Do it yourself Acupressure for Labor and Delivery
January 21, 2019
Posted By: Jessica Geary-Cecotti
:: WRITTEN BY RHIANNA WEAVER ::
Hello mommas and happy New Year! In celebration of the current issue of Montana Parent, I wanted to show you a few easy acupressure points with techniques that you or your birth partner can use throughout during labor and delivery. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, and offers the same benefits, without the use of needles. Acupressure is a firm pressure on acupuncture points, along different areas of the body that induce medicinal benefits. It also just feels amazing!
Stimulating acupressure points can have a number of benefits. Acupressure can decrease morning sickness and acid re-flux, increase energy, and give you better sleep. It can also decrease emotional issues and help manage pain through labor. I am always teaching, and encouraging my patients to use acupressure during their time out of my office. Although it is not as powerful as acupuncture, it is still a great tool to use.
Here are my three favorite points to use for labor pains. Make sure that you are using firm pressure, on and off the point for at least 15-20 minutes. Do not be too light with the touch, but don’t push hard enough to leave a bruise either. You can use oils if you would like, or you can apply pressure on these points through clothing. That is beauty of acupressure, it is very versatile and can be used anywhere.
PC 6: Great for nausea and vomiting. On the inside of your wrist, two inches up from the wrist crease, in the middle of the arm.
UB 32: Decrease pain during labor (ONLY USE THIS DURING LABOR) on the lower back, in the second hole of the sacrum.
LV 3: Decrease pain during labor (ONLY USE THIS DURING LABOR) In the middle of the Big toe and the second toe, about half an inch below the web of the two toes.
These acupressure points can be used throughout the labor process, and they feel SO GOOD. Have your doula, or birth partner, push on these points to ease labor pain. Breathe in and out with each push of these pressure points. For a more powerful experience, ask your partner to use their knuckles or elbow.
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Rhianna Weaver is an herbalist, acupuncturist, and owner of Big Sky Fertility and Wellness in Bozeman Montana. She is also a mom and wife, lover of the outdoors, and a book worm. You will usually catch her with a smile on her face, and a willingness to help with love and compassion. Feel free to reach out with any questions at 406-518-1887 or visit www.bigskyfertility.com
