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