What are the Pressure Points to Avoid During Pregnancy

A massage during pregnancy is not a strict no-no. On the contrary, a massage could be rejuvenating, taking care of your physiological and psychological health. However, it is required for one to know that there are certain pressure points during pregnancy that must be avoided during the conduction of the massage. These points should never be massaged or activated, lest performed by a medical practitioner or a trained prenatal massage therapist. This note becomes all the more important if you have had a history of miscarriages, pre-eclampsia or any other complications associated with pregnancy. A certified acupuncturist will know about the area that must be stimulated and the areas to avoid, however, if the practitioner exerts pressure on the contraindicated points, it is because he felt the need to do so.

A massage during pregnancy could provide you with the following benefits:

• Stress and anxiety is reduced;
• Joint stiffness and the resultant pain is lessened;
• Improved blood circulation;
• No instances of insomnia, thus, inducing peaceful sleep.

Pressure Points to Avoid Massaging when Pregnant

The acupressure points to avoid are points on, or in the vicinity of the abdomen, the lower back, the wrists, hands and feet. What may be allowed and deemed as agreeable as a massage pressure, is stroking rather than pressing or massaging these points gently.

Abdomen and the Lower Back
Acupressure points on the lower back and lower abdomen should not be massaged or pressed, rather they must be lightly stroked. What the massage therapists call pinpoint massage sessions should be avoided around the area that is susceptible to injure the area, specifically the fetus. If the kneading activity becomes too severe exerting excessive pressure, the tissues may get damaged, thereby inducing untimely labor.

Feet
The pressure points that are located near the feet are contraindicated in nature during pregnancy. In terms of the intensity of contraindicated points, the ankle is the most susceptible to trauma if the pressure points are handled in the wrong manner. The pressure points at the ankle sight referred to as Sp9 should be avoided as it can lead to pre-term labor contractions. Foot massage pressure points are known by the prenatal massage therapists and one may feel safe when handled by them. Pre-term labor contractions may harm the fetus. All that the area is open to, is a gentle strokes that aid in relaxing the section.

Hands
Where the hands are concerned, the points that are not supposed to be massaged is the area that falls between an individuals index finger and the thumb. If the point is pressed during an acupuncture session, the massage can induce contractions and pre-term labor. Another point that must be taken care of and simultaneously avoided is the area around the wrist. If the wrist is manipulated, pregnant women may endure contractions that may harm the well-being of the fetus.

It is important that pregnant women should consult their practitioner before they go for a massage. A certified prenatal massage therapist can be trusted as they are well aware of the situation. If you have consulted your doctor and he has waved a green flag for your decision to have a massage, inquire about the position in which you must consider taking the massage. Even when you go in for a pedicure or manicure, a therapist who has knowledge about the pressure points that have to be avoided should be consulted.

As this write-up has equipped you by earmarking sedulous details on acupressure points, ensure that you avoid self doctoring, and pay a visit at the doctor's clinic before you make up your mind to book an appointment for a massage.