6 Acupressure Points to Induce Labor Naturally

Stress during pregnancy is common in some expectant mothers, especially when it's due to the date of delivery but never feels any signs of giving birth. Actually there are several ways you can do to trigger contractions and accelerate labor, namely by induction of labor naturally. In addition to eating pineapple or having sex, you can use acupressure techniques to stimulate uterine contractions. How to? Read on the following review.

Get to know acupressure and its benefits for labor induction
Acupressure may indeed not be as popular as acupuncture. Even though the principle of acupressure is actually not much different from acupuncture, it both puts pressure on certain body parts to reduce or prevent pain. It's just that acupressure uses finger pressure, not with a needle like acupuncture.

Numerous studies have proven that acupressure can help reduce pain and anxiety in women when facing childbirth.

The reason is, acupressure can increase blood flow and help stimulate uterine contractions. This is why, acupressure can be used as a natural induction of labor.

According to Midwifery Today, reported by Livestrong, pregnant women who perform acupressure for labor induction experience less pain or anxiety. Not only that, acupressure can also increase the hormone endorphins or the happiness hormone so that pregnant women tend to be calmer during childbirth.

Even so, induction of labor with acupressure techniques should not be done before 37 weeks' gestation so as not to interfere with the development of the baby.

You also must consult and get approval from your doctor first before doing acupressure massage to ensure the condition of the womb is good or not. Then you can contact a licensed therapist or doula to do the acupressure technique correctly and safely.

Acupressure points for induction of natural labor

1. Spleen point 6 (spleen 6 point / SP6)

Spleen point 6 (SP6) is commonly used as an acupressure point in all conditions, including for labor induction. According to Debra Betss in his book The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Childbirth and Pregnancy, acupressure at the SP6 point is useful to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce pain during contractions.

The point, also known as Sanyinjiao or jin junction, is located above the inner ankle, precisely behind the shin (lower calf). The therapist or doula more often focuses on this point and performs massage techniques for 60 to 90 minutes to stimulate contractions.

How to do: Place your four fingers on the inside ankle bone to locate SP6. Then give a massage at this point using the index finger for one minute. Give a pause for one minute, then repeat the same way.

2. Bladder point 60 (bladder 60 points / BL60) 

Point BL60 is located between the ankle and the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a connective tissue that connects the calf muscles behind the lower leg to your heel bone. This point, called Kunlun, is useful to relieve labor pain and reduce blockages or obstacles during labor.

How to do: Gently massage the BL60 point by using the thumb for several minutes, do a circular motion until the contractions begin to feel.

3. Pericardial point 8 (pericardium 8 point)

The pericardial point (PC8), known as Laogong, is located at the center of the palm and is very useful for inducing labor. To find it, try clenching your fist and noticing where your middle finger is touching the palm of your hand. Well, therein lies PC8.

How to do: After finding the PC8 point, use your other thumb to give a gentle massage at the pC8 point. Do a massage for a few seconds and feel the benefits.

4. Bladder point 67 (bladder 67 point)

Known as Zhiyin, the bladder point 67 (BL67) is believed to change the position of the fetus and stimulate uterine contractions. BL67 point is located on the foot, precisely outside the tip of the little finger and close to the edge of the toe nail.

How to do: Put strong pressure on BL67 using your thumb and index finger like pinching your toes. Then massage the BL67 point until a contraction appears.

5. Large intestine 4 points

Large bowel point 4 (LI4) is the most widely used acupressure therapy. Known by the name Hoku, this point is located at the angle of the webbing of the thumb and index finger.

Just like BL67, point LI4 can also induce labor and cause the baby to enter the pelvic cavity. Not only that, point LI4 can also relieve pain due to contractions that come.

How to do: Put gentle pressure on the webbing of your thumb and index finger for one minute in a circular motion. When the contrast begins, stop the acupressure movement and resume when the contractions subside. Give a pause for one minute to rest, then repeat the same way.

6. Bladder point 32 (bladder 32 point)

Bladder point 32 (BL32), also known as Ciliao, is located on the lower back between your buttocks. Massage at this point is useful to trigger contractions and help alleviate problems in the female reproductive system.


How to do: Give a massage at point BL32 downward or toward the buttocks. Do it for a few minutes until you feel a contraction.

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