Many women want to induce labor naturally, and using acupressure points is a technique to trigger or speed it up. Proponents of this treatment believe it works by promoting dilation of the cervix and stimulating effective contractions.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Acupressure
Step 1. Get familiar with the concept of acupressure
It is an important therapy in Chinese medicine, which developed over 5,000 years ago in Asia. It consists of placing the fingers in specific areas to apply some pressure along the hinge points of the body. This technique mainly uses the fingers, especially the thumb, to massage, rub and stimulate the pressure points. However, the elbows and knees can also be used, in addition to the legs and feet.
- The pressure points are arranged along channels called meridians. According to Eastern medical philosophy, stimulating these areas can release tension and increase blood flow.
- The popular Shiatsu massage technique is a form of oriental therapy originating from Japan.
Step 2. Know what acupressure is used for
Like massage, this technique also aims to create a deep state of relaxation and a reduction in muscle tension; it is also used to relieve pain. People undergo acupressure to reduce symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches, back and neck pain, feelings of exhaustion, mental, physical stress, and even addictions. It is believed that acupressure and other oriental therapies correct the imbalances and blockages in the flow of vital energies that run through the body.
- Several western spas and massage centers have started offering this service. While many people are still quite skeptical about the effectiveness of acupressure, several doctors, practitioners, and advocates of holistic health say it provides positive effects instead. For example, researchers at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, a California medical clinic, are studying the scientific basis of acupressure, providing explanations and practical applications of the various techniques.
- Qualified technicians of this therapy participate in conventional training programs, both in acupuncture schools and special centers, or follow therapeutic massage programs. These programs include the study of anatomy and physiology, acupressure points and meridians, the theoretical aspect of Chinese medicine, the technique, the protocol and clinical studies. It typically takes up to 500 hours of study to become a professional technician of this holistic medicine - or less, if a person already has a therapeutic massage degree.
Step 3. Identify common pressure points
There are hundreds of pressure points running through our bodies. Some of the most common are:
- Hoku / Hegu / Large Intestine 4, which is the webbed flap between thumb and forefinger.
- Liver 3, which is the soft area between the big toe and the second toe.
- Sanyinjiao / Spleen 6, which is on the lower part of the calf.
- Many pressure points have multiple names and are sometimes referred to with an abbreviation and number, such as LI4 or SP6.
Step 4. Know when to apply acupressure during pregnancy
This technique is believed to help pregnant women overcome the morning sickness of nausea, relieve back pain, manage pain during labor and induce it naturally. Although acupressure is safe during pregnancy, you must always be cautious. You should contact your doctor, a doula who knows how to practice acupressure, a qualified acupuncturist, or an acupressure technician before trying to do it yourself.
All pressure points designed to induce labor should be avoided until after the 40th week, otherwise there is a risk of prematurely stimulating labor causing serious problems
Part 2 of 3: Using the Hand and Back Pressure Points
Step 1. Use the Hoku / Hegu / Large Intestine pressure point 4
This is considered to be one of the most typical for inducing labor. It is located on the hand, between the thumb and forefinger.
- Squeeze the webbed area between your index finger and thumb. You need to focus on the area towards the center of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones. Apply constant pressure here. Then, massage in a circular motion with your fingers. When your hand gets tired, shake it a little and start over.
- When you feel a contraction begin, stop the massage and resume only when the contraction passes.
- This pressure point is believed to help contract the uterus and stimulate the baby to descend into the pelvic cavity. You can also use this technique during labor itself to help relieve the sensation of contractions.
Step 2. Test the Jian Jing / Gallbladder 21 pressure point
It is located between the neck and the shoulder. Before you spot it, lean your head forward. Ask someone to find the round knot at the top of the spine and then the one on the shoulder. The GB21 is located exactly halfway between these two structures.
- With your thumb or forefinger, apply constant pressure on this spot to massage and stimulate the area. You can also pinch it with the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, massaging in a downward motion for 4-5 seconds as you release your grip.
- This pressure point is also stimulated for neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder pains and general malaise.
Step 3. Rub the ciliary point / gall bladder 32
It is located on the lower back, between the dimples of the back and lumbar spine. It is used to induce labor, relieve pain and help the baby go down the birth canal.
- To locate this point, you must kneel on the floor or on a bed. Run your fingers down the spine until you feel the two small bony cavities (one on either side of the spine). These are located between the dimples and the spine, but be careful as they are not the same dimples.
- Press your knuckles or thumb into the BL32 pressure point with steady pressure or rub it in a circular motion.
- If you can't find the two hollows, measure the length of your index finger. The Ciliao is located approximately one index finger away from the beginning of the line between the buttocks, but off-centered by about 2.5 cm with respect to the spine.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Foot and Ankle Pressure Points
Step 1. Use the Sanyinjiao / Spleen pressure point 6
It is located on the lower leg, just above the ankle bone. SP6 is believed to widen the cervix and strengthen weak contractions. This point should be used with caution.
- Locate the malleolus. Put three fingers on top of the tibia. Move them from the shin to the back of the leg. You should find a soft area just behind the tibia; this point is very sensitive in pregnant women.
- Rub in a circular motion or apply pressure for 10 minutes or until you feel a contraction. Apply pressure again when the contraction has passed.
Step 2. Try the Kunlun / Bladder 60
This pressure point, which is located on the ankle, is considered useful if you have not yet experienced signs of labor.
- Find its location between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. Press into the skin with your thumb and apply pressure or rub in a circular motion.
- This point is often used during the first stage of labor, when the baby has not yet descended to the canal.
- BL60 is believed to increase circulation and relieve pain.
Step 3. Stimulate the Zhiyin / Bladder pressure point 67
It is located on the tip of the little toe of the foot. It is believed to help induce labor and reposition breech babies.
If you have a hard time doing it yourself, get someone to help you. Grab your foot and use your thumb nail to apply pressure to the tip of your little finger, just below the nail
Step 4. See your doctor or midwife if you are unsure
If you are concerned about your safety or that of your unborn child because you have not yet given birth or you simply want more details on acupressure in general, talk to your gynecologist, midwife or doula. They will be able to answer you and clear up your concerns or concerns.
If you want to learn more about acupressure during pregnancy, find an experienced and qualified technician in this technique. Schedule a visit and ask him for more details to see if it is a suitable therapy for you
Advice
- You can apply pressure on the pressure points LI4 and SP6 on your own body, or you can find a friend or a midwife who will implement these techniques for you.
- Some suggest working on multiple pressure points, simultaneously or sequentially. For example, you can use the LI4 pressure point on the left hand and apply pressure to the SP6 on the opposite leg. Take a break after a few minutes and switch your hands and legs. You can also add point BL32 while alternating LI4 and SP6.
- You can apply pressure to these points for a few seconds up to several minutes.
- Every woman is different and has different comfort thresholds on these pressure points. Apply pressure only until you feel discomfort.
- Monitor the time of contractions to determine if they are happening at regular intervals. Use a stopwatch to record when each individual contraction begins and ends. The duration corresponds to the time in which a contraction begins and ends, while the frequency is the time between the beginning of two successive contractions.
