There are several acupressure points that can relieve discomfort and aid in stress relief. These acupressure points can be learned and used by a woman's partner to make pregnancy and childbirth a little easier to bear.
Physical Changes during Pregnancy and Childbirth
During pregnancy, many changes occur to the pregnant woman's body that can result in increasing discomfort as the pregnancy advances. To start, most women gain an extra 20 to 30 pounds (some will gain more) concentrated around their abdomen. This extra weight changes a woman's center of gravity and usually causes back strain that becomes more pronounced towards the end of pregnancy. In addition, excess weight may cause the legs and feet to become swollen and uncomfortable; again, this symptom usually worsens as pregnancy advances.
The hormones of pregnancy also result in a relaxation of the hip and pelvic bones. As a result of these changes, many women experience lower back, pelvic and hip pain, as well as discomfort in the feet and legs that worsens as the pregnancy advances. Massage therapy using acupressure points can relieve the discomforts associated with advancing pregnancy and will leave the mother feeling relaxed and free of stress.
Labor brings a new and different pain as the woman's body prepares to give birth. During labor, pain may be concentrated in the abdomen or lower back, depending on the position of the unborn infant in the womb. Back labor, which results when the infant's head is facing the mother's spine, can be excruciating. Women may also complain of pain in the upper thighs. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate pain. Massage therapy using acupressure points can greatly reduce a mother's experience of pain and fear. Studies have shown that the use of acupressure points during labor can help reduce pain and replace the use of pain medications such as narcotics.
Which Acupressure Points are Useful during Pregnancy Massage Therapy?
There are several acupressure points that can be used during pregnancy to relieve stress, promote relaxation and alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy. However, there are also areas that should be avoided before the baby is due, as they may promote contractions. The following areas can be safely used throughout pregnancy:
The palm of the hand - a light hand massage can be relaxing and may be done at any point during pregnancy. To relieve discomfort associated with pregnancy, you can apply gentle pressure to the palm of the hand. To locate the exact position, ask the pregnant mother to close her hand. Just below where her fingers rest on the palm of her hand is the correct position to apply gentle pressure. Applying pressure here can cause the body to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers that are released by the brain. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may be painful rather than pleasurable.
The foot - have you ever noticed that when your feet hurt, your whole body hurts? Reflexology focuses on specific acupressure points on the foot that are believed to correspond to different areas of the body. To relieve stress and tension during pregnancy, apply pressure to the area just below the ball on the sole of the foot, just where the arch begins. By applying gentle to moderate pressure and stroking upwards towards the toes, stress and tension melt away. Anyone who has ever experienced a foot massage can testify to the feeling of well-being that a foot massage can bring. Pregnant women will revel in the relaxing sensations engendered by a foot massage.
Lower back - pregnancy produces back discomfort in most pregnant women, so partners will want to concentrate on this area. The right area for acupressure may vary slightly from woman to woman. Most women will appreciate firm pressure. This pressure can be applied with the palm of the hand or even the elbow. As a couple, you may need to experiment to find the area of maximum relief. For many women, this area is located between the spine and the small dimple adjacent to the spine at the top of the buttock.
Which Acupressure Points can be used during Labor?
In addition to the acupressure points listed above, which can be safely used at any point in pregnancy and labor, there are other acupressure points which should only be used once labor is established:
The hand - to locate the correct position, grasp the woman's hand between the thumb and forefinger and use your thumb to apply pressure on the web. Time the application of pressure to coincide with contractions, which can assist in helping the baby to descend down the birth canal. This acupressure point should not be used during pregnancy as it may stimulate contractions.
The hip - have your partner lay on her side. Locate the top of the buttock crease, and then move your hand in a line perpendicular to her hipbone. At approximately 2/3 of the way, press inwards and upwards towards the spine. You can use your thumb, the palm of your hand, a tennis ball or your elbow. Allow the woman to dictate the amount of pressure you apply. Applying pressure during contractions can greatly reduce pain during contractions.
The shoulder - The muscle of the shoulder can be used to enhance contractions. To locate the correct position, find C7, the bump at the base of the woman's neck. Next, locate the bump at the end of her shoulder. Right between these two points is the correct position to apply pressure to the shoulder muscle (this can also be used after the baby is born to stimulate milk production). This acupressure point does not generally require much pressure- too much pressure may be painful.
Acupressure points can be used during pregnancy and labor to relieve stress and reduce pain. They are easy to learn and can be performed safely by anyone. If you are seeking massage therapy from a professional, be sure that they are licensed to practice in the state in which you reside. You might also inquire if they are experienced in the use of massage and acupressure on pregnant women.
Which Acupressure Points can be used after the Labor?
After labor, massage therapy can be a soothing and rejuvenating experience for new mothers as they recover from childbirth. Here are some of the best acupressure points to focus on during post-labor massage therapy:
The spleen - located on the inside of the lower leg, four finger-widths above the ankle, in the groove between the shinbone and calf muscle. SP6 is a powerful point for post-labor recovery, regulating hormones, improving blood circulation, and reducing swelling in the legs and feet. It aids in healing the reproductive organs and promotes emotional balance during this transitional period.
Stomach - found about four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width towards the outside of the shinbone, ST36 is known as the "Leg Three Miles" point. It is believed to boost energy levels and strengthen the body, making it valuable after labor to help new mothers combat fatigue and regain vitality.
Governing Vessel - positioned at the top of the head, where the line connecting the tops of the ears intersects with the midline of the skull, GV20 is an essential acupressure point for calming the mind, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity. After labor, when emotions and hormones may fluctuate, massaging this point helps restore balance and induce relaxation.