Acupressure for Labour and Childbirth
- reproductiveacupun
- Nov 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
What is acupressure?
Acupressure is pressure and/or stimulation of an acupuncture point without the needle, it can be performed by anyone. Pressure is applied to acupuncture points with fingers, thumbs or elbows. Acupressure is a powerful tool during labour and child birth and there is a growing body of evidence supporting acupressures efficacy in preparing women for labour and birth. Acupressure helps to build confidence in a mothers ability to give birth, prepare a mother for pain in labour and support their ability to give birth without pain relief.
How to apply acupressure?
It is recommended that these points be used from 36 weeks to encourage cervical ripening, optimal positioning of baby and promote labour, while during labour different acupuncture points can be used at different times.
It's important to note that acupressure is not a massage, but rather a pressing of the thumb and fingers on specific points. During labour, we recommend checking in with the birthing parent as different points will offer different relief for them and change accordingly. Your birthing partner will also let you know what pressure is most beneficial for them.
Acupressure Points
The selection of acupressure points included in this journal post are used from 36 weeks to prepare the body for labour, encourage spontaneous labour and manage pain during the stages of childbirth.
They are encouraged to be practiced from 36 weeks and used as a tool kit to help support you and your birthing partner through childbirth.
It is important to note that these points are contraindicated throughout pregnancy until 36 weeks. Do not press on the following points prior to 36 weeks as they may encourage early onset of labour.
Hegu - LI4
Located in the webbing between thumb and index finger.
Promotes endorphins and makes natural opioid receptors more available for natural pain relief, promotes efficient and regular contractions, can be used when epidural is administered and contractions have been impacted.
Jianjing - GB21
Located in the middle between the neck and tip of the shoulder.
During pre-labour this point is used to descend the babies head onto the cervix. During the second stage of labour this point supports baby coming through the birth canal. Start the pressure as the contraction starts and press down with each contraction, so it should get stronger as the contraction continues.
Sanyinjiao - SP6
Located 4 finger widths above the medial malleolus of the ankle.
SP6 is often called the oxytocin point and is used for cervical ripening pre-labour. If contractions are sluggish or labour is slowing down, use this point to establish stronger contractions.
Ciliao - BL32
Located in the second vertebrae of the sacrum, above and to the side of the bottoms midline.
This point is effective during active labour, it is used for hormonal and emotional regulation and has an anaesthetising effect on contractions . You can use knuckles on either side and move down the spine as labour progresses. It's important to listen to the birthing parent their feedback and what feels best for them.
Acupressure for Labour and Childbirth Summary Table
Now you are familiar with the points, below is a table to outline when the points are useful.
Acupressure Point | SP6 (leg point) | LI4 (hand point) | BL32 (back point) | BL21 (shoulders) |
Action | Oxytocin point | Endorphin point, makes opioid receptors more available | Hormonal regulation | Pre-labour, helps the baby to descend. |
What the acupressure point does | Cervical ripening | Pain relief and cervical ripening | Emotional regulation | Second stage of labour when baby is coming down birth canal. |
When to apply acupressure | Helps sluggish contractions, labour starting slowly | Efficient contractions, with epidural | Use in active labour with strong contractions | Building into stronger pressure during a contraction when wanting baby to descend. |
How to apply acupressure | Use thumb | Squeeze between thumb and fore finger | Knuckles fingers or elbows | Press down with thumbs, use downward pressure |
Still unsure how to find these points?
Your acupuncturist will help you to locate these points. At Melbourne Reproductive Acupuncture, we encourage you to bring your birthing support partner into one of your appointments so they are able to learn where these points are located and when they are useful.
Interested to learn more?
We invite you to read our blog post 'Acupuncture for labour induction: A Closer Look' written by acupuncturist Jo Sharkey on the MRA journal.
Book your Birth Preparation and Induction Appointment today!
Book your Birth Preparation and Induction appointment with one of our qualified and experienced practitioners. Please book online via the link below or call us on (03) 9132 0287.
@reproductive.acupuncture
(03) 9132 0287
Illustrations by Alex Gibson
Written by Meghan Smith and Joanne Sharkey
BHSc (TCM) & BApSci(ChinMed) BApSci(HumBiol)
AHPRA and AACMA
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