How to do Maternity Acupressure
Acupressure puts pressure on certain parts of the body to achieve a result such as relaxation or pain relief. For pregnancy, acupressure can be used to help induce labor or for prelabor pain relief. Acupressure should not be performed when labor has already started.
- Help the pregnant woman relax. Acupressure works best when the muscles relax. Relaxed muscles respond well to pressure, and the desired results can be achieved.
- Rub lotion onto your hands. Working with lotion can make the acupressure deeper. The deeper into the muscle tissue you press, the more dramatic the results.
- Start with the first acupressure point. Find the anklebone on the inside ankle and measure two finger widths above the bone. Find this point on yourself first before attempting to find it on a pregnant woman. Massage this point for about five or 10 minutes before moving on.
- Have the pregnant woman lean forward. The next acupressure point is one finger width above the dimple on top of the buttocks. Massage this area for about five or 10 minutes. Ask how the woman is feeling. If there is any pain, discontinue acupressure therapy immediately.
- Find the last acupressure point. The last acupressure point is on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger. Massage this point gently. This acupressure point also helps to relieve pain and can be used once the woman is in labor. Massage the webbing during each contraction and ask whether she feels any relief.
- Discontinue any acupressure therapy if the woman feels pain at the massage point.