The Top 7 Acupressure Points to Induce Labor and How to Activate Them
As you approach the end of your pregnancy, you may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, joy and a little bit of fear. While you may have some fear around the extend to which you are actually ready to be a mother, you may be feeling nervous about labor itself. Or, perhaps you are past your due date and you are ready to end any discomfort you have been enduring the past few weeks. Whatever the case, most women seek a natural solution to help induce and endure labor. Did you know acupressure can be used to help support your body during labor? Along with easing pain, certain points may help induce labor by triggering contractions.
Many women use acupressure points to induce labor, but it’s important to remember that these points are meant to support your body – not induce labor before your body is ready. It can help ease pain and move things along during the early stages of labor.
There are several acupressure points that are believed to help induce labor. Many of these points have been backed by science.
What Science Says About Acupressure to Induce Labor
Although more research is needed, there is evidence that acupressure points can encourage labor and ease pain.
One group of researchers looked at 22 trials involving 3,456 pregnant women. What they found was that acupressure may help ready the cervix for labor within 24 hours. This conclusion was based on the results of two trials involving 192 women.
While the research is promising, more work needs to be done to further explore acupressure’s effects on labor. There is still quite a bit of anecdotal evidence that these pressure points can induce labor.
Along with potentially triggering contractions, activating these pressure points can also help with other issues that you may be experiencing in the late stages of pregnancy, like headaches, pain and fatigue.
7 Acupressure Points to Induce Labor
There are quite a few acupressure points that may help to induce labor. Practitioners generally do not recommend activating these points on pregnant women because of the risk of premature labor.
For best results, it’s important to consult with a doctor and work with a professional who specializes in acupressure during pregnancy.
1. SP6
Spleen 6 point, or SP6, is one of the more common acupressure points used for inducing labor. SP6 is also known as Sanyinjiao or three yin intersection.
How to Find It
SP6 is located above the ankle on side of the lower calf. To be more precise, the point is four-finger width above the ankle bone along the inside of the leg.
How to Activate It
To activate this point, apply firm pressure to the point using your index finger and massage the area for 4-5 seconds. Wait 60 seconds before reapplying pressure.
2. LI4
The large intestine 4 point, also known as LI4 or He Gu, is one of the most common points in acupressure. It can be used to alleviate headaches, stress, facial pain, neck pain, tooth pain and more.
LI4 has been studied extensively, and research shows that it may be effective for alleviating tension-type headaches and migraines. However, it can also be used to induce labor, which is why it’s generally not recommended for pregnant women.
How to Find It
LI4 is located deep in the web between the thumb and index fingers.
How to Activate It
To activate this point, apply soft pressure and massage the area for 4-5 seconds. Relax and take deep breaths as you apply pressure. Rest for 60 seconds before reapplying pressure.
Did you know this is the pressure point our Aculief Wearable Acupressure targets? Wearing Aculief while pregnant may cause contractions.
3. BL60
Bladder 60, also known as BL60 or Kunlun, is a pressure point that’s commonly used in the early stages of labor to help reduce pain and encourage the baby to descend. It may help induce labor and reduce obstruction.
How to Find It
BL60 is located on the foot just a few inches below the SP6 point. Look for the depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
How to Activate It
Using your thumb, apply firm pressure and massage the point for up to one minute. Wait 60 seconds before reapplying pressure.
4. BL32
The Bladder 32, or BL32, point is also known as Ciliao, which translates to second crevice. Activating this pressure point may trigger contractors and is believed to help with gynecological issues.
How to Find It
The BL32 point sits between the lumbar spine and the dimples above the buttocks. It’s about one index finger length above the crease of the buttock.
How to Activate It
Because BL32 is located near the base of the spine, it’s better to have someone else activate this point for you. Otherwise, it may be difficult to accurately locate and activate this point on your own.
Have your support person use their knuckles to apply firm pressure to the point. Repeat as needed.
5. PC8
The PC8 point is the pericardium 8 point, and it’s also known as Laogong or palace of labor. Activating this point is believed to jumpstart contractions.
How to Find It
PC8 is at the center of the palm. To find it, make a fist. The point is where the tip of the middle finger touches the palm.
How to Activate It
Use your thumb to activate this pressure point. Apply light pressure and massage for 4-5 seconds.
6. GB21
Gallbladder 21, also known as GB21 or Jian Jing, is often used to help make contractions less painful, but it’s also believed to help induce labor. This is why practitioners often advise against activating this point in pregnant women.
How to Find It
The GB21 point sits right in the middle of the shoulder muscle and above the collarbone.
How to Activate It
Use your thumb and index finger to apply firm pressure to GB21 and massage in a downward motion for 4-5 seconds.
7. BL67
The BL7 (Bladder 67) point is sometimes called the “reaching point,” and it’s believed to trigger contractions and even help move babies into the right position for delivery. It may also help ease labor pain.
How to Find It
The BL6 point is located on the foot along the outer edge of the pinky toe where the nailbed starts.
How to Activate It
To activate this pressure point, use your index finger and thumb to apply firm pressure.
If you want to use acupressure points to induce labor, always make sure that you get the okay from your doctor first before attempting any of these techniques.
