Acupressure originated in Asia and has been used for thousands of years, just like acupuncture.  Acupressure is seeing a revival as another drugless therapy to [...]]]>  

Acupressure, Massage or Aromatherapy During Labour

Acupressure originated in Asia and has been used for thousands of years, just like acupuncture.  Acupressure is seeing a revival as another drugless therapy to ease conditions and pain, possibly from the growing success of acupuncture now widely accepted in the west.

The pressure points below should not be used until your due date as they have been successfully used in Asia for hundreds of years to speed up labour and assist in reducing labour pain levels.

To speed up labour

Hoku point: rub the webbing between the thumb and forefinger in a circular motion, then press and hold with pressure toward the index finger, to tolerance of the mother. 30 sec hold, release20 sec, rpt.

Spleen 6 -  On the inside of the ankle, trace up four finger widths on the leg above the ankle bone. Rub for about 1 minute.  Then hold with as much pressure as the mother can comfortably tolerate.  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. This acupressure point can strengthen labour contractions.

Constant pressure one finger width above the tailbone will also speed up labour. Do this for 30 seconds and then release for a minute.

Help to lessen nausea – a common side effect for some. Apply steady pressure to her comfort level, three fingers above her wrist crease on her forearm between the two tendons, using your thumb.

To help alleviate pain:   A) Three finger widths below the crease under the middle toe – press on either foot with your thumb with your other hand moving all toes forward and backward.  

Another pressure point is  B) the pelvic points on the lower back. Feel for the pelvic bones on either side of the lower spine where it joins the hip area . Rub these as hard as comfortably tolerated, using circular motions. And,

C)  on the top of either of the shoulders is a pressure point that will lessen labour 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 slightly numb when you do this, adjust pressure.

Focus:   Apply light pressure in the center of her forehead 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 while encouraging her to do some long slow breathing.

Reflexology, working the points on the feet, is a beneficial treatment during pregnancy and during early labour. It should only be performed during pregnancy by someone trained in reflexology to know which reflex points should be avoided or only lightly used in order to not induce early labour prior to your due date. Reflexology is an excellent therapy to prepare for your birth and reflects to your entire body for balance and enhanced energy levels.

Aromatherapy massage – very few essential oils are recommended during pregnancy, but during labour, these uplifting scents can help provide calmness by massaging her arms and hands with a carrier oil containing a few drops of an essential oil or a blend. Helps to soothe and re-focus between contractions.

To stimulate uterine contraction:   Clary Sage

For nausea & as a mental stimulant:  Peppermint and/or Spearmint,

                                                which is not as pungent as peppermint

Calmness:    Lavender – also good for headache and faintness. Good

                    combined with Geranium that acts to uplift and is one of

                    the best circulatory essential oils.

Methods of use: on a tissue for her to hold, or from a small spray bottle, or in a carrier oil for body application under throat area for inhalation, and massaged gently on arms/hands

Massage to the lower back or arms and/or legs can provide much comfort between contractions and ease tension levels. If she tenses up during labour, more lactic acid can build up in muscles and may cause unnecessary discomfort both during labour and the first few days after birth. 

And – Congratulations on reaching a most exciting part of your life’s journey!