Contents:
- Medical Video: Acupressure : Acupressure Points That Help to Start Labor Naturally
- Know acupressure and its benefits for labor induction
- Acupressure points for induction of natural labor
- 1. Spleen point 6 (spleen 6 point / SP6)
- 2. 60 bladder point (bladder 60 point / BL60)
- 3. Point pericardium 8 (8 point pericardium)
- 4. 67 bladder point (67 point bladder)
- 5. Large intestine point 4 (large intestine 4 point)
- 6. 32 bladder point (32 point bladder)
Medical Video: Acupressure : Acupressure Points That Help to Start Labor Naturally
Stress during pregnancy is common in some prospective mothers, especially when it's time for the date of labor but never feel the signs of giving birth. There are actually a number of ways you can trigger contractions and speed up labor, which is by natural induction of labor. In addition to eating pineapple or having sex, you can do acupressure techniques to stimulate uterine contractions. How to? Continue reading the following reviews.
Know acupressure and its benefits for labor induction
Acupressure may not be as popular as acupuncture. Though the principle of acupressure is actually not much different from acupuncture, both provide pressure on certain body parts to reduce or prevent pain. It's just that acupressure uses finger pressure, not with a needle like acupuncture.
A number of studies have proven that acupressure can help reduce pain and anxiety in women when facing labor.
Because, acupressure can increase blood flow and help stimulate uterine contractions. This is why acupressure can be used as a natural induction of labor.
According to Midwifery Today, reported by Livestrong, pregnant women who do acupressure for labor induction experience less pain or anxiety. Not only that, acupressure can also increase endorphins or happiness hormones so that pregnant women tend to be calmer during childbirth.
Even so, induction of labor with acupressure techniques may not be done before 37 weeks' gestation so as not to interfere with the baby's development.
You also have to consult and get approval from a doctor first before doing an acupressure massage to ensure good or no womb conditions. Then, you can contact a licensed therapist or doula to carry out acupressure techniques correctly and safely.
Acupressure points for induction of natural labor
1. Spleen point 6 (spleen 6 point / SP6)
Spleen point 6 (SP6) is commonly used as an acupressure point in all conditions, including for induction of labor. According to Debra Betss in his book The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Childbirth and Pregnancy, acupressure at the SP6 point is useful for stimulating uterine contractions and reducing pain during contractions.
This point, also known as Sanyinjiao or the three yin junction is located above the inner ankle, precisely behind the shin (lower calf). Therapists or doulas focus more on this point and do massage techniques for 60 to 90 minutes to stimulate contractions.
Way to do: Place your four fingers above the inner ankle bone to find the location of SP6. Then give a massage at this point using the index finger for one minute. Give a one-minute pause, then repeat in the same way.
2. 60 bladder point (bladder 60 point / BL60)
The BL60 point is located between the ankle and Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a connective tissue that connects the calf muscles behind the lower leg to your heel bone. This point called Kunlun is useful to relieve labor pain and reduce blockages or obstacles during labor.
Way to do: Gently massage the BL60 point with a thumb for a few minutes, doing a circular motion until the contractions begin to feel.
3. Point pericardium 8 (8 point pericardium)
The point of the pericardium (PC8), known as Laogong, is located at the center of the palm and is very useful for inducing labor. To find it, try to fist your hand and notice where the tip of your middle finger touches your palm. Well, that's where PC8 is.
Way to do: After finding the PC8 point, use your other thumb to give a gentle massage at the pC8 point. Perform massage for a few seconds and feel the benefits.
4. 67 bladder point (67 point bladder)
Known as Zhiyin, the point of the bladder 67 (BL67) is believed to change the position of the fetus and stimulate uterine contractions. The 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 strong pressure on BL67 using your thumb and index finger like pinching your toes. Then massage the BL67 point until the contractions appear.
5. Large intestine point 4 (large intestine 4 point)
The large intestine point 4 (LI4) is most widely used in acupressure therapy. Known as Hoku, this point is located at the corner of the webbing of the thumb and index finger.
Just like BL67, point LI4 can also induce labor and cause the baby to enter the pelvic cavity. Not only that, point LI4 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 contraception begins to feel, stop the acupressure movement and continue again when the contractions subside. Give a one minute pause to rest, then repeat in the same way.
6. 32 bladder point (32 point bladder)
Bladder point 32 (BL32) also called Ciliao, is located in the lower back between your buttocks dimples. Massage at this point is useful for triggering contractions and helps relieve female reproductive system problems.
Way to do: Give a massage at the BL32 point with the direction down or towards the buttocks. Do it for a few minutes until you feel a contraction.
