Acupressure Points for Pregnancy

Acupressure can be used safely throughout pregnancy to relieve many discomforts. You can go to a specialist to get acupressure treatment done, or you can learn and apply it to yourself. It is also a great technique for fathers-to-be to learn, because it is a proactive way to get involved in the pregnancy and labor to give special relief for loved ones.

Acupressure is a holistic system that builds on what the body is already doing right. In this way, the use of acupressure can be remarkably beneficial during pregnancy and labor in a number of ways.

Treating specific acupressure points helps you to relax and relieve back pain or induce labor as well as. Because of the potential for this kind of response, it is important that you know a thing or two about what you are doing, and not attempt certain acupressure techniques until after your due date so as not to trigger labor prematurely.

Acupressure, however, can be used safely throughout pregnancy to relieve many discomforts and painful conditions. There are several acupressure points for pregnancy that can be used during this unique period. You can utilize acupressure to get relief from backache and joint pain, and heartburn and high blood pressure as well. Acupressure is also a safe and effective way to relieve morning sickness and nausea, so there is no need to suffer from this discomfort which you cannot medicate during pregnancy.

For your back pain acupressure during pregnancy you’ll find step-by-step instruction in Home Acupressure for Back Pain guide by Virpi Tervonen

An excellent acupressure point for relieving nausea during pregnancy is called the Inner Gate (also called the Neiguan P6 acupressure point). This specific point is on your wrist and it is easy to treat by applying pressure with your fingertip while concentrating on your breathing. To use this stress relieving technique, first locate this acupressure point on the inside of your wrist. Measure three finger widths up your arm, from the wrist line. Use your thumb to locate the point in the hollow between the two bones and in the middle of the tendons. A slight soreness will let you know you have found the right location. Press the point firmly while you breathe out, and release pressure as you breathe in, repeating eight times on each wrist.




During the third trimester, acupressure can also help to encourage a head down position for the baby so as to ensure a smoother birth. Stimulation of specific acupressure points is also widely used for inducing labor of full time pregnancies, because it triggers womb contractions. These and some other acupressure points can also be used during childbirth in order to encourage womb contractions and thus assist the labor.

Acupressure can also be used to provide postpartum pain and symptom relief, as well as restore vitality after childbirth. There are also specific acupressure points that stimulate lactation and helps nursing.

Because of these various remarkable benefits, which acupressure has to offer, make acupressure part of your strategy for a healthy pregnancy, combined with other relaxation techniques for maximum effect.

This approach to health is beneficial for everyone, and what is better time to start taking better care of yourself than during pregnancy? Soothe those sore muscles and study ahead of time for ways to ease your labor. As a drug-free alternative for reducing pain, your knowledge will likely be of use to you throughout life. Nurture yourself and give your body the kind of care it deserves, especially when you are supporting another life in addition your own. You and your baby will both benefit from the extra attention.

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Acupressure for the active guy: this ancient healing art can boost your energy and relieve you pain—without needles

Tom, a personal trainer in his early 30s, had an atypical technique: Instead of just showing his clients an exercise, he occasionally would do it along with them in order to reinforce proper exercise form. The side-by-side approach did wonders for client motivation, but sometimes left him with inflamed muscles, characterized by especially painful knots in his back. And while the Jacuzzi helped to relax his muscles, it wasn't enough to stem the pain.

Then a doctor showed Tom a simple solution: Applying steady pressure right into the knots with his thumb, his knuckles or even a tennis ball would cause the pain to lessen and eventually disappear.



Acupuncture, the ancient Asian technique of sticking needles into specific target points of the body, has gained credence with Western doctors for its ability to reduce pain and other symptoms of certain ailments. But if you're one of those guys who belong to the very large group of belonephobes (needle haters), you will be relieved to know that you can also stimulate these points merely by pressing into them with your fingers.

"For some conditions, acupressure can be just as effective as acupuncture, or even more effective," says James Dillard, M.D., a specialist in alternative health care and an assistant clinical professor in rehabilitation medicine at Columbia University in New York City. "It's great for getting out the knots in your muscles that can occur when you work out, or tightness due to chronic stress. And it can be especially helpful for pains that flare up occasionally."


You can do some of this yourself at home or on the field, without having to make office visits to a professional. As a result, "acupressure can give athletes--or anyone--a competitive edge," says Michael Reed Gach, author of Acupressure's Potent Points and founder of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, Calif.

HOW IT WORKS

All forms of traditional Asian medicine are said to involve a system of meridians in the body that help control an energy force known as chi. Stimulating isolated points along the meridians makes the chi run more smoothly, helping to heal the area of impact as well as related organs. Those who view acupressure from a Western outlook, on the other hand, believe it has value largely because it can help relax muscles and stimulate blood flow.

"One of the Western explanations for acupressure is that you're causing a counterirritation that helps close the pain gates in the spinal cord--just as you'd do naturally if you stubbed your toe and grabbed it," Dillard says. "It also probably stimulates endorphins. But if we don't know exactly why it works, who cares? If it works, that's great."

A few small studies have shown that acupressure can be effective in relieving pain and helping people sleep. And since it's easy and has no side effects, there's almost no reason for you not to try it. Obviously, if you have any serious injuries, medical conditions, or chronic or severe pain, consult your doctor first. And if you're a pregnant woman, don't even try acupressure without a physician's guidance--but thanks for reading Men's Fitness.

HOW TO DO IT

How much force is enough? "The amount of pressure should make the point `hurt good,' somewhere between pain and pleasure," says Gach. "If there's muscular pain, you need to push slowly into the muscle. If there's joint pain, press into the indentation between the bones. Once the joint releases, it increases circulation to heal the area."

Be patient, Gach adds. "You often need to apply pressure many times a day over the course of several days to feel results. The process can be gradual--it's not just like pushing a button."

Here's how to treat yourself for problems the active guy is likely to face. For best results, relax and breathe deeply.

PROBLEM KNEE PAIN

SOLUTION Place a tennis ball on a pillow, then place your leg over it so the ball is pushing into the crease behind your knee. Find the sensitive spot just below your kneecap and just to the outside of the shinbone. Press into it lightly with your forefinger for about a minute. (If you may have a knee injury, see your doctor.)

PROBLEM DELAYED-ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS

SOLUTION Feel around through the muscle and find a spot that seems reactive--when you press on it, pain will seem to radiate outward. (Don't press on a bruised or injured area.) Using moderate force, press the spot with your thumb for at least a minute.

PROBLEM MUSCLE CRAMPS AND SPASMS DUE TO INTENSE TRAINING

SOLUTION Use your heel to rub the junction between your big toe and second toe for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other foot. This spot purportedly benefits the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can be damaged by too much exertion.

PROBLEM LOW ENERGY

SOLUTION For a preworkout boost, find any tender spot or knot along the back of your shoulders and press into it with your fingers for one minute. (If you can't reach, ask a friend.)

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How to Find a Point:Acupressure Point Names and Reference Numbers

You locate an acupressure point by referring to anatomical landmarks. To help you find them, all of the points in this book are illustrated with a description of these landmarks (such as bone indentations and protrusions).

Some acupressure points lie underneath major muscle groups. While points near a bone structure usually lie in an indentation, muscular points lie within a muscular cord, band, or knot of tension. To stimulate the point, press directly on the cord or into the hollow.

As acupressure evolved, each of the 365 points was named poetically, originally with a Chinese character. The imagery of its name offers insight into either a point's benefits or location. For instance, the name Hidden Clarity refers to the mental benefit of the point: It clears the mind. Shoulder's Corner refers to that point's location. The Three Mile Point earned its name because it gives a person an extra three miles of energy. Runners and hikers have used this famous point to increase stamina and endurance.

Some of the names of the acupressure points also serve as a powerful meditation tool. By pressing a point and silently repeating its name while you visualize its benefit and breathe deeply, you can realize the full potential power that each point offers. As you hold the Sea of Vitality points in your lower back, breathe deeply and visualize each breath replenishing your deep reservoir of vitality. Use the power of your mind to strengthen and help heal your lower back.

You can create affirmations with the names of the points -- powerful action statements that amplify a point's benefits. For example, hold the Letting Go points on the upper, outer chest with your fingertips. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself letting go of tension, frustration, and stress. As you hold and breathe into these points, repeat to yourself that you are now letting go of all negativity and irritability.

In addition to its name, each point was assigned an identification number to track its placement along the body. Point location numbers, such as St 3 or GI3 21, are a standard referencing system used by professional acupressurists and acupuncturists and so I use them as an additional label, too. These notations are explained in the Glossary, but you do not need to know or remember any of these numbers to practice the self-acupressure techniques in this book.

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Acupressure Can Help To Relieve Heartburn Symptoms

Acupressure is the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which pressure is applied by hand to the same acupoints where needles would be inserted for acupuncture treatments. In this new trial, conducted at Australia's University of Adelaide, researchers applied a mild electrical pulse to stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist known as Neiguan, which is associated with upper gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn...


Cutting off your nose (metaphorically, of course) to spite your face is obviously not a wise idea. But what about cutting off your nose to improve your nose?

Sounds crazy? Sure. But that's what many people who suffer from chronic heartburn and acid reflux are doing when they perpetuate their condition by taking prescription strength antacid medications. Stomach acids are indispensable to proper digestion. Neutralise those acids on a regular basis and you're just asking for trouble.

So...what to do? That's what an HSI member named Lesley wants to know. She writes: 'I am suffering with acid reflux. While I am able to control it to a certain extent by diet, I still suffer some symptoms. Is there some alternative medicine I can use to improve the symptoms?'

The quick answer: Yes. But first we'll stop off in Australia to look at the most recent investigation of a non-drug treatment for heartburn.

Stimulating acupressure points to treat heartburn

As I've noted in previous e-alerts, acupressure is the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which pressure is applied by hand to the same acupoints where needles would be inserted for acupuncture treatments.

In this new trial, conducted at Australia's University of Adelaide, researchers applied a mild electrical pulse to stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist known as Neiguan, which is associated with upper gastrointestinal conditions. Fourteen healthy volunteers with no symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux received stimulation at the Neiguan point and at a sham point on the hip.

Using a barostat balloon to measure movement of the oesophagus, researchers found that Neiguan stimulation prompted about 40 percent fewer relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) compared to stimulation of the sham point. The LES is the sphincter at the junction where the oesophagus meets the stomach. When the LES is relaxed, small amounts of stomach acid can slip past and irritate the oesophagus. In other words, LES relaxation often prompts heartburn.

In an interview with Reuters Health, lead researcher Dr Richard H. Holloway described his trial as 'very preliminary.' Further tests will be needed to determine if the same effect would occur with acid reflux patients, and if so, how long the effects might last.

Simple remedy for acid reflux

Meanwhile, Lesley still has an acid reflux problem to contend with. And while there's certainly no harm in seeking out a good acupressure practitioner to try out a stimulation of her Neiguan point, there is another way she can address her problem naturally.

In the e-alert 'Natural relief from the pain of heartburn' (18/11/04), US HSI Panellist Dr Allan Spreen shared a natural therapy he's used in his practice to successfully treat many cases of heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. Dr. Spreen describes his treatment as 'ridiculously simple and cheap.' And while he feels confident that he can stop more than 2/3 of all heartburn and reflux cases, he notes that the most difficult situations (such as overt ulcers and other serious gastro intestinal illnesses) will require a more aggressive approach.

For the remaining 66+ percent of cases, a treatment consisting primarily of acidophilus and digestive enzymes will usually do the trick. In Dr. Spreen's words: 'Acidophilus supplements (powder form, the liquid tastes awful) protect the oesophagus without killing acid (while killing the pain almost immediately). The hassle is, you have to keep it handy and take it often if you don't solve the whole problem, which involves tightening the gastro oesophageal sphincter.

'That can be done using the English herbs (Potter's Acidosis) or by improving the environment of the stomach, which then tightens the junction on its own but requires a bit more effort.'

Just add acid...and enzymes

Dr. Spreen explains that when the stomach is low on acid it tends to also be low on digestive enzymes. And believe it or not, his solution (along with acidophilus protection) is to ADD acid and digestive enzymes at the same time. He says, 'Remember, it isn't acid that's the problem (you need it desperately for digestion); it's acid reaching the oesophagus.

'Proper digestion allows for higher concentration of acid while tightening the gastro oesophageal junction and protecting the oesophagus. I do that by using betaine hydrochloride, a plant-based form of acid like the acid in the stomach (you hope) that is available from sources online.'

Acidophilus is available at most supplement stores and through many Internet sources. And according to Dr. Spreen, refrigerated varieties in capsules or powder form are best. He writes: 'They should be measured in billions (with a 'B') of CFU (colony-forming units). You take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (or equivalent capsules by opening them) right before meals and bedtime, plus anytime that you experience the burning. It's best to just let the saliva take the substance down the throat, but a few sips of water are okay.

'It's possible to be sensitive to high doses of acidophilus, but uncommon, and even less so if there's a chance of levels being low (as in reflux problems). If that occurs you just stop or lower the dose temporarily and then see how much you can build back up to.'

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