Acupressure During Pregnancy
Essential Acupressure & Reflexology Points for Pregnancy From Michelle Ebbin
Hey Moms-To-Be out there! If you don’t know it already, the 9-plus months of pregnancy can be the most exciting and rewarding, but also physically and emotionally challenging and stressful months of your life. Many expectant mothers spend much of their focusing on “baby prep” or “family prep,” if there are other siblings, and often end up neglecting their own wellbeing. A calm mom-to-be is essential to a healthy pregnancy, and no matter what’s happening in your life IT IS POSSIBLE to find moments of relaxation throughout the day.
One of the most relaxing ways to relieve stress during pregnancy is a soothing massage. Here are some safe and super effective acupressure and reflexology techniques from my awesome friend, touch therapy expert and author of “The Touch Remedy: Hands-On Solutions to De-Stress Your Life” (HarperElixer), Michelle Ebbin, that can help ease the aches and pains of pregnancy.
*PREGNANCY PRECAUTIONS: As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy health, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider.
3 Areas to Avoid Massaging During Pregnancy that could trigger contractions:
Reflexology Areas to the Uterus & Ovaries: Two areas that you should avoid during pregnancy are the reflexology areas directly connected to the uterus and ovaries, which are located on the inside and outside of both ankles in the hollow areas just under the anklebones. Pressing here is a direct channel to the uterus and ovaries, so no deep massaging the ankles during pregnancy! A gentle, soothing foot massage is fine, and highly recommended. However, during labor these are areas you can massage deeply to stimulate contractions and get labor started.
Sp6 Acupressure Point: Another area to avoid is located on the inner ankle area, just three finger widths above the inner ankle bone (called the Sp6 Acupressure point).
Union Valley Acupressure Point (L14): Another area to avoid is the acupressure point called the “Union Valley”(L14) point, which is located on both hands in the fleshy area between your thumb and forefinger where the bones meet. Deep pressure on this point may cause uterine contractions that are unsafe in early stages of pregnancy.
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