Pregnancy and motherhood are undoubtedly two of the best stages of a
woman’s life where she can experience the heavenly feeling of creation.
Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, all attention and effort are
directed towards monitoring the growth and development of the baby, but
the scenario alters entirely once the baby is born. The mother must
realize the she is the single most important part of her baby’s world,
and it is imperative to take care of her own health in order to take
proper care of the newborn. The first 30 to 40 days succeeding delivery
are the most important days following childbirth when the mother needs
to be nurtured and cared for so that she can rest and recover.
There are a number of health issues that
arise after delivery but in most cases the mother ignores it and puts
the entire focus on the baby. But these issues can have a harmful effect
in the long run. Pregnancy acupressure is a holistic and self-healing way that can help in treating the postpartum issues and promote speedy recovery of the mother.
Postpartum Issues that can be Treated with Acupressure and Acupuncture
Some of the most common post-pregnancy issues that can be resolved with acupressure treatment are as follows:
- Postnatal Depression
- Insufficient Lactation and Breastfeeding Problems
- Mastitis
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Sciatica
- Urinary Incontinence
- Tiredness and Exhaustion
Important Acupressure Points to Treat Postpartum Issues
The few weeks after delivery are a very
delicate period where great care must be taken of both the mother and
the baby. At this point, the mother can face various physical and
emotional problems. But all these problems can be relieved with the healing touch of acupressure.
Acupressure Points for Postnatal Depression Treatment
Acupressure and acupuncture in pregnancy
can bring about a lot of positive change in the health of the mother
and make things easier and smoother for the new mother. One of the
greatest difficulties that most new mothers face is postpartum
depression, and anxiety and acupressure are the best natural way to come
out of it, rather than depending on anti-depressant medications.
Stimulating the following points can help in relieving this issue.
HT7
This is an important point for postnatal
recovery and is a renowned point for calming the mind and the spirit
and bringing about harmony in the emotions. This point is also known as
the “Gate of Spirit” and is located at the end of the wrist crease, on a
line directly below the little finger.
This point can be stimulated by applying
moderate pressure using your thumb for three to five minutes. This
point is also useful in treating insomnia, sleeping disorders, panic,
nausea and emotional and psychological issues.
PC6
This is yet another important
acupressure point for post-delivery care for the mother. This point is
also called the “Inner Gate” and can be located by measuring the point
three finger widths above the wrist crease, right between the two
tendons on the inner side of the forearm.
This point is said to open the pathway to the heart and has a powerful calming and soothing effect on the spirit. It helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. It is also useful in treating asthma, vomiting, palpitations and poor memory.
Acupressure Points for Insufficient Lactation
One of the vital concerns of the mother
is the supply of optimum nutrients to the newborn baby and mother’s milk
is undoubtedly the best available nutrition for the child. But in
certain cases the mother may suffer from insufficient milk production
which can lead to worries and a lot of stress for the mother. But
acupressure can help in treating the problems of insufficient lactation
in a natural and permanent way.
SI1
The point Small Intestine 1 or Lesser
Marsh holds a very important place in acupuncture pregnancy and is
widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat breast disorders.
This point is located at the corner of the nail on the ulnar side of the
little finger.
Stimulating this point on both little
fingers can help in treating insufficient lactation, breast abscess,
mastitis and cysts. In addition, this acupressure point treats headache, sore throat, dizziness, earache and eye redness.
ST18
Stomach Meridian 18 or Breast Root is
one of the most functional points of acupressure in pregnancy and
delivery. This point is found on the side of the breast, in line with
the armpit.
Stimulating this point on both sides can
help in relieving issues with the breasts like pain and swelling,
insufficient lactation and mastitis. It also helps in treating cough, asthma and chest tightness.
Acupressure Points for Mastitis
Mastitis is common among breastfeeding
women, and it is caused by inflammation of the tissues of the mammary
glands. The inflamed tissues lead to hardening of the breasts along with
sore spots inside the breasts. This infection leads to blockage of the
milk duct and reduces milk supply. This problem can be treated
effectively with pregnancy acupressure points.
SI1
Small Intestine 1 or Lesser Marsh is the ultimate point for treating all types of issues with the breasts.
Stimulating this point for five minutes
on both fingers alternately can help in treating breast inflammation,
mastitis, cysts in breasts and abscess.
ST15
Stomach Meridian 15 also known as the
Roof is a vital point of acupuncture for pregnancy and postpartum
complications. This point is located four fingers width below the
shoulder and at the side of the areola.
Exciting this point with the fingers can
help in relieving breast pain, mastitis, distension and abscess. It is
also useful in treating general chest pain, oppression and fullness of
the chest.
Acupressure Points for Back Pain, Hip Pain and Sciatica
Carrying the baby in the womb for 9 long
moths puts a lot of stress on the pelvic region of the mother and back
pain, hip pain and sciatica are some of the common complaints of new
mothers. Soothing massage and acupressure are some of the natural
healing techniques that can help in relieving the postpartum pains.
B48
The point B48 also knows as the “Womb
and Vitals” is an important point of acupuncture in pregnancy and
postpartum recovery. This point is located two finger widths outside the
large bony area at the end of the spine and midway between the top of
the hipbone and base of the buttocks.
Stimulating this point on both sides of the body helps in relieving pelvic tension, lower back pain,
sciatica, hip pain and tension. This point is also helpful in treating
other associated postpartum issues like bladder weakness, urinary
problems, haemorrhoids, etc.
GB30
Point GB30 is also called “Jumping
Circle” and it plays a pivotal role in acupuncture and pregnancy. This
point is located in the lower back, four finger widths away from the
spine, at the level of the waist.
Stimulating this point help in relieving
hip pain, backache, sciatica and fatigue. It also helps in relaxing the
joints and tendons and relieving rheumatism.
Acupressure Point for After Pains
After Pains are the type of pains
associated with cramping and contraction of the uterus as it starts to
shrink and return to its normal size and location after delivery. The
pain can vary in intensity due to the change in the muscle tone of the
uterus. Stimulating the following acupressure points can help in
relieving the after pains.
LI4
LI4 or the “Joining Valley” is the most famous acupressure point that is helpful for relieving all types of pains
and cramps. This point is avoided during pregnancy because of its labor
inducing effects, but it can be used safely to relieve after pains.
This point is located in the valley-like
depression between the thumb and forefinger. Apply pressure on this
point using your fingers for 30 minutes and then relax. Repeat it 2 to 3
times on both hands for best results.
SP6
The SP6 is also known as the “Meeting of
the Three Yin”, and it is the point where the three meridians or yin
channels – spleen, liver and kidney meet. Being such a powerful point,
it is used to treat problems of infertility and gynaecological problems.
This point is positioned on the inner
side of the lower leg, four finger width above the ankle bone. Although,
this point is avoided during pregnancy, but it can be used safely after
delivery to soothe the intensity of the uterine contractions.
Acupressure Points for Tiredness and Fatigue
During and after pregnancy, the body of
the mother goes through a lot of changes that puts a considerable amount
of stress on the body which leads to a constant feeling of tiredness
and fatigue. But stimulating the following acupressure points can help
in reenergizing the body instantly.
ST36
The ST36 or “Leg Three Miles” is one of
the most powerful acupressure points that help in enhancing energy and
immunity in the body. This point is located four finger widths below the
lower end of the knee cap.
Applying moderate pressure on this point
on both legs for 2 to 5 minutes is enough to stimulate it in enhance
energy flow through the body. This point is also used to treat digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting and stress.
LI10
LI10 or “Arm Three Miles” is the natural
complement to ST36 and is located in the upper part of the body. This
point is located on the outer corner of the elbow crease, just three
finger widths below the elbow crease.
Applying pressure to this point using
your thumb helps in boosting energy flow and strengthens all the vital
organs of the body. This point is also useful in treating shoulder and elbow pain, wrist pain and paralysis of upper limb.
Relieve the post-pregnancy pains
experienced by your partner and enhance her relaxation and comfort by
stimulating these acupressure points on her body.
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