How Acupuncture Supports Pregnancy Labor and Pain Relief

Pregnancy Acupuncture is an amazing tool that can be used to promote natural labor, reduce pain, and cultivate partner involvement. It is safe, gentle, efficient and easy to learn. Acupressure is based on the same principles as pregnancy acupuncture, but instead of using needles to stimulate the acupuncture points, you use your hands. Unlike massage, this method involves a rather direct and firm pressure held on the desired area for a minimum of 1-2 min at a time, every 30-60 min or longer depending on the situation and progression of labor.

Acupressure is the perfect companion to all other modalities and birthing methods used during childbirth. Whether you are planning on giving birth at home, a birthing center, or a hospital you are always be able to use it. Pregnancy acupuncture will never restrict your movement during labor and will support you in whichever position or place you’ll find yourself while giving birth.

Here are 3 ways Acupressure can help during labor:

Acupressure for Pain Relief

Acupressure is a fantastic practice that helps naturally with pain during labor. You might be wondering how stimulating different points on the body can help? Well, according to Chinese medicine, acupressure in pregnancy promotes the free flow of energy in the body, which can bring ease during labor.

Acupressure triggers the release of endorphins and helps block pain receptors in the brain, through utilizing the body’s own natural painkiller mechanism to help cope with the pain. Women who used acupressure during labor reported feeling less pain during contractions, were more calm, focused, and relaxed,​ which enabled them to deepen their birthing experience.

Managing pain naturally and supporting your body’s physiological process can also play a role in reducing unnecessary interventions, including cesarean births. Learn more strategies for a smoother, low-intervention birth in our blog: How To Lower Your Cesarean Risk

Partner Participation

Giving birth is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience and most partners want to participate in the birthing process, but are uncertain about what to do or how and when to offer their support. Acupressure is a great way to encourage partner’s involvement and participation.

It’s an ideal way for partners to feel fully involved during the birth and play an active role without getting too panicky or worried about their place and support. This hands-on practice builds a strong foundation that fosters partnership and connection and allows the mother to stay in control.

Beyond physical support, preparing mentally for labor is just as important. A strong mindset can make a significant difference in your birth experience. Check out our blog for helpful insights: 10 Easy Tips to Help You Mentally Prepare for Labor

Inducing Labor with Acupuncture Points

The due date has come and passed and you are starting to wonder how much longer until you get to meet your baby and worry about the possibility of induction. Prenatal Acupressure can initiate labor spontaneously.

Stimulating a specific set of points can help establish contractions and promote cervical dilation. And even if labor does not come, midwives reported that women who’ve used acupressure to induce labor before induction had a greater chance to progress through the induction with minimal intervention.

If you’re looking for additional natural methods to help encourage labor, explore more options in Labor Induction: 10 Natural Ways to Kickstart Labor

As labor begins, you may be wondering what to expect next. Understanding the different stages of labor and how they feel can help you prepare both mentally and physically. Read more in our blog: What Do The Stages of Labor Actually Feel Like?

About The Practitioner SIVAN DIRKS L.Ac

Sivan is a Licensed Acupuncturist with the Oregon Medical Board and is Nationally Certified by NCCAOM. She earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture at Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. After graduation, Sivan completed an internship at Tri-State and became a Faculty Assistant, teaching clinical practice. Before moving to Oregon, she practiced in New York both in private practice and as a team member of a community acupuncture clinic. ​​Sivan has post-graduate training in Shonishin, Pediatrics, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Facial Rejuvenation.

To learn more click​ – https://www.rosecitybaby.com/meet-sivan

https://www.rosecitybaby.com/acupressure-for-childbirth