Maternity Acupressure Instructions
Acupressure works on the same principals as acupuncture, but does not use needles to administer treatments; instead it involves the use of the hands or fingers to apply pressure to adjust and balance the body's flow of 'qi', or energy. Acupressure may be used throughout pregnancy to relieve many of the discomforts a woman experiences, such as nausea, back and labor pain, and can even help induce labor. An acupressure specialist can do these treatments, or a partner can learn the techniques and administer the treatments at home.
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Induce Labor
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Acupressure is a safe, natural way to induce labor without using medication. Ask your partner to apply pressure to the 'Adjoining Valley' point, which links to the large intestine. The Adjoining Valley point is located in the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger, and will be tender when you press on it. The large intestine surrounds part of the uterus, so it therefore places pressure on where the baby is located. Also use this pressure point during delivery to reduce labor discomfort.
Labor Pain
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Acupressure can also be used to reduce labor pains in the delivery room, and will be especially helpful if you are having a natural childbirth. Labor pain can be reduced by applying pressure to the 'Shoulder Well' point, which is the place where your shoulder muscle is highest. To find this spot, measure about four finger widths from where your neck and shoulder meet. Have you partner stand behind you in the delivery room and press on this point during contractions to reduce your labor pains.
Nausea
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Acupressure is a great way to reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Acupressure eases morning sickness by blocking brain signals that trigger the nausea response. This pressure point is called the 'Pericardium 6'. Find this pressure point by placing 3 fingers on the inside of your wrist, with the top finger level with the top crease at the base of your palm. The pressure point is located between two tendons. Feel for the most sensitive spot, and then apply pressure to relieve nausea. You can also ease nausea using the 'Stomach 36' pressure point. To find this point, place four fingers at the lower edge of your kneecap and find the spot between the outside of the shinbone and the leg muscle. Find the most sensitive spot, and apply pressure to the area that is about the size of a quarter.
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