How to Use Acupressure Points During Labor
Labor is a painful experience. Some women want a natural childbirth, using no medication to control pain. Other women want to use medication to control pain, but may be unable to get the medication as soon as they feel they need it. Using acupressure to help control pain is one way for a woman to get through childbirth.
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Instructions
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Help increase the strength and frequency of contractions. There are three main pressure points to stimulate to speed up labor. Rub the webbing between the thumb and forefinger in a circular motion. You can also hold as much pressure as the mother can stand four finger widths above her ankle bone. When you do this, hold the pressure on both the inner and outer parts of her leg for 1 minute and then release for 1 minute. Placing constant pressure one finger width above her tailbone will also speed up labor. Do this for 30 seconds and then release for a minute.
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Help her to control nausea. Nausea is a common side effect of labor. Apply steady pressure three fingers from her wrist crease on her forearm between the two tendons using your thumb. If she complains that this hurts, ease the pressure slightly.
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Apply acupressure to alleviate pain. Find the main pressure point for helping alleviate the pain of contractions three finger widths below the crease under the middle toe. Press on this spot on either foot with your thumb. Use your other hand to move her toes forward and backward. Another pressure point is on her hip points, on her lower back. Feel for the hip bones on either side of the spine. Rub these as hard as she can stand, using circular motions. On the top of either of a woman's shoulders is a pressure point that will lessen labor pains. This pressure point is located one hand width from the outer edge of the shoulder. Apply steady pressure to one shoulder at a time as needed. Alternate shoulders if that helps or focus only on one shoulder. She may feel her arm going numb when you do this. That is normal.
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Use acupressure to help her focus. Apply light pressure in the center of her forehead with one or two fingers to help get her focus away from the pain. When you do this, have her close her eyes and focus on the feeling of your fingers.
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Tips & Warnings
If your fingers or hands get tired, consider using a tennis ball to apply pressure.
Use these acupressure techniques in conjunction with water therapy, heat therapy and breathing techniques.
Start using these acupressure techniques as early in labor as possible.
Some of these techniques may cause bruising.
