Acupressure, Massage or Aromatherapy during Birth
Acupressure originated in Asia, has been used for thousands of years, just like acupuncture, and is seeing a revival as another drugless therapy to ease conditions and pain.
The pressure points below should not be used until your due date as they have been successfully used in Asia for hundreds of years to speed up birthing and assist in easing contractions.
To accelerate birth
Hoku point: rub the webbing between the thumb and forefinger in a circular motion, then press and hold with pressure toward the index finger, to tolerance of the mother. 30 sec hold, release20 sec, rpt.
Spleen 6 – On the inside of the ankle, trace up four finger widths on the leg above the ankle bone. Rub for about 1 minute. Then hold with as much pressure as the mother can comfortably tolerate. When you do this, hold the pressure on both the inner and outer parts of her leg for 1 minute and then release for 1 minute. This acupressure point can strengthen labour contractions.
Constant pressure one finger width above the tailbone will also speed up labour. Do this for 30 seconds and then release for a minute.
Other pressure points ~
To help lessen nausea – a common side effect for some. Apply steady pressure to her comfort level, three fingers above her wrist crease on her forearm between the two tendons, using your thumb.
To help alleviate discomfort: A) Three finger widths below the crease under the middle toe – press on either foot with your thumb with your other hand moving all toes forward and backward.
Another pressure point is B) the pelvic points on the lower back. Feel for the pelvic bones on either side of the lower spine where it joins the hip area . Rub these as hard as comfortably tolerated, using circular motions. And,
C) on the top of either of the shoulders is a pressure point that will lessen birthing intensity. This pressure point is located one hand width from the outer edge of the shoulder. Apply steady pressure to one shoulder at a time as needed. It may help to alternate with shoulder points or focus only on one at a time. If she feels her arm going slightly numb when you compress a point, adjust to lighter pressure.
Focus: Apply light pressure in the center of her forehead to help re-focus her attention. When you do this, have her close her eyes and focus on the feeling of your fingers while encouraging her to do some long slow breathing.
Reflexology, working the points on the feet, is a beneficial treatment during pregnancy and during early birth contractions. It should only be performed during pregnancy by someone trained in reflexology to know which reflex points should be avoided or with use of light pressure in order to not induce early labour prior to the due date. Reflexology is an excellent therapy to prepare for birth, reflecting to the entire body for balance and enhanced energy levels.
Aromatherapy massage – very few essential oils are recommended during pregnancy, but during birth, some uplifting scents can help provide calmness. Having your arms and hands massaged with a carrier oil containing a few drops of an essential oil or a blend of two to three scents can be very relaxing. This may help to soothe and re-focus between contractions.
To stimulate uterine contraction: Clary Sage
For nausea & as a mental stimulant: Use spearmint essential oil, which is not as pungent as peppermint, or one drop of peppermint - being careful to avoid the eyes
Calmness: Lavender – also good for headache and faintness. Combines nicely with Geranium essential oil which serves to uplift
Methods of use: on a tissue to hold or tuck near the pillow. A small spray bottle allows for room freshness, or in a carrier oil for body application under the throat area for inhalation, and massaged gently on arms, hands or feet are all beneficial application methods
Massage to the lower back or arms and/or legs can provide much comfort between contractions and ease tension levels. If tensing up during the birth, more lactic acid may accumulate in muscles to cause unnecessary discomfort both during labour and the first few days after birth.
And – congratulations on reaching a most exciting part of your life’s journey!
