Frequently asked questions about acupressure during pregnancy.

• What is acupressure?
• Is there any research on using acupressure in labour?
• When is the best time to start using acupressure for labour pain relief?
• How fast does acupressure start working for pain relief?
• When you apply pressure to the acupressure point how do you know how much pressure to apply, when to apply the pressure and for how long?
• How easy is this to do for someone without any experience in using acupressure?
• Can anything go wrong if the wrong points are pressed?
• Do you need any special tools to use acupressure?
• If you want to induce labour with acupressure, when is the appropriate time?

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is a holistic system that compliments what your body does naturally; it is an ancient Chinese Medicine Technique that refers to the use of pressure points (acupuncture points). These points lie on energetic channels running from the surface of the skin to connect to the body’s internal organs. Physical pressure is applied to these specific points on the body by the hand, elbow or with other various devices. Top of Page

Is there any research on using acupressure in labour?

Yes, research has been published in respected western medicine journals looking at

When is the best time to start using acupressure for labour pain relief?

The best time to start using acupressure to alleviate pain during labour is at the onset of labour. Studies have found that women received greatest benefits of acupressure pain relief when used at the beginning of there labour rather then waiting until they were in pain or before they even went to the hospital. It was found that by the time the women were at the hospital there labour parterners were already experts at finding the specific acupressure points. Top of Page

How fast does acupressure start working for pain relief?

You should begin feeling relief within one or two contractions. You will know that it is working as the intensity of the contractions will lessen. Women have reported that the intensity of contractions ease when the acupressure points are being pressed and they feel calmer and more in control of there labour.

When you apply pressure to the acupressure point how do you know how much pressure to apply, when to apply the pressure and for how long?

This will vary by the women. Pressure can be applied using your fingers, thumbs, elbows, knuckles or any other device. Once you locate the pressure point you should use your entire body to apply the pressure as to not wear yourself out. You will know that you are in the correct spot as the women may feel intense, achy, warm, tingling sensation, it will not feel this way if you are not in the correct spot. If the pressure hurts you are in the wrong spot. Top of Page

Are there certain points that should be used for the different stages of labour?

Yes, the book outlines several pressure points that can be used along with a suggested use of the points. As labour progresses different pressure points may be used to intensify the effect. Top of Page

How easy is this to do for someone without any experience in using acupressure?

There is no special training or massage technique required for acupressure. The technique relies on being able to palpate the pressure points and pressing them with there thumbs, fingers, hands or elbows. simply has to apply pressure to that point to the level the woman finds useful. Top of Page

Can anything go wrong if the wrong points are pressed?

No, as the only pressure points being used are those that the women find useful during labour. Pressing the “wrong” points does not in theory become an issue. Top of Page

Do you need any special tools to use acupressure?

No, the only tools you need are your hands. Top of Page

If you want to induce labour with acupressure, when is the appropriate time?

Although acupressure is considered a natural approach to labour induction it is still considered an intervention. Therefore, you should not try to stimulate labour until after your due date. The safest time to use acupressure to induce labour is three to four days prior to a medical induction. Top of Page