Pregnancy is a sensitive phase, some days you will feel good and some days it consists of either stress or nausea, and either headache or backache. Exercise and meditation are very effective in subduing these nagging effects of pregnancy. But if you want to try something different but ancient then try acupressure. But, if you want to go for acupressure during pregnancy, choose an expert specialist and get the consent of your doctor.
Acupressure is a Chinese method of physiotherapy that can influence the flow of relaxing hormones in your body by pressing and massaging certain points of your body. Here is all you need to know about acupressure during pregnancy, its benefits as well as risks.
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a special type of body massage where pressure is applied to specific points of your body to reduce certain bodily discomforts, stress, and anxiety (1). Acupressure originated in China just like Acupuncture and is also used in Japanese massage therapy practices such as Shiatsu (2).
How Does Acupressure Work?
In Chinese culture, Qi is regarded as the life force that flows through our body in 14 meridians or channels (3). Pressure points are those specific spots of the meridians that if pressured properly can help in the free flow of Qi in our body. So in an acupressure therapy session, the therapist will press or firmly massage those pressure points of your body with the help of their thumb, palm, elbow, etc.
Is Acupressure Safe During Pregnancy?
There is no such concrete evidence of acupressure being harmful during pregnancy. Though there are not many studies on acupressure like acupuncture, it is comparatively safe as here no needles are pinned and pulled through your skin. So acupressure is generally considered safe and effective in curing nausea and body pain during pregnancy.
But you should consult an expert specialized in acupressure. Let them know you are pregnant, this will help them avoid certain areas like the pressure point of your ankle and lower abdomen to avoid contractions during pregnancy (4). Having said that, your doctor’s consent is very important before booking an appointment for acupressure therapy during pregnancy.
Benefits of Acupressure During Pregnancy
Multiple benefits of acupressure can make your pregnancy journey smoother. Here are a few benefits of acupressure during pregnancy
1. Nausea and Morning Sickness
One problem that pregnant women face especially in their first trimester is nausea. Any unlikely and strong odor or taste can lead to vomiting. Acupressure applied on specific points can effectively reduce nausea and morning sickness. The P6 point on the inner wrist reduces morning sickness and nausea (5).
2. Lower Back Pain
Pregnant women suffer from lower back pain especially in the third trimester due to the increased pressure and weight of the uterus. An expert therapist can help you get rid of the pain by applying pressure on the right points. But, ensure not to exceed the pressure for more than 1-2 minutes.
3. Stress Relief
Stress is another companion of pregnancy. A lot of tension can work inside your mind during this time. The acupressure point that can give you comfort from stress is the Yin tang which is located in between your eyebrows. As these acupressure points are quite tricky to figure out, you can seek professional acupressure therapy sessions. Once you get the knack for it, you can try it at home by yourself or with the help of your partner.
[Read: 8 Effective Exercises To Induce Labor Naturally]
How Does Acupressure Help During Labor?
Various studies have shown that acupressure can effectively reduce the duration of labor time and relieve labor pain. Studies have also shown that acupressure can reduce the chances of going for a cesarean delivery. The acupressure points that are supposed to induce labor and help in relieving pain are
1. Spleen 6 Point or SP6
This is located 4 fingers above your inner ankle bone. You need to use the index finger to press the point for a few seconds then release then press again after one minute.
2. BL60 or Bladder 60 Point
You can find this on the ankle. It is pressed to initiate labor, easing the pain and obstruction.
3. The Ll4 Point
This is present in between the thumb and pointer finger and is also effective in inducing labor but at the same time reducing the pain of labor.
4. Bladder 32 or BL32 Point
This point is located just above the intergluteal cleft (butt crack). However, this acupressure point is not backed by research and hence should be opted only under the supervision of experts.
It is important to take the help of a specialist before you go for this therapy for labor. Strictly avoid doing this on your own or with the help of your family. Your doctor’s consent is also necessary.
Acupressure Points to Avoid During Pregnancy
Acupressure involves putting pressure, and during pregnancy, you must avoid points that can cause unwanted complications. There are a few points that are forbidden throughout the pregnancy, ensure to discuss and have a piece of full knowledge about them before you plan for therapy.
Untimely acupressure on labor-inducing points can push you into complications. Also, when you are ready to make use of labor-inducing points, it is very important to talk with your doctor and get a specialist supervised therapy.
Choosing the Right Acupressure Therapists
So if you are interested in having acupressure therapy consult with your doctor first. Your doctor can suggest you the contact details of a reputed therapist. If you want to select an acupressure therapist then look for someone who has a license from an authentic organization. Also, look for a skilled therapist with experience in dealing with pregnant ladies.
Risks of Acupressure During Pregnancy
If done by a trained and experienced therapist then acupressure has nearly no risks during pregnancy. Of course, you must inform the therapist that you are pregnant to avoid pressing those points of contractions. Acupressure can sometimes become painful and even leave some bruises on your skin as the therapist has to press deep to reach those pressure points properly.
Precautions to be Taken While Getting Acupressure During Pregnancy
You are pregnant, and you need to be careful before choosing therapies like acupressure and acupuncture. However, it’s not completely forbidden for you to get it done when pregnant, but there are a few precautions you may need to consider.
- Do not take a heavy meal just before or after acupressure therapy
- Take rest after the session
- Do not consume alcohol on the day of acupressure
- Give at least one day gap between two acupressure therapy
[Read: Alcohol During Pregnancy]
When to Consult a Doctor?
You need to consult with your doctor before starting any acupressure therapy. Your doctor will correctly say if it is good for your pregnancy condition or not. Nausea or morning sickness is a very common pregnancy symptom that will be resolved after some time. But you need to get alarmed if any of your pregnancy problems are getting constant and severe with time.
So acupressure is a helpful method of seeking comfort during your not-so-comfortable pregnancy days. Just keep the dos and don’ts in consideration before going ahead with it.
FAQ’s
1. When Should I Start Acupressure During Pregnancy?
As the first trimester is the most sensitive period of pregnancy, you can start acupressure therapy after it. You can go for therapy sessions twice or thrice a week.
2. Does Acupressure Affect The Baby During Pregnancy?
No, acupressure doesn’t affect the baby inside you. The comfort or pain that you may get because of acupressure is restricted to you only.
3. Can Acupressure Prevent Miscarriage?
Yes, acupressure can be a very effective way to prevent miscarriage or some of its causes if there are no chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
4. What Areas Should Not be Massaged During Pregnancy?
The areas near your ankle and lower abdomen should not be massaged during pregnancy as they can cause contractions.
[Read Also: Acupuncture During Pregnancy – Benefits, Risks and Precautions]
References
- Yang J, Do A, Mallory MJ, Wahner-Roedler DL, Chon TY, Bauer BA. Acupressure: An Effective and Feasible Alternative Treatment for Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Glob Adv Health Med. 2021 Dec 12 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8671653/#
- Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V. Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Jul 22 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5388088/#
- Zhang WB, Wang GJ, Fuxe K. Classic and Modern Meridian Studies: A Review of Low Hydraulic Resistance Channels along Meridians and Their Relevance for Therapeutic Effects in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363694/
- Carr DJ. The safety of obstetric acupuncture: forbidden points revisited. Acupunct Med. 2015 Oct;33(5):413-9. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010936. Epub 2015 Sep 11 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4680134/#
- Mohd Nafiah NA, Chieng WK, Zainuddin AA, Chew KT, Kalok A, Abu MA, Ng BK, Mohamed Ismail NA, Nur Azurah AG. Effect of Acupressure at P6 on Nausea and Vomiting in Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 1 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518577/#
