Acupressure for Induction

Chinese medicine theory holds that the body is made up of energy, or qi, which runs in lines called meridians. The qi concentrates along these meridians, giving rise to specific points, which can then be stimulated to produce specific effects. There are some points that are specific to inducing labor and reducing labor pain. These points should only be used with advice from your doctor and under the supervision of an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner. Think of acupressure as acupuncture, but without the needles.

Acupressure

If you are afraid of needles, acupressure employs the same principles of acupuncture; however, your practitioner will use his hands or elbows to stimulate the points. Licensed acupuncturist Debra Betts says she uses acupuressure during labor to provide analgesic and labor inducing effects. She found that among the patients who used her acupressure techniques during labor, 86 percent found them to be effective. A review study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" states that although more research is needed, studies suggest acupuncture may be beneficial in labor induction.

Large Intestine Point Four

One of the points contraindicated during pregnancy, due to its ability to promote labor, is large intestine four. According to "A Manual of Acupuncture," large intestine four is located on the hand, in between the thumb and first finger. Your practitioner can locate it by having you squeeze your thumb and first finger together, and locating the small mound of skin that arises. Large intestine four is located in the middle of the mound, although you must spread your fingers back out in order to stimulate it. Strong pressure can be applied with the thumb.

Gallbladder Point 21

The Gallbladder Point 21 is chosen for difficult labor because it can produce a descending action, according to Acupuncture.com. Yinyanghouse.com states that the point is located in the large shoulder muscle, or trapezius. Your practitioner will find it located in line with the nipple, at the highest point of the shoulder muscle. The point should be stimulated with thumb, knuckle or elbow, using the arm's strength to keep from straining the joints of the hand.

Bladder Points 60 and 67

Both bladder 60 and 67 are located on the foot. "A Manual of Acupuncture" lists bladder 60's location as being near the lateral malleolus, or outside ankle bone. It is even with the midpoint of the ankle bone, in the depression between the bone and the Achilles tendon. The book states it can be used for difficult labor as well as retention of the placenta.

Bladder 67 is the last point on the bladder meridian. Your practitioner will find it on the little toe, at the corner of the base of the toenail. This point can be pressed with thumb or fingernail. "A Manual of Acupuncture" states it can be used to help turn the fetus as well as facilitate labor.

Bladder Point 32

Another bladder meridian point that can be used to induce labor is point 32. According to Acupuncture.com, this is an empirical point for delayed labor and can even help to promote dilation. It is located in the sacrum, which is the wedge-shaped bone at the base of the spine, the tip of which is the coccyx, or tailbone. Bladder 32 is found over the second sacral foramen, or the second space in the sacrum. It can be stimulated with the tips or knuckles of the fingers.

Spleen Point Six

Your practitioner may choose spleen six to help stimulate labor; it may also help to dilate the cervix. Located approximately 3 inches directly above the medial malleolus, or inside ankle bone, according to "A Manual of Acupuncture," this point can be strongly stimulated. This point, and all others mentioned, should only be used with the advice of your doctor and under guidance of a licensed acupuncturist.