What Are The Best 7 Feet Pressure Points To Induce Labor Naturally?

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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 the best acupressure points. It also explains how to perform an effective foot massage at home to induce labor and get your baby moving!

Looking For Ways To Induce Labor At Home?

Due dates are just estimates. Many women go into labor one to two weeks before their projected due date, and others may do so one to two weeks after.

If you’re officially over the 40-week mark, you might be looking for labor induction techniques. These may include home remedies and therapies to kick-start labor and avoid medical induction. 

In this article, we will also explore how at-home remedies, such as castor oil and nipple stimulation, may also induce labor naturally.

Acupressure is an ancient therapy that stimulates specific pressure points and "energy channels" in a continuous rhythmic sequence.

The acupressure points discussed in this article have been used for thousands of years. They are part of Chinese medicine to induce labor. They 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. They teach a few feet acupressure points. These points can be stimulated after 38 weeks of a healthy pregnancy to induce labor.

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Safety First

When you can start using pressure points to induce labor

We do recommend trying these pressure points to bring on labor. Try them only after 38 weeks of pregnancy. Ensure your pregnancy has safely progressed to the end of the third trimester.

You can massage these feet' pressure points during labor. Even better, ask your partner to massage them. This might help 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 Pressure Points Massage Induce Labor?

Foot reflexology, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and parts of the body. It is thought that by stimulating these reflex points, imbalances in the body can be corrected.

For example, applying pressure to specific areas of the foot may help to improve the function of the uterus and ovaries, supporting overall reproductive health.

Foot reflexology may help induce labor by stimulating specific points on the feet, potentially encouraging the release of oxytocin, a crucial hormone in childbirth.

Examining the Science Behind Pressure Points

Scientific research on natural ways for labor induction, like 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 reduce the length of active labor.

Another 2014 controlled trial suggested that women who used acupressure points like Large intestine 4 to induce labor. During labor, these women experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with those who did not.

At A to Zen therapies, we have had the honor of assisting many pregnant ladies. They try to induce their labor naturally through acupressure points and pregnancy acupuncture.

Yes! Sometimes, stimulating these feet' pressure points to bring on labor does work.

Some of our maternity clients have successfully avoided a medical induction of labor. They achieved this by combining regular acupuncture treatments with a targeted foot massage to induce labor at home.

How To Induce Labor Naturally with Pressure Points

Pressure Points On The Feet

Foot massage is one of the most effective ways how to induce labor naturally. The foot reflexology pressure points to induce labor listed below are the same on both feet. You can use your thumbs or fingers to massage the areas.

Be reassured that the baby will often move a lot during the treatment. This is very common and totally normal.

Firstly, we will learn how to locate the foot reflexology pressure points to induce labor. Then, we will teach you how to massage and stimulate these pressure points to induce and bring on 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. Make circles using your thumb or the knuckle of the index finger. 

Foot reflexology 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. Slowly move your thumb up towards the base of the big toe. Make full circles each time.

Feet reflexology pressure point to induce labor No. 3: ADRENAL GLANDS

It is important to stimulate the adrenals to promote relaxation and help the cervix to dilate for natural labor.

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 located halfway between that line and the highest point of your arch. It is on the inner side of your foot.

How to stimulate it: Push in and out gently with your thumb

Feet reflexology 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 is on the inner side (medial). The other is 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 hold the pituitary and uterus together while taking deep breaths. 

Feet reflexology pressure point to induce labor No. 6&7: CERVICAL 1 & LUMBAR 3

The Cervical 1 reflex signifies the nerve root to the pituitary gland. Lumbar 3 is the nerve root to the uterus. That’s why it is important to stimulate these points.

They can 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 a

Pressure Points On The Body To Induce Labor Naturally

Acupuncture Point No. 1:  SPLEEN 6 

Spleen 6 is the most versatile and commonly used acupuncture point along feet pressure points to induce labor.

It is thought to regulate the uterus and is one of the best points to induce labor naturally. It can also help with chronic tiredness and exhaustion.

Where to massage to induce labor: Spleen 6 is a pressure point on the leg. It is about four fingers above the big bump on your inner ankle, on the back of your shinbone. So, it is easy to find as it is usually quite sensitive to the touch. 

HOW TO LOCATE SPLEEN 6 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOR INDUCTION):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtlW1nWGXTY

How to stimulate it: Use your thumb to press firmly on the point on your other leg. You can rub the spot in a circle if it is too painful.

Acupuncture Point No. 2: BLADDER 60 

Bladder 60 is a very dynamic point. Thus, it is very important in treating 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 labor 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. Locate 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):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC0ucLYpjF8&ab_channel=AcuBirth

How to stimulate it: Press or massage this spot on your foot with your thumb or finger. Then, hold the pressure or rub it gently to loosen any tightness you feel.

You can also stretch the foot towards the center of your body to open up the point.  

Acupuncture Point No. 3: LARGE INTESTINE 4

Large intestine 4 is probably one of the most common points in acupressure therapy to induce labor because it potently affects the body and mind.

This point can help to descend stagnant energy, thus inducing natural labor. It can also help with inadequate cervical dilatation and difficulty expelling the placenta. 

So it is one of the best points to use along feet pressure points to get the baby moving!

Where to massage to induce labor: It’s on the back of the hand. It's at the centre of the flesh between your thumb and pointer finger. 

HOW TO LOCATE LARGE INTESTINE 4 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOUR INDUCTION):

https://youtu.be/cKxBsmKDvSA

How to stimulate it: To activate this point, press firmly with your thumb. Do this 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 labor for pain relief.

You can also use it to induce labor contractions, help the cervix to dilate and the baby to descend. It can also help to relieve back pain, easing sciatica symptoms.

Where to massage to induce labor: Bladder 32 is a pressure point on your lower back. It can be 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):

https://youtu.be/vmlHAisOtyY

How to stimulate it: Press on these points on your lower back. You can also rub them. There's one point 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 inducing labor naturally, for which it is extensively employed.

It can help with prolonged labor, complicated delivery and retention of the placenta. It can also help with swelling and pain of the breasts, mastitis and difficulty with lactation. 

Where to massage to induce labor: Gallbladder 21 is a pressure point on your shoulder. Visualize a line starting at the bony bump at the base of your neck and extending to the tip of your shoulder bone.

Find the highest point of the muscle in that area (it often feels quite 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. They can feel the bump on your neck. Then, locate the tip of your shoulder bone. Finally, find the middle of the muscle between those two points.

HOW TO LOCATE GALL BLADDER 21 (PRESSURE POINT FOR LABOR INDUCTION):

https://youtu.be/XjuQadqgkY8

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 Labor?

Pregnancy Acupuncture for Labor Induction

We gently apply needling-specific acupressure points to the feet and body. This aims to induce labor. Our goal is to help women to give birth by preparing the body for childbirth.

Then, we try to help promote uterine contractions and encourage natural labor.

Moreover, recent studies suggest Acupuncture for labor induction can encourage a baby to move. This type of specialized acupuncture can help with:

• Potential Hormonal Shifts: Acupuncture can influence the release of hormones like oxytocin, which stimulates contractions.

• Stress Reduction: Acupuncture's relaxing effects can help decrease stress hormones that hinder labor progression. Increased relaxation can encourage the baby to move into a more optimal position for birth.

• Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the uterus, providing a more favorable environment for contractions and fetal movement.

Other Remedies How to Induce Labor Naturally

Furthermore, you can also try:

Safe Pregnancy workouts and stretches

Gentle exercises include walking, bouncing a birthing ball, and prenatal yoga poses. Pregnancy workouts can encourage your baby to move into the ideal birthing position and 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 can arise.

Consider activities like mindfulness colouring, which can promote calmness, combat stress, and help you rest well. Consider creating a custom Neon Sign with an empowering affirmation to boost confidence. This visual reminder will reinforce positive thoughts and inspire you daily.

Castor Oil Packs to induce labor

Castor oil is a viscous liquid derived from castor beans. When castor oil packs are applied to the abdomen, they are believed to stimulate the intestines, potentially leading to contractions and induce labor naturally.

Yet, the exact mechanism by which castor oil might induce labor is not fully understood. Traditionally, castor oil packs were a home remedy sometimes used to induce labor. While anecdotal evidence suggests they may be effective, scientific research on their efficacy is limited.

Do Not Use Castor Oil Without Medical Supervision. Using castor oil to induce labor without proper medical guidance can be risky.

Nipple Stimulation to induce labor​

This method works by triggering the release of oxytocin. This is a powerful hormone that plays a crucial role in childbirth. So, many women try Nipple stimulation to induce labor.

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 to birth to enhance the health and well-being 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 your first appointment today! Enjoy truly tailored pregnancy treatment from experienced practitioners as you embrace a new life of significant change.

Book Acupuncture for Labour induction

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.

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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, bring on labour at home and avoid medical induction!