Labour-inducing pressure points

I found reference to these pressure points on a variety of websites.
All listings came with a warning NOT to use prior to being at full-term, as they are known to start/encourage labour.

 

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Points are located by proportional measurements called a “cun” — one cun is approximately equal to one thumb’s width. In order to assure accuracy, the width of the recipient’s thumb is the best determination of this measurement.

Hoku: This pressure point is found at the top of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Feel between your thumb and index finger until you feel and angle where the bones connect. To start contractions rub this point, amazingly enough this point can also be used as pain relief during labor.

Spleen 6 “Three Yin Intersection”: This point is found on the inside of the mother-to-be’s ankle. Find the ankle bone and move up the mothers leg about four of her fingers width, at this point using some pressure rub for about one minute. It’s not actually on the shin bone, but towards the rear of the leg.

(Other instructions list this as being three cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, less than a finger’s width posterior to the border of the tibia.)

• This is the meeting point of the three yin channels (spleen, kidney and liver).
• Important for treatment of all gynecological, sexual, urinary, digestive and emotional imbalances.
• Nourishes and builds the blood.
• Use in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, menstrual cramps, abdominal distention/pain and diabetes.

Bladder 23, “Back Shu Point of the Kidney” or “Sea of Vitality”
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

• This point is a powerful place to strengthen both the yin and yang kidney energy.
• Helps strengthen the lower back and knees.
• Builds core energy.
• Helps the body replenish during times of personal transformation.
• Alleviates low back pain and fatigue.
• Fortifies the digestive organs and the immune system.

Bladder 32 – This point is halfway between the dimple in the buttocks and the spine. You can find it by tracing up one of the mother’s finger width’s above the top of the buttocks crease. You should feel a small depression where the point lies.

BL 67 is in the foot by the smallest toe. This point can be hard to locate, but it’s right next to the toenail on the outside of the foot

Stomach 36, “Leg Three Miles”
Location: Three cun below the inferior border of the patella, one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. There is a small notch next to the tibia at this point.

• Ancient physicians said working on this point could treat all diseases.
• Chinese foot soldiers used to halt every three miles and massage Stomach 36 for renewed energy.
• Restores and builds energy in the stomach and spleen.
• Strengthens the stomach and improves digestion.
• Indicated for all digestive disturbances including gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
• Alleviates abdominal pain, distention, coldness and numbness in the legs.

The Shoulder Well is another great acupressure point to use during labor. Apply pressure to the highest point on the shoulder muscle (The area to be rubbed is located on the highest point of the trapzius muscle where the muscle connects to the neck.). To locate the area, measure four cuns from the joint of your shoulder, moving in towards your neck. This area will be very tender, and is also effective for managing pain during labor.

The Big and High point is located directly above the back of your heel. It’s located between the Achilles’ Tendon and your ankle. Apply pressure directly to this spot for the most benefits.

Lung 1, “Central Treasury”
Location: On the chest, 6 cun lateral from the midline, at the level of the first intercostal space, 1 cun below the lateral extremity of the clavicle.

• This is the collecting point for all the energy of the lungs.
• Helps the lung Qi to descend downward in the body to connect with the kidneys.
• Supports the lungs.
• Addresses acute coughs, asthma and a tight chest.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and upper back.

Large Intestine 4, “Union Valley”
Location: In the dorsal web space, between the first and second metacarpal bones (between the thumb and index finger), approximately level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Also – on the highest point of the bulge formed when the thumb is adducted.

To find LI 4, hold your palm downward and stretch out your fingers. In the webbing between the index finger and the thumb is point LI 4. Take your other hand and press on that point by pinching it between your index finger and thumb. Press toward the index finger of the hand you’re doing acupressure on.

• This is the command point for the face, mouth and head.
• Treats sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, sore throat, fever and toothaches.
• Strengthens the body’s defensive Qi and is helpful for colds, sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and arm.

Kidney 1, “Gushing Spring”
Location: On the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, one-third the distance from the webs of the toes to the heel.

• This is a very important point for grounding, connecting with the earth and rooting the energy downward.
• Helpful to calm someone who is in a disturbed state of restlessness or shock.
• Useful for headaches, anxiety, hypertension, diarrhea and insomnia.

Liver 3, “Great Surge”Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun superior to the web margin.

• This point is the source point of the liver meridian.
• This is a thoroughfare for Qi activity.
• Releases pent up energy that causes anxiety, anger, irritability, tension headaches, depression and PMS.
• Liberates energy that is caged.
• Smoothes energy that is aggressive and edgy.
• Nourishes tendons and ligaments by alleviating tightness, tension and spasms.
• Particularly effective in conjunction with Large Intestine 4.

Gallbladder 30, “Jumping Circle” or “Jumping Round”
Location: In the gluteal region, 1/3 the way along a line drawn from the greater trochanter to the inferior end of the sacrum.

• Benefits the low back and all leg joints.
• Strengthens and comforts the low back and leg.
• Alleviates sciatic pain, hip pain and rheumatism.
• Relaxes tendons and restores joint mobility.

Heart 7, “Spirit Gate” or “Mind Door”
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the insertion of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris into the pisiform bone.

• Calms the mind when overactive thinking is the culprit.
• Relieves insomnia due to overexcitement.
• Relaxes and eases anxiety.
• Reduces heart palpitations by regulating the heart and strengthening the spirit.

Small Intestine 11, “Celestial Gathering”Location: In the depression of the scapula half way between the left and right borders of the scapula and 1/3 the distance down from the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle of the scapula.

• Alleviates soreness of the shoulder and back.
• Reduces rigidity of the neck.
• Helps pain and numbness in the arm.
• Helps gather scattered or manic Qi in the body
• Sorts the real from the dream and the authentic from the inauthentic.