Where are maternity acupressure points?
Maternity acupressure points are on the wrists above the pelvic bone, down your leg, and at various locations along your midsection.
The first maternity point is found inside the wrist opposite the palm. Place both hands together with fingers pointing away from you and thumbs facing inward towards each other.
You should be able to find a slight hollow on the flat part of your wrist, approximately where you would wear a watch. This is known as Pericardium-4. It is considered one of the most important acupressure points to stimulate labor and delivery.
Pericardium-4:
Press in deeply with your thumb and use slow rotating motions in a clockwise direction for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat in counterclockwise motion after the first treatment. Perform three times per day or before contractions become strong enough to bear down through them during labor.
To stimulate the second point, KI-6, use your thumb to press into the fleshy webbing between your first and second fingers on the inside of your hand. This point is located four finger widths below the navel, in the middle of the abdomen.
KI-6:
Apply pressure using a circular motion for 60 seconds. Repeat three times per day or as needed when contractions become strong.
The third maternity point is BL-67. It is on the outside of your ankle, in line with your big toe. Use your thumb to apply pressure and use a circular motion.
BL-67:
Press in deeply with your thumb and use slow rotating motions in a clockwise direction for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat in counterclockwise motion after the first treatment. Perform three times per day or as needed when contractions become strong.
The fourth point is SP-6, located on your inner thigh, two finger widths below your navel. Use your thumb to apply pressure and use a circular motion.
SP-6:
Press in deeply with your thumb and use slow rotating motions in a clockwise direction for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat in counterclockwise motion after the first treatment. Perform three times per day or as needed when contractions become strong.
The final maternity point is CV-4, located just below the collarbone on the breastbone. Use your thumb to apply pressure and use a circular motion.
CV-4:
Press in deeply with your thumb and use slow rotating motions in a clockwise direction for 30 – 60 seconds. Repeat in counterclockwise motion after the first treatment. Perform three times per day or as needed when contractions become strong.
You can also stimulate these points using an electric toothbrush, which is especially helpful if you cannot reach them yourself. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any acupressure therapy during pregnancy.
As you can see, several maternity acupressure points can help stimulate labor. Using these points regularly can help encourage the process and make labor a little easier. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about using acupressure for labor and delivery.
So there, you have five easy-to-find maternity acupressure points that can help stimulate labor. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any acupressure therapy during pregnancy.
Also, keep in mind that everyone is different, so what works for one woman may not work for another. If you’re looking for more ways to induce labor, check out our other blog posts naturally.
Is it safe to use acupressure during maternity?
Acupressure is a safe practice for pregnant women to use during pregnancy. However, it should NEVER be done in place of proper medical care by your doctor or midwife. In other words, don’t stop going to your prenatal appointments because you’re using acupressure to induce labor! That would not be safe at all.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or therapy while pregnant. Acupressure can often help you induce labor and shorten the time involved naturally, but it shouldn’t replace a doctor’s advice when needed.
Also, remember that everyone is different, so what works for one woman may not work for another. Some factors will play into whether or not acupressure will work for inducing labor, including the stage of labor you are in and how close to your due date you are.
Is acupressure harmful to children?
No, acupressure is not harmful to the baby. It can often help to induce labor and shorten the time involved naturally. However, it should never replace a doctor’s advice when needed. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or therapy while pregnant. Acupressure can often be beneficial in inducing labor, but it varies from woman to woman.
Pressing in deeply with your thumb and using slow rotating motions in a clockwise direction for 30 – 60 seconds is the key to stimulating labor with the CV-4 maternity acupressure point. Repeat in counterclockwise motion after the first treatment. Perform three times per day or as needed when contractions become strong.