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Did you know Pressure points around the feet and along the body may help to induce labor naturally? Here's a quick guide to learn where to press and how to do an effective foot massage to induce labor at home and to get your baby moving!!
LOOKING FOR WAYS TO INDUCE LABOUR AT HOME?
Due dates are just estimates, and it is very common for women to go into labour one to two weeks before or after their projected due date. But if you’re officially over the 40-week mark, you are probably looking for any labour induction methods, such as home remedies and alternative therapies, that may kick-start labour and avoid medical induction.
Acupressure is an ancient therapy which involves stimulating specific pressure points and "energy channels" in a continuous rhythmic sequence. The pressure points that we will explain in this article have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to promote the blood flow to the uterus, influence hormonal responses, and stimulate uterine contractions.
Monica and Patrizia, our maternity acupuncturists, always try to teach their clients a few feet of acupressure points that can be stimulated after 38 weeks of a healthy pregnancy to induce labour.
SAFETY FIRST
When you can start using pressure points to induce labor
We do recommend trying these pressure points only after 38 weeks of pregnancy and only if your pregnancy has safely progressed to the end of the third trimester.
You can also massage (or even better, ask your partner to massage) these feet pressure points during labour to try to reduce pain.
We recommend stimulating these pressure points for a few seconds to start. Then, you can repeat and stay a little longer on each one. This may be done hourly.
CAN FOOT MASSAGE INDUCE LABOR?
Examining the Science Behind Pressure Points
Scientific research on natural methods for labour induction, such as acupressure, is still quite limited and new. A few recent studies suggest that foot massage may help to induce labor.
Moreover, a 2010 study found that stimulating the Spleen 6 pressure point could contribute to reducing the length of active labour. Another 2014 controlled trial suggested that women who used acupressure point Large intestine 4 for labour induction and during labour, had experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with those who did not.
At A to Zen therapies, we have had the honour of assisting many pregnant ladies in trying to induce their labour naturally through acupressure points and pregnancy acupuncture. We can testify that sometimes stimulating these labour induction feet pressure points does work.
Some of our maternity clients have been able to avoid a medical induction of labour, especially when combining regular acupuncture treatments with a targeted foot massage to induce labor at home.
WHERE TO MASSAGE TO INDUCE LABOR NATURALLY:
PRESSURE POINTS ON THE FEET
Foot massage is one of the most effective ways to induce labour naturally. The reflexology pressure points listed below are the same on both feet, and you can use your thumbs or fingers to massage the areas.
Be reassured that the baby will likely move a lot during the treatment. This is very common and totally normal.
Firstly, we will learn how to locate the foot pressure points. Then we will teach you how to massage and stimulate these pressure points to induce labor.
Feet pressure point to induce labor No. 1: PITUITARY GLAND
How to find it: This acupressure point is in the centre of the big toe pad. It is crucial because the pituitary gland releases oxytocin, the hormone that induces labour.
How to stimulate it: Push firmly into the centre of the big toe and make circles with your thumb or the knuckle of the index finger.
Feet pressure point to induce labor No. 2: THYROID
How to find it: The thyroid reflexology pressure point is located just below the big toe. It helps to regulate energy levels both during and after birth.
How to stimulate it: Use your thumb to make big, slow circles on the big toe pad. Start at the ball of your foot and slowly move your thumb up towards the base of the big toe, making full circles each time.
Feet pressure point to induce labor No. 3: ADRENAL GLANDS
It is important to stimulate the adrenals to promote relaxation and assist the cervix to dilate for natural labour. Adrenals' secretions give the body energy, endurance, immune system strength and the ability to manage stress. A natural rescue remedy for anxiety!
How to find it: Find the highest point of your arch (the curved part of your foot). Now, imagine a line going straight down from the middle of your big toe pad. The pressure point is halfway between that line and the highest point of your arch, on the inner side of your foot.
How to stimulate it: Push in and out gently with your thumb
Feet pressure point to induce labor No. 4&5: OVARIES & UTERUS
How to find it: There are two pressure points on the sides of your heel, one on the inner side (medial) and one on the outer side (lateral).
How to stimulate it: You can use very firm pressure on these points. But be aware that they will be quite sensitive. Use your thumbs or knuckles and make circles in a clockwise direction.
Extra tip: You can also hold the pituitary and uterus together while taking deep breathes.
Feet pressure point to induce labor No. 6&7: CERVICAL 1 & LUMBAR 3
The Cervical 1 reflex represents the nerve root to the pituitary gland while Lumbar 3 is the nerve root to the uterus. That’s why it is important to stimulate these points. They may cause the uterus to contract and help with free-flowing messages to the uterus.
How to find it:
Big Toe Point (Cervical 1): This point is located on the inner side of the big toe, along the bone.
Inner Ankle Point (Lumbar 3): This point is found in a small dip on the inner ankle bone.
How to stimulate it: Press firmly with your thumb and make large circles
Don’t worry if you don't find these points at first, as it may take quite a few tentatives. Most of these points will feel sensitive.
PRESSURE POINTS ON THE BODY
Acupuncture Point No. 1: SPLEEN 6
Spleen 6 is the most versatile and commonly used acupuncture point used along feet pressure points to induce labor. It is thought to regulate the uterus and induce labour and it may also help with chronic tiredness and exhaustion.
Where to massage to induce labor: Spleen 6 is a pressure point on the leg. It is located about four fingers above the big bump on your inner ankle, on the back of your shinbone. So it is quite easy to find as it is usually quite sensitive to the touch.
HOW TO LOCATE SPLEEN 6 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):
How to stimulate it: Use your thumb to press firmly on the point on your other leg. f it is too painful, you can also rub the spot in a circle instead.
Acupuncture Point No. 2: BLADDER 60
Bladder 60 is a very dynamic point. Therefore it is very important in the treatment of any blockage along the course of the Bladder channel. In fact, it is thought to have a powerful effect on the uterus, alleviating pain and inducing labour naturally.
Where to massage to induce labor: Bladder 60 is also a foot pressure point. You can find it by feeling the bony bump on your outer ankle and the Achilles tendon (the big tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel). The point is in the hollow space between these two landmarks, level with the top of the bony ankle bump.
HOW TO LOCATE BLADDER 60 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):
How to stimulate it: You can press or massage this spot on your foot with your thumb or finger. Then hold the pressure for a bit or rub it gently to loosen any tightness you feel. You can also stretch the foot towards the centre of your body to open up the point.
Acupuncture Point No. 3: LARGE INTESTINE 4
Large intestine 4 is probably the most common point in acupressure therapy. Because it has an extremely powerful effect on the body and mind. This point may help to descend stagnant energy, thus inducing natural labour. It can also assist with inadequate cervical dilatation and difficulty in expelling the placenta. Therefore it is one of the best point to use along feet pressure points to get the baby moving!
Where to massage to induce labor: It’s located on the back of the hand, at the centre of the flesh between your thumb and pointer finger.
HOW TO LOCATE LARGE INTESTINE 4 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):
How to stimulate it: To activate this point, you can press firmly with your thumb right in the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger on the back of your hand.
Acupuncture Point No. 4: BLADDER 32
Bladder 32 offers a range of benefits and is often integrated into a pain management programme. In fact, this point is often used during labour for pain relief. You can also use it to induce labour contractions, help the cervix to dilate and the baby to descend. It can help with sciatica and lower back pain when sneezing.
Where to massage to induce labor: Bladder 32 is a pressure point on your lower back, found on either side of your spine. To aid its location, it is best to kneel on all fours, like a cat.
Those two little dents that feel like pea-shape at the base of your spine, near your tailbone? Those are your "dimples." Bladder 32 is between these dimples and your spine.
HOW TO LOCATE BLADDER 32 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):
How to stimulate it: You can press or rub these points on your lower back, one on each side of your spine. Use your knuckles or thumbs to apply firm pressure.
Acupuncture Point No. 5: GALL BLADDER 21
Gall Bladder 21 is with LI4, one of the most commonly used and dynamic points of the body. Because it is very effective for gynaecological disorders and for inducing labour naturally, for which it is extensively employed. In fact, it may help with prolonged labour, complicated delivery and retention of placenta. While it may also assist with swelling and pain of the breasts, mastitis and difficult lactation.
Where to massage to induce labor: Gallbladder 21 is a pressure point on your shoulder. Imagine a line going from the bony bump at the base of your neck to the tip of your shoulder bone. Find the highest point of the muscle in that area (often feels a bit tight). Gallbladder 21 is right in the middle of that high point. It might be easier to ask a friend to find it for you by feeling for the bump on your neck and the tip of your shoulder bone, then finding the middle of the muscle between those two points.
HOW TO LOCATE GALL BLADDER 21 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):
How to stimulate it:
You can activate this point on your shoulder in a few ways:
Press: Use your thumb or finger to press firmly on the spot.
Rub: Gently rub the area in a circular motion.
Knead: If someone is helping you, they can gently knead the muscle to loosen tightness.
Self-treatment tip: Pinch the spot between your thumb and index finger on your opposite hand. You can then press down gently or rub in a circle.
HOW DO YOU INCREASE YOUR CHANCES TO INDUCE NATURAL LABOUR?
Try Pregnancy acupuncture for Labour Induction!
Through the gentle application of needling-specific acupressure points on the feet and body, we aim to help women give birth by preparing the body for childbirth. Then we try to help promote uterine contractions and encourage natural labour.
Moreover, recent studies suggest Acupuncture for labour induction may encourage a baby to move. In fact, this type of specialised acupuncture may help with:
Potential Hormonal Shifts: Acupuncture may influence the release of hormones like oxytocin, which play a role in stimulating contractions.
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture's relaxing effects can potentially help decrease stress hormones that might hinder labor progression. Increased relaxation might encourage the baby to move into a more optimal position for birth.
Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the uterus, potentially providing a more favourable environment for contractions and fetal movement.
Furthermore, you can also try
Safe Pregnancy workouts and stretches: Gentle exercises - walking, birthing ball bouncing, and prenatal yoga poses - can encourage your baby to move into the ideal birthing position, which might also stimulate contractions.
Unwind and Prepare: Quieting your mind and body through relaxation techniques is a gift to yourself during pregnancy. It can help you feel more centered and equipped to handle labor, while also managing any discomfort that might arise. Consider activities like mindfulness colouring, which can promote calmness and help you to rest well.
TESTIMONIALS
"I was sceptical about acupuncture's effectiveness for labour induction, but I was willing to try anything as my due date approached. But I was pleasantly surprised when, after a couple of sessions, my contractions became stronger and more regular. I highly recommend acupuncture to anyone looking for a gentle way to encourage labor." - Lara, first-time mom
"I was overdue by a few days and feeling anxious. My midwife suggested trying acupuncture to help my body prepare for labor naturally. After a few sessions, I felt more relaxed and centred. I believe it helped my body be more receptive. And i went into labour the day after a few hours from the last session I had at 41 weeks. " - Sarah M., first-time mom
"Acupuncture was my last resort before considering medical induction, and I'm so glad I tried it. Not only did it help initiate labor naturally, but it also provided a sense of relaxation and calm during the process. I'm grateful for the skilled acupuncturist who guided me through this journey." - Olivia K., third-time mom
WHY CHOOSE OUR SERVICE
With over 10 years of experience, we have been working with pregnant ladies from the first trimester through to birth to enhance the health and wellbeing of mother and baby. We will also teach you specific acupressure points on the feet you can stimulate at home and enhance the effects of the treatment.
Book today your first appointment! Enjoy a truly tailored pregnancy treatment from experienced practitioners as you embrace a new life of significant change.
At A to Zen therapies, we offer Acupuncture, Cupping therapy, and different types of massage such as Relaxing Massage and Lymphatic drainage massage, which you can always choose to combine for the best outcome.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts about this article! So, how did you find the foot massage? Do you feel you learnt where to massage to induce labor or would you like more tips?
Please share your experience and whether stimulating these pressure points on the feet has helped you to induce labour at home and avoid medical induction!
