Come on, learn these 6 acupressure points for natural labor induction

Stress during pregnancy is common for some expectant mothers, especially when it's due for the due date but they don't feel any signs of giving birth. Actually there are several ways you can do to trigger contractions and speed up labor, namely by naturally inducing labor. Apart from eating pineapple or having sex, you can do acupressure techniques to stimulate uterine contractions. How to? Read on for the following reviews.

Get to know acupressure and its benefits for labor induction

Acupressure may not be as popular as acupuncture. Even though the principle of acupressure is actually not much different from acupuncture, both apply pressure to certain parts of the body to reduce or prevent pain. It's just that acupressure uses finger pressure, not with needles like acupuncture.

Numerous studies have shown that acupressure can help reduce pain and anxiety in women during labor.

The reason is, acupressure can increase blood flow and help stimulate uterine contractions. This is why acupressure can be used to induce labor naturally.

According to Midwifery Today, reported by Livestrong, pregnant women who do acupressure for labor induction experience less pain and anxiety. Not only that, acupressure can also increase the endorphins or happiness hormones so that pregnant women tend to be calmer during childbirth.

Even so, labor induction with acupressure techniques should not be used before 37 weeks of gestation so as not to interfere with the development of the baby.

You are also required to consult and get approval from a doctor first before doing acupressure massage to make sure the condition of the womb is good or not. Then, you can contact a licensed therapist or doula to do acupressure techniques correctly and safely.

Acupressure points for natural labor induction

1. Spleen point 6 (spleen 6 point / SP6)

Source: www.healthline.com

Splenic point 6 (SP6) is commonly used as an acupressure point in all conditions, including labor induction. According to Debra Betss in her book The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Childbirth and Pregnancy , acupressure at point SP6 is useful for stimulating uterine contractions and reducing pain during contractions.

This point, also known as the Sanyinjiao or three yin junction, is located above the inner ankle, behind the shin (lower calf) to be precise. Therapists or doulas often focus on this point and use the massage technique for 60 to 90 minutes to stimulate contractions.

Way to do: Place four of your fingers over the inner ankle bone to locate the SP6. Then give a massage at this point using your index finger for one minute. Pause for one minute, then repeat the same way.

2. Bladder point 60 (bladder 60 point / BL60)

Source: www.healthline.com

The BL60 point is located between the ankle and the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the connective tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of your lower leg to your heel bone. This point, called Kunlun, is useful for relieving labor pain and reducing blockages or obstructions during labor.

Way to do: Gently massage the BL60 point with your thumb for a few minutes, doing a circular motion until contractions start to be felt.

3.Pericardium 8 point (pericardium 8 point)

Source: www.healthline.com

The point of the pericardium (PC8), known as Laogong, is located in the center of the palm and is very useful for inducing labor. To find it, try clenching your fists and paying attention to where the tip of your middle finger touches your palm. Well, therein lies PC8.

Way to do: After finding point PC8, use your other thumb to gently massage point pC8. Do the massage for a few seconds and feel the benefits.

4.bladder point 67 (bladder 67 point)

Source: www.healthline.com

Known as Zhiyin, bladder point 67 (BL67) is believed to change the position of the fetus and stimulate uterine contractions. BL67 point is located on the foot, precisely outside the tip of the little finger and close to the edge of the toenail.

Way to do: Apply firm pressure to the BL67 using your thumb and index finger in a pinching motion of your toes. Then massage point BL67 until contractions appear.

5. Large intestine point 4 (large intestine 4 point)

Source: www.healthline.com

Colon Point 4 (LI4) is the most widely used acupressure therapy. Known as the Hoku, this point is located on the woven corner of the thumb and index finger.

Just like BL67, the LI4 point can also induce labor and cause the baby to enter the pelvic cavity. Not only that, but the LI4 point can also relieve pain due to contractions that come.

Way to do: Apply gentle pressure to the webbing of your thumb and index finger for one minute in a circular motion. When the contraction begins to feel, stop the acupressure and continue again as the contractions subside. Give it one minute pause to rest, then repeat the same way.

6. Bladder 32 point (bladder 32 point)

Source: www.healthline.com

Bladder point 32 (BL32), also known as Ciliao, is located on the lower back between your dimples. Massage at this point is useful to trigger contractions and help relieve problems of the female reproductive system.

Way to do: Give massage to point BL32 in a downward direction or towards the buttocks. Do it for a few minutes until you feel a contraction.

x