Want to have an easier childbirth – safely?

Childbirth can be hard labor. Fatigue and fear, stress and anxiety make it even harder.

A certain amount of relaxation will help you to have an easier labor and will reduce the stress on the baby. Managing the labor pains effectively is also important because tough labor pains drain you physically and mentally, and can result in prolonged labor.

Acupressure is a well known method for non-invasive pain relief and relaxation. This method is older than acupuncture and dates back to at least 4,000 B.C. in the East. It involves finger pressure on specific points of the body that correspond with the flow of energy.

Stimulation of the acupressure points for pain relief has been shown to increase the release of endorphins. Endorphins are extremely effective natural painkillers that also improve the body’s performance and promote positive feelings.

Acupressure promotes relaxation in various ways. Physically, it normalizes the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure. This results in remarkably reduced feelings of anxiety and stress, and enhanced feeling of well-being.

Opposite to administration of drugs, acupressure will not lessen your contractions or cause them to stop. Although the intensity of pain is remarkably reduced, the intensity or the frequency of the contractions is not affected by acupressure. Indeed, specific acupressure points help your contractions to be more frequent and more successful.

Acupressure has been proven to be effective method for relieving pain. It has also been proven to be the safest pain relief method known today. Additionally, mothers who have used acupressure during labor have been incredibly satisfied with this method. They found it very helpful in controlling the labor pains, in helping the cervix to dilate, and in encouraging the contractions. Mothers using acupressure also have shorter delivery time than mothers not using acupressure.

Labor acupressure is a simple method that you or your supporting person can use with basic instructions. Below are some of the most effective acupressure points you can try to use for labor pain relief.

Adjoining Valley (LI4). This point is located in the webbing between your thumb and your forefinger. It is an effective point for optimizing your contractions, speeding your labor, and reducing pain in a safe way. You or your partner will need to press this point very firmly, and it will probably be tender. One study shows that ice massage on this point has been very helpful in reducing discomfort during labor. So, your partner could try using a wrapped ice cube to press on this point. Do not practice the treatment of this point before you have reached your 41st week because it also induces labor by encouraging the contractions.

Reaching Inside (BL67). This point is located just outside the little toe nail. It is helpful in turning a breech and posterior baby as well.

Three Yin Crossing (SP6). This point is four finger-widths above the ankle next to the bone on the inside of the leg. You can be confident that you have found it when you feel a tender spot. This point is helpful in lessening labor pains, but it can also ripen the cervix. So, do not try this point until you are far enough in your pregnancy to safely induce labor.

Giving birth is one of the most miraculous things you will ever experience, but it can be frightening at the same time. Acupressure is, by far, the best and safest way to lessen your pain and stress without having to resort to chemicals that you fear could harm your baby.

To get complete step-by-step instructions for relieving labor pains and combating fatigue and anxiousness, visit www.MaternityAcupressure.com.