Induction points for labor
One of the most common questions I am asked before I work on someone is whether or not pushing or pressing in a certain spot is safe and/or will it send them into labor, and let me tell you I only wish it were that easy!
As Traditional Chinese Medicine has gained more popularity in our western culture, the use of acupuncture and acupressure for certain ailments in pregnancy has too. And I love this! These modalities can be such a great tool to help you in your prenatal journey. I often recommend clients to check out local licensed Acupuncturist, Dr. Valerie Lopez of Swan Wellness Center to help with all kinds of concerns. With that said, there are certain points that can encourage labor.
Notice that I said “encourage”, not spontaneously send you into crazy hardcore contractions. Acupressure points have long been recognized for their potential to encourage labor in pregnancy and help ease pain during childbirth. In an effort to help you and your partners, mama, here are a few points that you can do on your own to help stimulate labor and alleviate pain.
Read this part first, it’s important:
Please note that these points are not meant to induce or stimulate labor before your body is ready. First of all it probably won’t work, but it can still cause physical changes in your body. These acupressure points should only be used to help regulate contractions once early labor has started, to speed up the labor process if the water has broken and the cervix is not progressing. Additionally these point’s should not be stimulated before 39-40 weeks of pregnancy.
To stimulate these points, use firm pressure for 5 minutes every 1-2 hours during early or active labor. This means constant and consistent pressure. The pressure should be deep, but tolerable. And remember, do not do these before 39-40 weeks.
Large Intestine 4
This point is located between the thumb and pointer finger. To locate this have the mama squeeze her thumb and pointer finger together, it will be the highest point of the muscle between the two fingers. You know you are in the right spot if the mama feels a dull ache in that spot once pressure is applied.
Spleen 6
This point is located on the inner leg, about four of the mother’s finger widths above her inner ankle bone. This is just behind the tibia bone of the lower leg.
Bladder 60
This point is located on the outside of the ankle, about halfway between the tip of the outer ankle bone and the back of the ankle. You should feel your finger slip into that little indentation behind the outer ankle bone.
Gallbladder 21
This point is located at the top of the trap, on the highest point of the shoulder muscle. This point is directly in the middle from C7, or that bony prominence on the neck, and the acromion process, or the bony spot at the edge of the top of the shoulder. It should be about in line with the person’s nipple.
And there you have it mamas, hopefully you and your partner have found this little guide helpful as you get closer to meeting your little one! Just remember if you choose to use this please do not do so before your 39th week.
I would also recommend reaching out to a licensed acupuncturist such as Dr. Valerie Lopez of Swan Wellness Center, if you are interested in seeing how Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupressure and acupuncture may help you reach your goals.
Looking for more support as you prepare for labor?
If you’re 39 weeks or beyond and looking for a little more hands-on support as you prepare for birth, this is also the intention behind my Labor Ready session. This 90-minute session combines massage, intentional movement and positioning, Spinning Babies® techniques, and focused work for the areas of your body that will be doing a lot during labor and birth.
It isn’t about trying to force your body into labor. It’s about supporting your body as you get ready for what’s ahead—and giving you some tools you can continue using at home, too.
Good luck mama, you’ve got this!