After carrying a baby for more than nine months, you might be feeling desperate for it to come out. Or perhaps your water has broken, but you are not dilating quickly enough. There are many medical ways to induce labor, but each comes with some risk. Acupressure is a natural way to induce labor that has no side effects.
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles to stimulate certain pressure points, you use your fingers and thumbs. The Chinese, who have been practicing acupressure and acupuncture for thousands of years, discovered that there are parts of your body that, when stimulated, cause other parts of your body to react in a certain way. Consider how, when you have a headache, you press your fingers to your temple to relieve the pain. Similarly, applying pressure to certain parts of the body can trigger your body to go into labor.
Locating a pressure point
To produce contractions and induce labor, there are two points that are easy for beginners to find. The first is located in the "web" between your thumb and index finger. Stimulate this area by pinching the web and rubbing in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds.
Locating a second pressure point
Another pressure point is situated four finger-widths above the inner side of your ankle bone. Use your fingers to press firmly around your leg until you find a sore point; that is the area you are seeking. Rub the area in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds.
Using acupressure during labor
These points can also help relieve pain when you are in labor. Have your birthing partner learn where they are so that he can help apply the pressure when you are in the throes of a contraction. You can also do it yourself, but chances are you will be in too much pain to concentrate on finding the points, so it's best to teach your birthing partner these techniques so that he can help you.
Misusing acupressure
Acupressure can be a powerful tool, and it should not be used before your baby is fully developed. Using acupressure to induce labor any time before 40 weeks can be dangerous and should be avoided.
Tags: induce labor, pressure point, your body, your fingers, acupressure Acupressure, birthing partner