Acupressure for pain relief in Labour

 Labour which is intense in nature means most women will look for and use some form of pain relief during their childbirth. For those women who prefer to avoid or minimise the use of medical analgesia, acupressure is a safe, natural, and
easy to learn and apply technique, is an effective, drug-free alternative that
can significantly ease pain and reduce length of contractions experienced during childbirth.

 Acupressure is non-invasive and does not produce any of the undesirable or potentially harmful side-effects for mum or baby that can be associated with pharmacological pain relief. Using acupressure techniques gives birth partners a hands-on role and allows them to actively support the mother by providing emotional support and physical relief.

 It requires minimal instruction and can be taught to anyone, no previous knowledge of anatomy or massage required. It doesn’t interfere with a woman’s freedom of movement during labour and can be used in all birth settings, including water birth. For those who attend birth regularly it makes good sense to be familiar with acupressure   techniques as it is a very handy tool to have up their sleeves for use when required.
 
What is acupressure? 
Acupressure is a simple, safe and effective hands-on technique originating in China that involves the manual stimulation of specific points, known as Acupoints, on the body by applying pressure to them using the fingers, elbows, palms, or blunt-tipped instruments. The aim of acupressure is to relieve pain and discomfort, and to promote healing.

 Over 4000 years ago, long before the invention of
acupuncture needles, ancient Chinese medicine doctors would pinch, rub, press  and scrape designated points on the body to stimulate energy circulation.  So acupressure has been in use long
before acupuncture.
 
What else can acupressure treat during labour? 
Acupressure, like acupuncture, can be used to treat a variety of other conditions that may occur during labour and childbirth. For example, it can be used to help babies descend and engage, dilate the mother’s cervix, induce labour and strengthen contractions in slow, non-progressivelabours. It can also be used to alleviate nausea, combat fatigue in
protractedlabour and assist posterior positioned babies to turn to an optimal anterior position for easier birth.

Where can I find out more information on Acupressure for Labour ? 
There will be a Detailed Workshop on Sat 17th November 2012 from 11am-1pm at the CityNorth Hotel, Gormanston, Co. Meath, cost €95 per couple or if you prefer private classes can be arranged.  Pre booking is essential as class space is limited.  Call Niamh on 087 6307786

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