Difference between revisions of "Use Acupressure to Induce Labour"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Understanding Acupressure=== | ===Understanding Acupressure=== | ||
| − | #Familiarize yourself with the concept of acupressure. Acupressure is a therapy developed over 5,000 years ago in Asia that is important in Chinese medicine. It uses specific finger placement and pressure along pivotal points on the body.<ref name="rf9687" /> Acupressure most commonly uses the fingers, especially the thumbs, to massage, rub, and stimulate the pressure points. However, elbows, knees, legs, and feet can also be used.<ref name="rf15819">http://www.acupressure.com/index.htm#acupressure</ref> | + | #Familiarize yourself with the concept of acupressure. Acupressure is a therapy developed over 5,000 years ago in Asia that is important in Chinese medicine. It uses specific finger placement and pressure along pivotal points on the body.<ref name="rf9687">http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment</ref> Acupressure most commonly uses the fingers, especially the thumbs, to massage, rub, and stimulate the pressure points. However, elbows, knees, legs, and feet can also be used.<ref name="rf15819">http://www.acupressure.com/index.htm#acupressure</ref> |
#*The points are thought to be arranged along channels, called meridians. According to Asian medical philosophy, stimulating these areas can release tension and increase blood flow.<ref name="rf15820">http://www.acupressure.com/articles/acupuncture_and_acupressure_points.htm</ref> | #*The points are thought to be arranged along channels, called meridians. According to Asian medical philosophy, stimulating these areas can release tension and increase blood flow.<ref name="rf15820">http://www.acupressure.com/articles/acupuncture_and_acupressure_points.htm</ref> | ||
#*The popular massage technique of Shiatsu massage is a form of Asian Bodywork Therapy from Japan.<ref name="rf15821">http://www.earthtouchshiatsu.com/whatis.php</ref> | #*The popular massage technique of Shiatsu massage is a form of Asian Bodywork Therapy from Japan.<ref name="rf15821">http://www.earthtouchshiatsu.com/whatis.php</ref> | ||
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#Try Jian Jing/Gallbladder 21. Gallbladder 21 is located between the neck and the shoulder. Before locating GB21, drop your head forward. Have someone find the round knob at the top of the spine, and then the ball of your shoulder. GB21 is located midway between these two points. | #Try Jian Jing/Gallbladder 21. Gallbladder 21 is located between the neck and the shoulder. Before locating GB21, drop your head forward. Have someone find the round knob at the top of the spine, and then the ball of your shoulder. GB21 is located midway between these two points. | ||
#*Using your thumb or index finger, apply steady downward pressure to this point to massage and stimulate the area. You can also pinch the point between the thumb and index finger on your opposite hand, massage in a downward motion with the index finger for 4-5 seconds while releasing the pinch hold. | #*Using your thumb or index finger, apply steady downward pressure to this point to massage and stimulate the area. You can also pinch the point between the thumb and index finger on your opposite hand, massage in a downward motion with the index finger for 4-5 seconds while releasing the pinch hold. | ||
| − | #*This pressure point is also used for neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder aches, and pain.<ref name="rf193" /> | + | #*This pressure point is also used for neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder aches, and pain.<ref name="rf193">http://exploreim.ucla.edu/chinese-medicine/acupressure-point-gb21/</ref> |
#Rub Ciliao/Bladder 32. This pressure point lies on the lower back, between the back dimples and the lumbar spine. It is used for inducing labor, easing pain during labor, and helping the baby descend. | #Rub Ciliao/Bladder 32. This pressure point lies on the lower back, between the back dimples and the lumbar spine. It is used for inducing labor, easing pain during labor, and helping the baby descend. | ||
#*To locate this point, have the pregnant woman kneel on the floor or a bed. Drag your fingers down alongside the spine until you feel two small bony hollows (one on either side of the spine). These hollows will be between the dimples and spine - but not the dimples themselves.<ref name="rf15830">http://www.birthbalance.com/videos/acupressure.asp#prettyPhoto[g]/0/</ref> | #*To locate this point, have the pregnant woman kneel on the floor or a bed. Drag your fingers down alongside the spine until you feel two small bony hollows (one on either side of the spine). These hollows will be between the dimples and spine - but not the dimples themselves.<ref name="rf15830">http://www.birthbalance.com/videos/acupressure.asp#prettyPhoto[g]/0/</ref> | ||
