Acupressure is a holistic way to encourage your body to take action. When certain areas of your body are stimulated, your body releases chemicals and endorphins. During pregnancy, you can manipulate your body into starting labor or as relief for the pain of contractions. For acupressure you will need a partner so plan accordingly.
Hand
To induce labor or before a labor induction, you can perform acupressure on your hand. In the webbing of your hand between the pointer finger and your thumb is a spot that is tied to induction. Stimulate this area by rubbing circles for 30 seconds to one minute, taking a break for one to two minutes. If contractions begin, stimulate the acupressure point with each contraction, breaking between contractions.
Ankle
There is another pressure point near the boney protrusion on the inside of your ankle. Count four fingers above the ankle bone; this should feel slightly painful and tender. Push down and use a circular motion on this point. Just as you would on the wrist, stimulate the point for 30 to 60 seconds, breaking for one to two minutes.
Buttocks
During labor, acupressure can be used to help reduce your pain. There is a pressure point just on the outside of your buttocks. To find this spot, imagine a line extending from the top of where your buttocks meet out to the boney protrusion of the hip. The point is located two-thirds of the way to the hip bone. You should have your birthing partner help by placing pressure from the thumb on this point. This acupressure point is especially helpful during active labor, being stimulated with every contraction.
Upper Back
During the early portion of labor, you can stimulate contractions using an acupressure point on your upper back. To find the point, imagine a line that runs from the cervical vertebra to the shoulder. At the highest point on this line, almost to the shoulder is the point. When pressing on this point, you should feel a bit of pain. Have your birthing partner press down on this point with each contraction which will relieve pain and progress labor.
References
- ShareCare.com; How Does Accupressure Work?; Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD
- "Acupressure For Natural Pain Relief"; Acupressure To Induce Labor; Debra Betts
- Giving Birth Naturally: Acupressure to Induce Labor
- "Acupressure For Natural Pain Relief"; Buttock Point; Debra Betts
- "Acupressure For Natural Pain Relief"; Jianjing GB-21; Debra Betts
