When a pregnant woman is awaiting labor, a soothing way of induction of labor can help her deliver a child in a natural and safe way. Many women prefer to turn towards alternative and complementary medicine to induce labor, to avoid other medicines. Acupressure can be considered as a relaxing, pleasant and convenient way to induce labor. Some acupressure points are popularly known to induce labor with acupressure.
Various locations in the body are known to be trigger points that are useful in acupressure. Stimulating these points during labor can help to induce labor, which can help in a safe delivery. These acupressure points can be helpful not only for inducing labor naturally, but also to relieve stress, discomfort and pain caused during labor. Acupressure, to induce labor can be applied at different stages of labor, as decided by the experts. The exact acupressure points that need to be stimulated can be decided based on the condition of the pregnant woman and the stage of the labor.
The main acupressure points that need to be considered to induce labor with acupressure include:
- Large Intestine 4 Point (Hegu)
- Spleen 6 (San-yin-jiao)
Other acupressure points are also popularly used to induce labor with acupressure.
How to Induce Labor with Acupressure?
Acupressure to induce labor, involves applying finger and thumb pressure on certain pressure points in a bid to alleviate pain and discomfort associated to labor. It is the proven and natural method to induce labor with acupressure by helping the cervix to expand and mature for safe delivery.
Applying acupressure to induce labor involves stimulating the most common acupressure points related to induction of labor. These include:
- Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) – This point is located between the index finger and the thumb on the rear side of the palm. Stimulating this point and gentle massage at this point can help to relieve labor pains and body aches.
- Spleen 6 (San-yin-jiao) – This point is located above the ankle, on the rear side of the lower end of the calf muscle. Firm pressure is applied with index finger at this point for few seconds. Applying pressure and massaging the area will help to strengthen weak contractions.
- Bladder 60 (Kunlun) – This point is also located on the rear side of the ankle, but lower than the earlier point. Light pressure is applied with the thumb at this point, to ease labor pain and relieve obstruction. The area around can be massaged gently to ease the process of labor. It can also help to relieve backache, ankle swelling and dizziness during pregnancy.
- Bladder 67 (Zhiyin) – This acupressure point is situated at the outer end of the little toe. This point can be stimulated with the index finger and thumb like gently pinching the pinky toe to stimulate uterine labor and make the fetus ready for birth.
- Pericardium 8 (Laogong) – This pressure point is located at the center of the palm. Light pressure is applied at this point with the thumb and the area is massaged to induce labor.
- Bladder 32 (Ciliao) – This point is situated at the dimple or the cleft above the buttocks. Firm pressure is applied at this point to stimulate, which can help to induce labor pains.
Other acupressure points that can be helpful to induce labor include:
Kidney 1 – This point is located at the center of the sole towards the upper side. Stimulating this point can help to relieve anxiety and stress, offering some relaxation of mind during labor.
Gallbladder 21 – This point is located between the shoulder and the neck towards the back side. Gently massaging it downwards can help to provide relaxation and also relieves aches and muscle stress.
Liver 3 – This acupressure point is located on the foot, at the base between the great toe and the second toe. Gently massaging this point can relieve stress, anxiety and provide relaxation during labor.
The exact location of acupressure points and their application is best known by experts. The amount of pressure that must be applied and the way in which the acupressure points are stimulated needs to be studied and practiced well. Hence, seeking help from an acupressure expert is advisable after consulting the treating physician.
Acupressure to Induce Labor -Safety Points to Keep in Mind
People who wish to apply acupressure to induce labor, need to make sure that it is a safe and is performed by a trained therapist. If any pain or discomfort is felt when stimulating or massaging over acupressure points, the practice should be immediately stopped.
Labor and child birth is a delicate situation and any deviations from the normal course may require immediate medical attention. Ideally, as suggested by medical experts, one should to attempt to induce labor before 38 weeks of pregnancy. Women who are experiencing complications in pregnancy or those with high risk pregnancy need to consult their gynecologists before proceeding with acupressure to induce labor.
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