This one’s for the soon to be mamas & papas. Acupressure can be an amazing tool to add to your birth prep. These simple yet effective points have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicine to promote cervical dilation, stimulate contractions and assist in guiding baby down the birth canal. Inviting your birthing partner or doula to join in on this holistic practice can enhance your experience and provide much-needed support during contractions. While research on acupressure’s benefits is still evolving, emerging studies show that it can help shorten labor and alleviate pain, making it a valuable tool in your birthing toolkit.
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, the traditional Chinese medicine practice of inserting thin needles into strategic points of the body – but instead needles those same points are stimulated using firm massage or touch. These acupressure points are intended to be utilized to help regulate contractions once early labor has started and to help reduce pain during the birth process. It’s also a great way to get your non-birthing partner involved in the delivery.
How to acupressure; simply have your birthing partner or doula apply firm pressure to these acupressure points during contractions & hold for 30 – 60 seconds.
While the evidence supporting the use of acupressure in labour & delivery is limited, one study did show that acupressure could be helpful for making labor a little shorter and reducing pain, plus a 2016 review found that acupressure can reduce the chance of having a cesarean delivery. Both big wins, in our book.
Additional Points
While the pictured acupressure points are our official go-to’s, the following points can also be used in your labour & delivery acupressure;
- Gallbladder 21: located at the highest point of the shoulder muscle, approximately in line with the nipple.
- Urinary bladder 32: found on the sacrum, approximately one index finger length above the buttocks crease and one thumb width to the side of the spine.
- Ear Shen Men; located in the upper ear, inside the upper edge of the triangular shaped indentation near the top of the ear. To stimulate this point, squeeze both sides of the ear with either the thumb.
If have more questions, or if you’d like more personalized support with your wholistic pregnancy & birth plan you can book online with Dr. Sarah here.
*Note: online services provided by Dr. Sarah are currently only available to patients living in Ontario.
Disclaimer; this information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your Naturopathic doctor or primary care physician. Do not use the information in this document for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always speak with your Naturopathic doctor before taking any medication or nutritional or herbal or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read online
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