Sunday, May 24, 2009

What is Maternity Acupressure?

By Linda Deen

Maternity acupressure (or labor acupressure) is an all natural technique to help pregnant woman induce labor in a safe and natural way. It's also very effective in giving pain relief and can drastically improve your birthing experience.

But what is acupressure? Many people mistake acupressure for acupuncture. It's true they have a similar name and work in a similar way, but there is one major difference. Acupressure uses fingers instead of needles. It's a very gentle and safe technique, even for the pregnant mother to be.

In a way acupressure is acupuncture without needles. Actually it is the other way around, because acupressure came before acupuncture. The theory is that by using deep but gentle pressure on specific acu-points that are located on energy pathways called meridians, the blocked energy starts to release, stimulating the body's natural self-healing abilities.

Is there some research evidence that acupressure really works? Yes, many studies have been conducted and they all confirm positive effects of acupressure to some degree. I'm not familiar with any negative conclusions about acupressure. After all, it has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.

Acupressure is used for treating various ailments. In western world it's predominantly used to relieve pain, reduce stress and tension, and improve overall well being. In China people use it everyday for things like colds, headaches, sore muscles and even hangovers.

It can also be very useful during pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy it can be used to combat morning sickness, and increase energy levels and overall well-being. When the time comes it can help induce labor naturally, relive labor pains, strengthen contractions and keeping you calm and relaxed.

Maternity acupressure is a great way to naturally encourage your labor without having to resort to medications that could harm both you and your baby. It can be safely used at home with basic instructions.

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