Acupressure is entering the mainstream as one way to reduce the symptoms of pregnancy and the pain of labor. Acupressure works by stimulating your body to release endorphins and hormones. The release of these bodily chemicals can cause pain relief or stimulate your body to do specific things, such as initiate labor contractions. Many acupressure points exist around the ankles.
Purpose
A pregnant woman might use acupressure for a number of reasons. Acupressure can help reduce your nausea and vomiting, two common side effects of pregnancy. Acupressure can also be useful during labor to reduce pain. This type of therapy can also induce labor for a women who is overdue.
Yongquan KID-1
The Yongquan KID-1 acupressure point is located on the bottom of the foot. In the area located just below the ball of the foot, your support person should push in and up on your foot, focusing the pressure toward the big toe. During labor, this pressure point may help calm you and reduce pain during transition.
Kunlun BL-60
Kunlun BL-60 is a pressure point located in the middle of an invisible line drawn from the outside ankle bone to the achilles tendon. This point exists in the depression between these two points and is used to help the child descend into the birth canal. Your support person should apply pressure with the thumb while holding the foot firmly in place.
Sanyinjiao SP-6
During pregnancy, this acupressure point can help induce labor. It should be stimulated only after 41 weeks of labor and with the approval or your physician. Count four finger-widths up from the inside of your prominent ankle bone. When putting pressure on this area, it should feel a bit painful. Apply pressure to this point with your fingers while rubbing circles. During labor, this point may be used to help progress cervical dilation.
References
- ShareCare.com; How Does Accupressure Work?; Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD
- "Journal of Reproductive Medicine"; Effect of Acupressure On Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study; E. Werntoft, et al.; 2001
- Giving Birth Naturally: Acupressure to Induce Labor
- The Cochrane Collaboration; Acupuncture or Acupressure For Pain Management in Labour; C.A. Smith, et al; 2011
- "The Essential Guide to Acupressure in Childbirth and Pregnancy"; Yongquan KID-1; Debra Betts
- "The Essential Guide to Acupressure in Childbirth and Pregnancy"; Kunlun BL-60; Debra Betts
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