Acupressure for Labor Preparation, Cervical Ripening & Labor Pain

Congratulations, you’re in the final weeks of pregnancy, the last stretch until you finally get to  hold that sweet babe! You’ve got your playlists of relaxing music saved, your hospital bags are  packed — or perhaps your birthing pool has arrived for a home birth — you’ve done all the  classes, and have practiced your breathing techniques. What else can you do to prepare your  body, mind and emotions for what’s to come? Acupressure is an effective tool to use for labor  preparation or once the first signs of labor have begun.  

Acupressure is based on the same theory as acupuncture, but instead of using needles,  acupressure is delivered in a noninvasive way using fingers, thumbs, knuckles or other tools to  put firm pressure on different areas of the body. Sometimes, only a few areas need that firm  pressure in order to induce a sense of relaxation or pain relief. Unlike acupuncture, which must  be delivered by a licensed provider, acupressure could be used by anyone, such as a midwife or  birthing partner.  

The goal of acupressure here is not to “induce labor”, as labor will naturally happen whenever  the woman’s body is ready. The most important thing to note here is: do NOT apply pressure to  these points before 38 weeks, as these points do cause physical changes in the body. In fact,  the points listed below are contraindicated throughout most of the pregnancy. Firm pressure may  be used on each point for upward of 5 minutes, every couple hours during early or active labor.   Firm pressure means constant, consistent pressure to stimulate the point — not massage or  rubbing. However, if the mom finds light pressure or massage to be more comfortable, it is ok to  alternate that motion along with consistent and firm pressure. 

Did you know that acupressure may be a safe and effective way to reduce pain intensity and the  duration of labor? (1) Pain is alleviated by decreasing pain signals from sensory nerves in your  spinal cord to calm your nervous system. As you stimulate acupuncture points for labor your  body releases oxytocin —the hormone that causes your uterus to contract. Studies have shown  that women experience less labor pain and require fewer drug interventions when they use  acupressure during birth. These women also tend to have shorter labors and less need for  assistance during vaginal births. (2)(3) 

The points listed below all have the effects of aiding in cervical dilation, stimulating uterine  contractions, and/or encouraging the baby to descend deeper into the birth canal. If you are  scheduled for an induction, it is beneficial to begin stimulating these points a few days in  advance. When used correctly, acupressure can encourage the production of endorphins — aka  the body’s “feel-good” chemicals — block pain receptors to the brain, help dilate the cervix,  increase blood flow to the pelvic organs, stimulate uterine contractions, get baby in optimal  position, and have a calming effect on the mind and body. (4)

Spleen 6 

• You can use this point in early labor to soften and dilate your cervix and to encourage  contractions after your water breaks. (4) 

• This point can be helpful for first time mom’s who are having difficulties in dilation or  with “failure to progress”. 

  * Note: cun is a measurement used in Traditional Chinese medicine. The equivalent of 3 cun is 4  finger-breadths.  

Large Intestine 4 

• This is a primary point for alleviating pain. (5) 

• LI 4, combined with SP6, promotes more powerful, consistent contractions, thereby  helping your baby to descend deeper into the birth canal.

Sacral Points: 

• These points have a strong anesthetizing effect as the baby descends. (6) • If you experience back labor use these points, located above your tailbone, to provide  powerful pain relief. 

• Combine with SP6 and LI4 to promote steady, strong contractions after your water breaks.

Gall Bladder 21:  

• This point has a strong downward action to help contractions move your baby deeper into  the birth canal. 

• Use GB 21 if contractions become irregular. 

• Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Remember, fear can cause an increase in your  perception of pain and it may slow down labor.

Urinary Bladder 60 and 67: 

• Promotes labor to get started by triggering contractions. 

• Helps babies who may get stuck in a bad position, encourages baby to turn if necessary. • Eases pain during the first stages of labor.  

Kidney 1:  

• Kidney 1 helps to reduce anxiety and quiet your mind. (4) 

• Although this point can be used at anytime during labor, it’s especially useful during the  transition. 

• You can have your birth partner massage it for you as you kneel hugging a yoga ball.

REFERENCES 

(1) Dabiri, F., & Shahi, A. (2014). The Effect of LI4 Acupressure on Labor Pain Intensity and  Duration of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Oman Medical Journal, 29(6), 425–429.  https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2014.113. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289495/ (2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25802545/ 

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19757334/ 

(4) Betts, Debra. Acupuncture and Acupressure for Pregnancy and Childbirth. CHHHS  Midwifery learning packages: Acupressure. https://www.selkirkmedicalgroup.ca/wp-content/ uploads/acupressure.pdf 

(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325405/ 

Photos from THE JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE PUBLICATIONS LTD; Manual of  Acupuncture application.