Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 6,000 years ago that deals with the human body and the flow of natural energy within the body. Acupressure treats the body as an energy system and works to relieve a persons individual symptoms by releasing blocked energy centres in the body. These centres are called acupoints and are found on energy pathways called meridians.

Acupressure is somewhat similar to acupuncture, only it uses fingers and thumbs to stimulate specific points instead of needles. Acupressure is actually considered to be the mother of acupuncture, as it was used long before needles came into the equation.

Acupressure is usually applied by hand, but can also be applied by elbow or by various hand-held devices. By using deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints the blocked energy starts to release, allowing the body and mind to relax.

Acupressure is known to help in a number of positive ways - by reducing stress and tension, increasing blood circulation, aiding in the removal of toxic wastes, providing relief from head, neck and shoulder aches, increasing energy levels, stimulating speedy healing of injuries, increasing general well-being and last but not least - helping pregnant women to have a normal and safe birthing experience.

The latter is also called maternity acupressure or labor acupressure.

How can maternity or labor acupressure help pregnant women?

Maternity or labor acupressure is a holistic method that can have a remarkably beneficial effect in preparing the mother and the baby for the birth. It helps to induce labor naturally and is very effective in giving relief from labor pains without drugs and medications. During childbirth, it can be used to strengthen contractions, help the cervix to dilate and help to relax and stay calm.

A large number of pregnant women are using labor acupressure technique to induce labor naturally, if the pregnancy is overdue. Using acupressure to induce labor is as simple as locating sensitive spots on your skin and stimulating them by pressing the points with your thumb. Labor acupressure uses only application of pressure on specific spots on the skin, so it can be safely used at home with basic instructions. Labor acupressure is a very simple hands-on technique and extremely safe to use.

Studies show that over 80% of pregnant mothers using acupressure to induce labor naturally experience a normal and natural childbirth with significantly less complications than others who are not familiar with this technique. The use of labor acupressure also significantly shorten the total labor time. Women who have used acupressure during pregnancy and childbirth have been incredibly satisfied with the results of this method.