Yo! Kristen Simons Rubio... You are here: Home / Acupuncture / Which Acupressure Points to Induce Labor? Acupressure is a safe and natural method of inducing labor, exposing both the woman and baby to minimal risk. Allopathic medicine may be necessary and life-saving, but can be invasive with severe side effects. Other natural methods of labor induction may not be reliable or may present with unpredictable complications. Inducing labor may be necessary if the maternity period lasts longer than two weeks past the due date. Pregnancy extending beyond 40 weeks can put the baby at risk of losing nutrients or having meconium in the amniotic fluid. Labor induction may also be necessary if the woman has pre-eclampsia, diabetes or a uterine infection. Women making this decision are facing many physical and emotional challenges. The bloating, back and leg pain, constipation and swelling of extremities can be extremely taxing. Hormonal fluctuations can amplify emotions such as anger, anxiety and sadness. The concern for the health of her baby can create fear and stress for women. Allopathic medicine may induce labor by administering oxytocin and prostaglandins or by amniotomy. Oxytocin and prostaglandins are not always effective and cause contractions to be too strong and create unnecessary pain. Amniotomy can increase the risk of a breeched birth, a prolapsed umbilical cord and infection. Options to induce labor naturally at home Two popular holistic methods are castor and evening primrose oil. However, neither is proven to be effective and both may cause unwanted side effects. Castor oil acts as a laxative and induces intestinal contraction. It may cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping. Evening primrose oil acts as a prostaglandin. It may be taken orally or vaginally when the cervix is soft. Though side effects are rare, prostaglandins may make uterine contractions too intense. Other methods include Tai Chi or Qigong, Reiki and nipple stimulation. Nipple stimulation produces oxytocin naturally by mimicking breastfeeding and can be administered manually or with the use of an electronic breast pump. What are the pressure point for inducing labor Acupressure can give women a sense of freedom and encouragement. While safe for the mother and baby, it is also effective. It can be done at home or in a hospital setting. Acupressure will not interfere with any medications or other necessary procures. Common acupressure points for labor induction are Spleen 6, Large Intestine 4, Urinary Bladder 32, Urinary Bladder 60 and Gall Bladder 21. Spleen 6 is located in the depression approximately two inches or the width of four fingers above the medial malleolus. It stimulates the Liver, Kidney and Spleen Channels and facilitates uterine contraction. Large Intestine 4, the “Hoku Spot,” is located on the dorsum of the hand between the first finger and thumb at the highest part of the web. It facilitates energy movement and removes any blockages or stagnation. Urinary Bladder 32 is located in the second foramen of the sacrum. Stimulation of this point may help to regulate uterine contractions. Urinary Bladder 60 is located between the Achilles tendon and the lateral malleolus. This point can assist with difficult labor. Gall Bladder 21 is located at the highest point of the trapezius muscle, midway between the neck and shoulder. It induces labor because of its down-bearing energy. Because these points are so powerful, it is advised for expecting mothers to consult with their midwives or doctors before inducing labor on their own. Infants born before 36 weeks are at high risk for low birth weight and many other problems.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:38:45 +0000
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