Acupressure for labour and birth
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a lot like acupuncture (the traditional Chinese medicine practice of inserting thin needles into strategic points of the body), but instead of using needles, acupressure targets those same points using firm massage or touch.
Research suggests that acupressure may reduce the length of labour, particularly in the first stage, and promote a more favourable state of the cervix (which may help avoid induction of labour and other interventions).
Acupressure is said to increase blood flow to the uterus, which influences hormonal responses and stimulates uterine contractions.
There are some major acupressure points for your body that help induce labour naturally. We go through these (and other major acupressure points for pregnancy, labour, birth, and breastfeeding) in our Hypnobirthing Australia course.
Some Common Acupressure Points for Bringing on Labour:
SP6 – The spleen 6 point is considered one of the more versatile and commonly used points. SP6 is located above the ankle, on the backside of the shinbone (lower calf). It’s about the distance of four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone.
LI4 – The most common point in acupressure therapy, the large intestine 4 point (LI4) is known as Hegu, meaning “joining valley.” It’s located on the back of the hand, deep between the webbing of your thumb and pointer finger. Like BL67, the LI4 point is believed to induce labour. It may also stop the pain and strengthen immunity, among other problem-relieving functions.
BL32 – Bladder 32 (BL32), also called the Ciliao, which means the second crevice, is located in the dimple of your buttocks, which you can find by running your fingers down your spine until you reach right above your intergluteal cleft. This point is believed to trigger contractions and help relieve gynecological issues.
Where can you learn acupressure?
If you are interested in trying acupressure for a natural start to labour and/or pain relief during labour, check out our Acupressure for Labour & Birth course by Dr Kate Levett. She is a world expert in acupressure for pregnancy and birth!
The ‘Acupressure for Labour & Birth’ course provides you with high-quality videos by world expert, Dr Kate Levett, demonstrating acupressure points and massage techniques for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. You’ll receive 12-month access to 11 high-quality videos by world expert Dr Kate Levett, expert tuition on the advantages of using acupressure for labour, birth and beyond, and easy-to-follow video tuition displaying the most common points used for pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding. SHOP NOW.
Acupressure Labour Ball: A Simple Tool for Labour Support
For many women, applying acupressure during labour can help encourage relaxation, provide a focal point during contractions, and support a more positive birth experience. The Birth Ally™ Acupressure Labour Ball is specifically designed to make these benefits accessible throughout labour and birth.
Featuring carefully positioned acupressure points, The Birth Ally™ can be held comfortably in the hands and squeezed during contractions to provide sensory distraction, promote relaxation, and help redirect attention away from discomfort. Many women find that having a simple, easy-to-use acupressure tool helps them stay focused on their breathing and birth preferences as labour intensity increases.
The Birth Ally™ Acupressure Labour Ball is a valuable addition to any birth toolkit and can be used alongside other comfort measures, including breathing techniques, movement, massage, water immersion, and Hypnobirthing strategies. Whether used at home during early labour or in the birth suite, it offers a practical way to incorporate the principles of acupressure into your birth experience.
By combining the benefits of acupressure with a portable and intuitive design, The Birth Ally™ provides expectant parents with another natural option for supporting comfort, confidence, and relaxation during labour.
