa stick (dried mugwort rolled into a cigar-like shape)

  • A lighter or candle

  • A safe dish with sand or a moxa extinguisher

  • A comfortable space to relax

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Moxa Stick

  • Light one end of the moxa stick until it glows red and produces a steady stream of smoke.

2. Apply Heat to the Lower Abdomen (After 4–6 Weeks Postpartum)

  • Hold the moxa stick 1–2 inches above the skin, moving it in slow circles around the lower abdomen and scar area.

  • First work around the scar, then you can do it directly over the scar to stimulate circulation and healing.

  • Continue for 5–10 minutes or until the skin feels warm but not uncomfortable.

3. Extinguish the Moxa Safely

  • Dip the burning end into a dish of sand or use a moxa extinguisher. Avoid using water, as this can ruin the moxa stick.

4. Repeat 2–3 Times Per Week

  • Use moxa therapy a few times per week for optimal healing and energy recovery.

KMS is well known by its scar tissue treatments, Kiiko uses diode rings directly on the scars and distal needling to promote the healing and also treat the underlying weakness or stagnation to have a healthy postpartum.

How does diode rings work?

Neutralizing Electrical Disruptions

  • Scars can create electrical and fascial blockages in the body, disrupting normal energy flow (Qi) and causing pain, numbness, or stagnation.

  • Diode rings, often made of conductive materials, are placed around or near the scar to neutralize electrical interference, allowing Qi to flow properly again.

Restoring Meridian Communication

  • In KMS, scars can disrupt meridian pathways, leading to compensatory tension or dysfunction in distant areas.

  • Placing diode rings around the scar “reconnects” the disrupted meridians, restoring proper signaling throughout the body.

  1. Enhancing Circulation & Lymphatic Flow

    • Stagnation caused by scars can lead to poor blood circulation, swelling, and adhesions.

    • By reducing electrical and fascial tension, diode rings help improve microcirculation, lymphatic drainage, and oxygenation, promoting scar softening and tissue healing.

  2. Regulating Nervous System Response

    • C-section scars often involve nerve irritation or numbness due to surgical trauma.

    • The use of diode rings can help reduce hypersensitivity and promote nerve repair by balancing the local bioelectrical field.

How They Are Applied in KMS Treatment

  • Palpation Testing: The practitioner first assesses the scar's effect on the body through abdominal and structural palpation.

  • Placement of Diode Rings: The rings are placed directly on or around the scar and tested for immediate changes in pain, tension, or sensation.

  • Acupuncture Integration: Once an improvement is observed, needles are inserted at key distal points to reinforce the healing effect.

Whether you had a vaginal or C-section birth, incorporating these ancient practices can help restore energy, promote healing, and ease the transition into motherhood.

If you're interested in learning more about how Chinese medicine supports postpartum health, we invite you to book a session at Felek Acupuncture in Albany, CA. Your postpartum journey deserves care, warmth, and restoration.

Ozben Felek
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