Acupressure points in Labour

Acupressure points for labour can help manage pain, encourage contractions, and soften the cervix. Key points are located on the hands, ankles, lower back, and shoulders, and are best used during the third trimester & active labour to aid in a natural, less painful delivery – Not during pregnancy.

Using your thumb gently circle the area to locate the point, which is usually a soft indentation, which your thumb naturally sinks into and can emit an energetic vibration. Apply gentle to firm pressure slowly pressing in then releasing, then holding for a few moments.

• LI4 (Large Intestine 4) or Hegu (the great eliminator) is a very powerful point for encouraging labour, also good for initiating periods, dissolving headaches, migraines, toothaches, facial tension, activating bowel movement, alleviating constipation and relieving pain. Its located in the fleshy web of the hand between the thumb and index finger, whereby the thumb of the other hand presses on top, whilst the index finger squeezes below. Apply consistent pressure several times, holding and releasing.

• SP6 (Spleen 6) strengthens the spleen and brings balance to the blood, liver and kidneys, gynaecological issues like irregular menstuation, cramp, PMS, as well as inducing labour. It a tender spot found about 3cm or 4 fingers from the inner leg ankle bone. Press your index finger just above the ankle bone and slide up along the tibia edge until you feel a little lump. Gently massage pressing inwards with your thumb.

• BL32 (Bladder 32) or the low back point 2 which is excellent for labour pain relief and in some cases can help trigger it. It’s the second hole down from the top of the sacral bone, one index finger up from the top of the bottom crease, one thumb width either side of the spine. Find the indentation and apply pressure slowly and firmly, with both thumbs at the same time. Its very alleviating.

• GB21 (Gallbladder 21) alleviates upper back, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and tension. It promotes energy descent, benefiting labour and also aids lactation. Located on the crest of the shoulders in the middle between the neck stem and the outer tip of the shoulder bone, acromium. Its a strong point and you need to work inwards and down through the bulky trapezius muscle, which is often rounded and tense. Press both thumb pads downwards slowly and firmly, holding then releasing gently, whilst the fingers cup the outer shoulder to stabilise. Massage the shoulders first to relieve some of the tension, then working the thumbs around the area to find the point and press downwards. You can also work with the knuckles or elbow.

• BL60 (Bladder 60)  ‘aspirin point’ helps induce labour, alleviates pain, headaches, difficult urination, hypertension and oedema. Located on the outside lower leg by the side of ankle,  squeezing the index finger behind, stimulate for 30secs to 3mins, circling with the thumb.

• PC8 (Pericardium 8) ‘labour palace point’ calms the emotions like restlessness, panic and fear, relieves stress and anxiety, reduces fever, gastric issues and can help induce labour along with the other induction points. Located in the centre of the palm where the middle finger touches when a fist is made. Press in and hold with thumb of other hand.

• Uterus Cervix and Ovary points in general its relieving to massage the feet and press into

the cervix and ovary points as shown in the diagram, in pregnancy avoiding the induction points but in labour working them, with the thumb in slow circular movements adjusting pressure as needed. The inner foot point dips in, between the heel and ankle bone and is a good point to work and relates to the cervix. The sole of the foot between the heel and before the ball of the foot in pregnancy relates to the uterus, so this can be very relieving. It’s also beneficial to massage around the ankle bones with both hands either side, circling and pressing in with the knuckles. This area relates to the pelvis and can also be very relieving. The pelvis is connected to the jaw, so rebozo shaking (cotton shawl around the hips on all fours or lent against the wall), giggling and gently shaking also helps to loosen hip tension. Yawning and flubbering your lips like a horse helps to relax the jaw and also the pelvis, great during labour.

• K1 (Kidney 1) ‘bubbling spring point’ is good in labour as it grounds, reduces anxiety, calms racing thoughts, treats conditions like dizziness, insomnia, and fear and can induce birth. It nourishes the kidney energy, revitalising and restoring hope and optimism.

I trained in the Chelsea & West Maternity Ward and was asked by the midwives to help a lady who had been labouring during the night but didn’t seem to be progressing. She was very tired, along with her partner. I started massaging her feet beginning with the ankle points and honed in on the uterus and cervix point. I gently pressed in and held, it was throbbing with energy. then saw her look up at me in horror. The midwives came in, smiled and wheeled her to the labour room where she delivered. Its not something you can force.