How to Induce Labor with Acupressure

Acupressure involves applying pressure using your fingers and thumbs on specific points. Using acupressure is a natural way to induce labor by helping the cervix to ripen and dilate. This is a completely safe way to induce labor for both mother and baby. Here are some acupressure techniques that you can use to induce labor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Push on the hoku spot which can be found on the top of your hand. It is located in the webbing between your forefinger and your thumb. Massage this area at an angle to stimulate contractions. It may feel slightly tender in this area. This affects the large intestine which surrounds a portion of the uterus.

2. Rub the area called spleen 6 for one minute. To find this area, place four fingers above your ankle bone on the inside of your ankle. Applying pressure to this point helps ripen the cervix and strengthen weak contractions.

3. Find the bladder 32 spot by tracing one finger width above the buttocks crease. You should feel a small indentation at this point. Massage this point for one minute.

4. Apply pressure to BL60 to help the baby descend toward the pelvis. You can find this spot between your ankle bone and Achilles tendon.

5. Press and rub these spots in a circular motion. It should feel sore or tender but not painful. Remove pressure when you feel a contraction. Continue with the acupressure after the contraction has subsided.

6. Repeat applying pressure to these spots. You can repeat up to six cycles per time. Apply less pressure if it becomes painful.

7. Use these same techniques in the labor room. They can help ease your labor pains.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use acupressure until you are at full term.

Resources

• For more on natural induction see Givingbirthnaturally

[AaronA]

on 6/18/2009 That is the best ehow article I have ever read. I am soooo glad I found it. Thank you

[pinkkimmylou]

on 2/21/2009 just trying this now so fingers crossed x