Inducing labor: acupressure to induce labor

Acupressure to induce labor is one of the easiest ways to deliver a baby naturally and completely safe. At the same time, this is the most pleasant method of natural labor induction. Moreover, during this course of labor induction, women are not going to be subjected to any dangerous chemicals and procedures. Most patients describe this method as something very relaxing and refreshing. Studies on the effectiveness have shown that about 83% of women get into labor within 48 hours from using acupressure. It also helps to reduce pains during pregnancy or labor, reduces general stress levels, and helps with different annoyances during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Acupressure is a physical pressure applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or various other devices. It is similar to acupuncture, but it does not use any kind of needles. It is important to understand that acupressure to induce labor does not work unless the woman is already close to labor.

The technique is completely safe for both mother and a child. The technique is developed in ancient Asia, more than 5000 years ago. All of the massage techniques use the same acupressure points, positioned on the twelve Meridians of traditional Chinese medicine, but they may differ in rhythms and pressures for stimulation. Most of the points are stimulated for just a couple of minutes, and the procedure is completely painless. Moreover, it does not require any kind of special training or equipment. Acupressure to induce labor involves a woman or her support person applying firm pressure to certain points for several minutes at hourly or 2 hourly intervals.

There are a couple of acupressure points in the body that can be stimulated to produce contractions. These points are located in the webbing of the thumb and the index finger, as well as at four finger-widths above the inside of the anklebone.

The first point is easily stimulated by pinching the webbing of the hand and massaging it in a slow circular motion for 30-60 seconds. A person should take a break, not longer than a minute or two, and continue massaging the acupressure point in the same manner.

The second point should be stimulated in quite a different way, by pressing firmly on the spot and holding it for a while. A person should feel pleasant pain if the acupressure is done correctly. This point should be gently rubbed in slow circular motion until a woman feels contractions. Stimulation of this acupressure point should start as soon as the contraction ends.