More and more, people are searching for holistic methods to address everyday health problems instead of relying on pharmaceutical or surgical solutions. This shift in healthcare choices has led many individuals to explore medical roots and therapies that date back centuries. One of the most popular holistic, often referred to as “alternative,” health options for pregnant women is acupressure and acupuncture.
Pregnancy often brings a range of aches, pains, and discomforts, from morning sickness to backaches. Fortunately, for each of these issues, there is a potential remedy. Acupressure and pregnancy are becoming a well-known duo, primarily because they offer a drug-free, safe, and effective way to treat many pregnancy-related ailments. It’s important to understand how acupressure works before seeking treatment. Unlike its needled counterpart, acupuncture, acupressure employs gentle pressure on various trigger points along the body to realign the nervous system, promoting overall well-being. These pressure points help the body release endorphins, which are essential for combating inflammatory pain and promoting healing.
Both acupressure and acupuncture for pregnancy are rooted in a form of Chinese medicine that dates back at least 2,000 years. The human body has pathways of balance known as meridians. Along these meridians are energy pathways or nerve frequencies. The theory suggests that when pain, illness, or dis-ease occurs in the body, it may be due to a blockage in the nervous or electrical pathways. This can be likened to kinks in a water hose; when the kinks are resolved, water flows freely. Acupuncture targets specific points—some along the spine and others along the nervous pathways—to relieve pain, tension, or blockages. This energy pathway is referred to as “chi” by Chinese practitioners, and it is associated with overall body balance. When chi is out of balance, the body can become sick or experience pain.
Women have successfully used acupressure during pregnancy for various issues, including infertility, morning sickness, swelling, backaches, cramping, pain from contractions, and even the induction of labor. Many childbirth centers today teach women and their partners how to safely and effectively use acupressure during pregnancy, allowing them to find relief in the comfort of their own homes without needing to visit a doctor. For many women who experience hormonal headaches or mood swings, acupressure has been shown to provide immediate and lasting relief without resorting to medications that may harm their baby. Some practitioners even use it to assist pregnant women dealing with toxemia or gestational diabetes. Several studies have found it to be the top choice for women suffering from severe bouts of vomiting during the first trimester. It has also proven beneficial for women experiencing miscarriage or first-trimester bleeding.
The benefits of acupressure during pregnancy are twofold. Not only does it help reduce maternal discomfort, but it can also benefit the developing fetus. Maternal toxins often contribute to childhood illnesses, and since each organ of the baby develops at specific times, acupressure performed by a trained professional can help clear these toxins, allowing for healthy organ and cell development. Similarly, when a mother experiences stress due to pain, discomfort, or illness, chemical reactions in her body can adversely affect the fetus. Acupuncture during pregnancy can help relieve these stressors, with most women feeling immediate relief during treatment.
Choosing the right acupressurist is crucial. Since acupressure can be specifically used to induce labor, it’s vital that your practitioner is fully trained. Most areas require acupressure and acupuncture practitioners to obtain state-level certifications. You should also consult your OBGYN for recommendations on therapists who specialize in pregnancy disorders. Typically, a session lasts anywhere from 10 to 35 minutes. Acupressure is very comfortable; while it doesn’t mimic a massage, the pressure applied should be firm but not painful. Most women report an energizing sensation throughout their bodies during a session.
If you haven’t already, consider finding a class that teaches you how to apply acupressure to yourself during pregnancy. This knowledge can provide immediate relief when dealing with pregnancy-related discomforts. Knowing how to alleviate throbbing feet, safely relieve headaches, or reduce morning sickness can empower you to enjoy this phase of your life without worrying about harming your baby with NSAIDs. Understanding the right touch and locating trigger points in your body can help you maintain health and comfort during pregnancy. Many classes and practitioners also teach couples how to work together using acupressure to enhance comfort during labor and delivery for both mother and baby.
Acupressure and pregnancy can be a beneficial partnership. However, it is essential for pregnant women to consult their doctors regarding any unusual, specific, or new problems they may encounter. Acupressure is effective at restoring balance in the body and can often alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, weight gain, or swelling, but it should not be used to treat illnesses. In fact, combining any recommended treatments with acupressure specifically designed for pregnant women is the best approach to maintaining health during pregnancy.
Even postpartum, acupressure remains beneficial. It can help reduce heavy bleeding after delivery and has proven effective in decreasing the incidence of postpartum depression or the “baby blues.” Additionally, for mothers interested in nursing, acupressure can stimulate lactation and ensure an adequate milk supply. As the uterus contracts postpartum, returning to its regular size, acupressure can facilitate this process, making it less painful and more efficient. A study from the Academy of Obstetrics showed that women who had regular acupressure sessions after delivery were five times more likely to resume normal menstrual cycles, even if they had been irregular before childbirth.
Western medicine has its uses and benefits, and few would dispute that. However, during pregnancy, it is crucial to consider the risks medications or pharmaceutical therapies pose to the fetus. When you do, you’ll see that in many ways, acupressure and pregnancy are indeed a perfect match.
