If being used during labor, there are mainly six acupressure points
(acupoints) that are
taught to and used by supportive persons as a birthing tool. These six include
GB 21, BL
32, KI 1, CO 4, SP 6, and PC 6.
GB 21- Chosen for its descending action to aid the first and second
stages of labor, this site stimulates uterine contractions. This point lies
midway along the top of the
shoulders. The pressure can be applied at the beginning of each contraction
or gentle
pressure can be applied continuously, intensifying during contractions on
both shoulders. (Betts, 2002)
BL 32- This site is chosen for the reported effects of
promoting dilation and preventing the
appearance of radiating lower back pain. (GB 21 & BL 32 appear to provide
the most
effective pain relief). This point lies midway between the dimples above the
buttocks and
spine. Knuckles are placed into the points and firm pressure is applied. This
works best if
women are kneeling against an object whether it is a table, chair, or wall.
(Betts, 2002)
CO 4- This site stimulates uterine contractions and was chosen for
its effects of increasing the
intensity and frequency of contractions especially if the woman is tired and
is not pushing
effectively. This point lies in the tissue between the thumb and forefinger
at the crease on
both hands. Pressure is applied with the thumb. (Betts, 2002)
SP 6- This site is effective in aiding cervical dilatation (Betts,
2002).
KI 1- This site helps relax the perineum during contractions (Betts,
2002).
PC 6- Point used for nausea and vomiting (Betts, 2002).
“Women who use acupressure report a reduction in their pain, combined
with an overall
sense of calmness, as well as a high level of satisfaction with their birth
experience” (Betts,
2002).
For acupressure to be beneficial, it is important that it is initiated
as early as possible.
Women who began using the acupoints at the beginning of their labor reported
higher
satisfaction.
Comments: “I found using acupressure during labor
brilliant. Having used
acupressure I wouldn’t even consider being in labor without it.
The difference is amazing. I felt a lot calmer and able to cope and
much more relaxed. It was really good for me to have my partner
so closely involved with each contraction. I felt connected and
supported. Acupressure helped me to stay focused and calm. Acu-
pressure is safe, effective, natural and I was in control. An ideal
pain management technique” (Betts, 2002).
In a study conducted on the use of complementary and alternative medicine
by midwives,
out of 82 respondents (midwives), 43 used acupressure for nausea and vomiting,
headache, labor augmentation, and back pain (Allaire, 2002, 19-23).
Acupressure is a wonderful way to relieve pain without the use of pain
medication, but acupuncture, a close relative of acupressure, also has many
great benefits of pain relief. Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin needles,
which prompts the release of powerful
brain chemicals known as endorphins. These substances have the ability to
alter a
person’s sense of pain (Slon, 1998, 1-4).
In a study conducted on the use of acupuncture to reduce severe nausea
and vomiting, it
was found that acupuncture reduces nausea. It was also observed that the effect
of
acupuncture on vomiting was fast, often within minutes of stimulation ( Carlsson,
2000,
273-279).
As the research has conducted, acupressure and acupuncture seems to be an effective means of pain relief during labor. However, both of these techniques should be employed by a trained health care provider. If you are interested in using acupressure or acupuncture as a means of pain control, please access the web sites from our reference list to gain more information, or talk to your health care provider for more information.