Acupressure to Induce Labor

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique and healing art, just like acupuncture. Acupressure is actually derived from acupuncture and therefore is based on the same principles. The only difference lies in the fact that, in acupressure needles are replaced by the fingers to apply pressure on the acupuncture pressure points. So far, clinical trials have shown tremendous effectiveness of acupressure for various conditions. But this ancient practice has also faced serious criticism, mainly for the absence of any anatomical and histological basis to explain the existence of the acupuncture points. But, in spite of all criticisms, acupressure as well as acupuncture have found wide popularity not only in the Asian countries, but in the Western countries as well.

Acupressure to Induce Labor
Maternity acupressure or labor acupressure is an ancient practice in Asian countries for inducing labor and making childbirth easier. The practice of acupressure to induce labor dates back almost 5000 years. There are more than a thousand pressure points in our body, that were identified by the ancient Chinese physicians. Stimulating these pressure points has been found to be quite effective in improving the body's response to several health conditions. Similarly, some specific points if stimulated in an appropriate manner have found to be equally effective in inducing contractions and dilating the cervix and thereby facilitating the process of childbirth. Several studies have revealed that acupressure can induce labor within 48 hours in up to 83 % of women. This approach of using acupressure to induce labor is completely natural, as it does not involve ingestion of any substance or medicine. Therefore, many claim that practicing acupressure to cause labor is completely safe for both mother and her child.

Acupressure to induce labor simply involves identifying the exact location of the specific pressure points and then pressing and messaging them gently. The appropriate time for doing so is when a woman is already in labor, in which case, acupressure helps to speed up contractions and the delivery process. It can also be practiced by those pregnant women who have not gone into labor, even though the water has broken already. However, all the pressure points may not work for every women. The advantages of acupressure mainly lies in the fact, that it is basically a natural process that helps pregnant women to strengthen their contractions and make labor less painful. It also helps them to stay calm and relaxed and prevent some discomforts like nausea and vomiting. However, it is very important to consult your obstetrician before practicing acupressure.

How to Use Acupressure to Induce Labor
There are mainly three acupressure points to induce labor. These pressure points, if stimulated in the appropriate manner and at proper time, can induce labor in pregnant women. One such pressure point is located in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger and is known as 'hoku'. This point has to be pressed and then rubbed in a circular motion for few seconds. If pressed steadily during contractions, it can provide relief in pain. This process stimulates the large intestine to induce contractions. The second acupressure technique involves the pressure point, known as spleen-6. It is located inside of the ankle, about four finger width above the ankle bone and has to be rubbed for about a minute.

The third point lies midway between the dimple in the buttock and the spine. This point is known as bladder-32. There is another acupressure point that is located on the muscle that connects the neck and shoulder. To find out this pressure point, you have to look for the highest point on the muscle, where it connects to the neck. Now, the exact pressure point is located a few inches, (almost equal to the width of the four fingers) down from this highest point. However, it is not so difficult to recognize this spot, as this area would be the most tender spot along the length of the entire muscle. This acupressure point would feel like a bruise when touched and this holds for almost all other acupressure points as well. Know more about

• Acupressure Points of the Body
• Pressure Points for Headaches

Today, acupressure is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world, especially for inducing labor. Many physicians have also become aware of the effectiveness of acupressure to make a delivery less troublesome and painful. One popular belief associated with acupressure is that it works only when the body is ready to give birth. But, very few people know that, the body of a pregnant woman prepares itself to deliver the child long before it is safe to do so. This is the reason, for which many health care professionals advise pregnant women to refrain from touching or pressing these pressure points after completing their first trimester. Using acupressure to ease headaches or back pain has been reported to cause premature labor in some women, during their third trimester. So, it is better to be cautious and not to stimulate these pressure points, unless it is the safe time for delivery. Again, be sure not to attempt acupressure to induce labor, unless your physician permits you to do so.