Instructions for Acupuncture & Massage Trigger Points During Labor
Acupuncture and acupressure (the process of applying physical pressure to the body's pressure points, or trigger points) have been found to be quite useful for many different conditions, including assisting a pregnant woman during labor. According to Acupuncture.Rhizome.net, there are six acupressure points that are used primarily for women in labor. Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed clinician, but acupressure on trigger points can be used by many people as long as it is used with discretion at the appropriate time.
Trigger Point 1
The first trigger point, called the Jianjing GB-21 in traditional Chinese acupressure, can be used to stimulate contractions during the first and second stages of labor. At the beginning of each contraction, pressure can be applied at the midpoint between the top of the shoulder and the base of the neck, where the shoulder muscle is the highest. This area will be more sensitive than areas around it.
Trigger Point 2
The second trigger point can be used if you want to help the baby to descend in the first stage of labor. This area is between the outer edge of the Achilles tendon and the tip of the outer ankle bone. Grip the pregnant woman's ankle and press down in that area with your thumb.
Trigger Point 3
The trigger point in the hand can release natural pain killing endorphins in the body. The pregnant woman an grip a small comb with the teeth pointing down into the creases of the hand where the fingers meet the palm. This can be used during a contraction with as much pressure as they feel necessary.
Trigger Point 4
The Sanyinjiao SP-6 point can help the cervix to dilate. This point is four finger widths above the inner ankle bone, on the inside of the shin. The area will be more tender in the correct spot than the surrounding area. You can apply firm pressure for about one minute on one leg, followed by the same procedure on the other leg 20 to 30 minutes later. This should be continued in an alternating pattern until labor is established and the contractions are strong and regular. Only press on this point during labor and not at any other time during pregnancy.
Trigger Point 5
The Yongquan KID-1 point is used to add a calming effect at any point during labor. This point is at the of the bottom of the foot, a third of the way down from the toes where there is a depression in the sole. An inwards and upwards pressure towards the toe is best.
Trigger Point 5
The Hegu li-4 Point is used for general pain relief or assistance in regulating contractions. This trigger point is the fleshy area between the thumb and finger where the bones meet and is sensitive, with a dull ache, when you press down on it. This area should never be pressed during pregnancy except during labor because of its strong effects on contracting the uterus.
Trigger Point 6
Level from the top of the buttock crease, about two thirds of the way from the crease to the hip bone, there is a tender pressure point. If you support your hands on the woman's hip bone, you can apply pressure during a contraction as she enters transition.
Tips
Make sure to use extreme discretion with the use of these points during pregnancy. Remember to apply pressure with the knuckle, thumb, or elbow, making sure to use force from your torso to avoid fatiguing yourself. Ask for feedback from the woman, adjusting pressure and location accordingly. According to Rhizome, it is best to use trigger points with caution until the woman is at full term because they can cause the uterus to contract, inducing labor.
Tags: during labor, during pregnancy, pregnant woman, This area, Trigger Point, Trigger Point