| Acupressure is based on the same medical | | | | Studies show that acupressure and the Japanese |
| philosophy as acupuncture. It involves the | | | | technique of “shiatsu” induce labor |
| application of pressure onto specific, sensitive | | | | quite effectively. Actually, acupressure is one of |
| points along the human body. Acupressure uses | | | | the natural labor inducing remedies that has been |
| fingers and thumbs, as opposed to needles in | | | | scientifically shown to work effectively. |
| acupuncture, to stimulate specific acupressure | | | | But how exactly does one use acupressure to |
| points. | | | | induce labor? The Chinese would say that it |
| Encouraging your labor to start is a very tempting | | | | balances the “yin,” |
| option, especially if you are trying to endure the | | | | “yang,” and “qi” of the |
| last leg of your pregnancy and already past your | | | | woman’s “meridian system.” |
| due date. There are several natural and herbal | | | | This vocabulary does not sound like it belongs to |
| remedies for inducing labor naturally. Yet, it is | | | | hard science, but there is more to it than meets |
| good for you to know that some of the natural | | | | the eye. When a pregnant woman receives |
| and herbal remedies can come with risks. In fact, | | | | acupressure, the baby descends and presses onto |
| Blue and Black Cohosh increases the risk of | | | | the cervix and, thus, gets into position for labor -- |
| severe bleeding during labor and has been linked | | | | ripening and dilating the cervix and initiating |
| to cardiac problems in newborns. | | | | contractions. Some other acupressure techniques |
| Giving birth to a baby is such a fragile thing that | | | | directly encourage the womb to start efficient |
| you will want to ensure the safety of you and | | | | contractions. |
| your baby. This is why using acupressure to | | | | Today, many midwives and doctors promote |
| induce labor is a favorite technique among | | | | acupressure for inducing labor naturally by helping |
| pregnant women. Acupressure is incredibly | | | | your body to work better. Many overdue women |
| soothing and has no side effects. Thus, | | | | may find themselves going into labor 48 hours |
| acupressure is strongly recommendable than | | | | after a session of acupressure or acupuncture. |
| medical induction, or the many other | | | | Acupressure is more frequently used to speed up |
| “at-home” remedies, which are | | | | a slow or stalled labor. |
| dominated with side effects. | | | | |