Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principle of acupuncture, which involves the use of finger pressure (without a needle) on acupuncture points situated on the meridians. Applying pressure to these acupressure points will increase the production of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, and endorphins. This is important during labour as it aids relaxation and reduces the perception of pain. Acupressure is a non-invasive technique. It is an accessible, effective and safe birthing tool for midwives and support people and promotes partner involvement. As it is drug free, it does not have harmful teratogenic effects, thus providing a much safer and satisfying childbirth experience. In addition to this, it is proven that touch during labour enhances the childbirth experience in as much as it reduces pain. By facilitating physiological births it also reduces the need for epidurals and C sections.
Promoting these skills and using acupressure techniques during labour enables professionals to offer women a wider range of choice in how to manage pain relief. Therefore, the use of acupressure offers a positive and non-traumatic birthing experience, provides a more general sense of wellbeing, empowers women and strengthens relationships with the midwife and the support people.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the theory behind acupressure for pain relief in labour.
2. Describe the technique involved in acupressure and on which point it should be performed.
3. Define how midwives and nurses can teach these techniques to women and their birthing partner or support person to promote partner involvement.
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