Acupressure To Induce Labor | Easy Technique

Acupressure to induce labor has been used for many years and is regarded as one of the most enjoyable ways of labor induction. It is considered as equivalent to going to the chiropractor or getting a pleasant massage just to bring on contractions and hasten the laboring process.

It is not only pleasant and effective; this method also produces no side effect and is convenient and easy to do. You can even perform different acupressure techniques on yourself or have your partner or a professional assist you. This method is a great alternative to using medicines which not only induces labor in a chemical and artificial way but might also cause some harsh side effects.

There are several key acupressure points that you can press in a certain manner and for a certain period of time for effective labor induction. One of these is the Adjoining Valley technique. This method stimulates the area around your uterus which is just around the large intestines. You don't have to worry about pressing that area because you can stimulate this point using other parts of your body.

For this technique, you need to locate the webbing between your forefinger and your thumb. This part of your hand is tender to the touch and might need to be pressed gently at first for you to be able to slowly adjust to the pressure. Press the webbing firmly and in a circular motion for around half a minute at a time.

The second technique is the Shoulder Well. This acupressure point is located to the large muscle connecting your shoulder and your neck. This muscle, called the trapezius muscle, is the most tender around that region. You can easily find it by traversing down from the base of your head to the tender area just approximately an inch below it.

You can gently press this area in a circular motion just like you would in the Adjoining Valley technique. If you feel any contraction coming, take a break for around two minutes before pressing the trapezius muscle again. This technique is both effective and relaxing.

Another technique is the Big and High which involves the point between your ankle bone. You can easily spot this since it is the part that sticks out near your ankle and is right above your heel. Press this point firmly and until you can feel a contraction coming. The Big and High technique encourages the infant to descend slowly towards your pelvis, stimulating contractions and effectively inducing labor.

There is a great website dedicated to teaching you this method. It's called Maternity Acupressure. It's very informative about the technique and you can find several testimonials and stories there from women that have tried the method successfully.

I also came across a very nice Maternity Acupressure Review.

As a final note I would like to mention that US health organizations and the World Health Organization have proven this method to be safe for both mother and baby.