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An Intro to Natural Pain Relief for Childbirth Using Acupressure

© Debra Betts, NZRN, MBAA, NZRA

Debra Betts, an acupuncturist from New Zealand has done a fine job of explaining the use of acupressure as yet another option for non-medical pain relief in childbirth. Here, I have presented an introduction to acupressure, written by Debra, and I would encourage you to visit Debra's website for more information by following the link at the bottom of this article.

Introduction to Acupressure as a Natural Pain Reliever for Childbirth

My initial intention in showing these points to couples was to provide them with a useful tool for labour. It wasn’t until using them myself, with the birth of my second child, that I fully understood the feedback I had been receiving. They weren’t just “useful”, they were essential! When my partner was not using the points the contractions definitely intensified! During the birth of our first child, I was timing the contractions as lasting 15 seconds, while without acupressure, they were lasting a full minute. This effect continued until shortly before transition.

As an acupuncturist, I was surprised to find such a powerful effect using acupressure. (There are studies demonstrating the effect of acupuncture during labour but none that I know of for acupressure).

In traditional Chinese medicine terms, I see them as prompting the body to work more efficiently. From a medical model, they can be viewed as promoting the release of endorphins, blocking the pain receptors to the brain, dilating the cervix, and increasing the efficiency of the contractions.

What is important is that they are easy to use, can be used at the beginning of labour by the support people, and that there are consistent effects. From my own clinical follow up, 83% of people using them found them useful. Of those people, 60% described them as “excellent”, “brilliant” and “amazing”.

This booklet outlines eight points and details their use in a “hands on” approach. They are labeled as acupuncture points – the letters indicate the name of the meridian, and the number corresponds to the position on that meridian. Extra points have been labeled according to the body part.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are a series of channels that carry chi (energy) through the body. These meridians are a separate system from nerves, blood vessels and lymphatic ducts. They contain over 600 points. It is through restoring and balancing the body’s energy that changes can be made to the way the body functions.

There are points labeled “Forbidden to use during pregnancy”. These are points that can be used to induce labour. Due to this effect they should not be used with any strong pressure during pregnancy. It is possible to practice locating these points prior to labour.