Maternity Acupressure

Most of us have heard about acupressure, which is a type of complimentary medicine and is derived from acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture that uses needles for healing, acupressure is all about pressure. In case of acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific points (acupuncture points) on the body, for healing purposes. Whereas in acupressure, pressure is exerted on acupuncture points with hand or other devices. As the name rightly suggests, acupressure is a combination of acupuncture and pressure.

What is Maternity Acupressure

As mentioned above, acupressure uses pressure on acupuncture points, for healing. It is commonly used for problems like, headaches, eyestrain, muscle pain, sinus problems, back pain, tension, etc. It is also used to relieve menstrual pain, pain from ulcers, constipation, etc. There are some special acupressure techniques that are specially meant for pregnant women. Such techniques are collectively known as maternity acupressure. Various techniques are practiced at different stages of pregnancy. These techniques differ as per the purpose.

While some of the techniques are meant for relief from morning sickness, some others are used for inducing labor. It is also said to provide relief from depression and stress during pregnancy. However, use of acupressure points during this stage must be with extreme care and caution. As the stimulation of some pressure points may result in uterine contractions, these techniques must be done by an expert only. Even the use of use of essential oils during acupressure sessions, must be avoided in case of pregnant women. You must get the consent of your doctor, before trying maternity acupressure. It is also very important to get it done from a person qualified for practicing such acupressure techniques.

Maternity Acupressure Techniques

It is claimed that the nausea and vomiting experienced by pregnant women can be relieved through a special acupressure technique. This maternity acupressure method uses the pressure point on the wrist called inner gate or P6. Another important aspect regarding such acupressure is its use in inducing labor. The use of maternity acupressure to induce labor is a much debated topic. However, it is an age-old practice in some Asian countries. This is done by stimulating some specific pressure points on the body, so as to cause contractions and dilation of cervix, thereby speeding up the process of childbirth.

There are three pressure points that are used for inducing labor. One is located at a spot that is at two finger width from the ankle bone, but, on the inner side (of the bone). Another such pressure point is located above (one finger width) the dimple of the buttocks. There is one more pressure point that is used for this purpose and that is located on the webbing between the thumb and the forefinger. These points are identified with the help of acupressure points chart and the practice of these methods is best done by an expert. Some of these acupressure techniques are meant for labor pain management too.

Maternity acupressure is claimed to be beneficial, as medications can be avoided, if these techniques are found to be useful in preventing nausea or stress. Even a C-section can be avoided in some cases, with the help of the right acupressure technique to induce labor. If you are interested in these methods, get the consent of your doctor, before approaching a qualified person (you must check for certifications) with expertise in maternity acupressure techniques.