Acupressure provides effective pain relief during labor as long as acupressure points are correctly located. Use anatomical markers on the woman's body and her own fingers as measurement tools--one index finger length means the woman's index finger length, not the practitioner's. Done well, acupressure should not cause any pain. Use points that promote contractions only after a woman's due date has passed, or when she is already in labor; using them before this stage could promote premature labor.
SP6: Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Crossing
The SP6 point helps relieve pain and promote contractions. This point is located above the inner ankle bone. Using the woman's inner ankle bone as a marker, come up four finger widths, then move just behind the shin bone. Using your fingertip, press firmly for about one minute. Wait 20 minutes, then repeat on the opposite side. Alternate sides and repeat as needed. Accupressure at SP6 has been found to reduce both pain, length of labor and incidence of Cesarean sections (see References).
BL32: Cilao or Second Foramen
The BL32 (UB32) point helps relieve pain and promote contractions. This point is located on the lower back near the top of the buttocks. Measure up one index finger length from the top of the buttocks crease. Then measure outward about one thumb width away from the spine on each side. You will find a small depression: this is the sacral foramen. Using your knuckles, provide firm pressure during contractions. Acupuncturist Debra Betts (see References) reports that use of this point can significantly lessen the intensity of contractions.
GB21: Jianjing or Shoulder Well
The GB21 point helps relieve pain, promotes contractions and helps the baby move through the birth canal. This point is located along the top of the shoulder. Have the woman lean her head forward and locate the bony protuberance of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) (see Betts' website if you need help locating this). Using your other hand, locate the top of the shoulder. The GB21 is located halfway between C7 and the top of the shoulder. Take care to stay on the shoulder and not move forward onto the collar bone. You can use your knuckle or elbow to provide firm pressure against this point during contractions, or you can increase pressure throughout.. Some women find greater relief just to the left or right of the GB21 point. Experiment to find what works best for you.
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