Discover how pressure point therapies can benefit you in preconception, pregnancy and post natal healing.
Preconception
Stimulating pressure points can help balance the body’s production of hormones and can be useful in cases of infertility if the problem stems from a hormonal disorder. Pressure point treatments reduce stress and boost the immune system during periods of exhaustion. They also encourage efficient digestion and promote better absorption of vital nutrients including zinc iron and folic acid.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, these treatments can be used to alleviate many common problems. As well as promoting wellbeing, they induce relaxation and are affective forms of pain control during labour. Advice for a Natural Pregnancy lists the appropriate points.
Post Natal
Acupuncture, acupressure and shiatsu are useful in treating aches and pains, breastfeeding problems, fatigue, insomnia and post natal depression.
Caution
Certain pressure points are considered contraindicative during pregnancy and may be linked to premature labour. These points are referred to throughout the site with a cautionary note.
Self Help
Try these points on yourself using thumb pressure or ask a caring partner or friend to practise on you. Always introduce pressure gradually as hard or sudden pressure will cause flinching and tighten the muscles.
(left to right) Kidney 3, Bladder 60, Bladder 67
Point Location
Kidney 1
Below the ball of the foot in the central depression.
Fatigue, anxiety
Kidney 3
On the inside of the ankle between the ankle bone and achilles tendon. Avoid using strong pressure in the first eight months of pregnancy.
Labour pain, swollen feet, fatigue, ankle pain, back pain
Bladder 60
On the outside of the ankle between the anklebone and the achilles tendon. Avoid using strong pressure in the first eight months of pregnancy.
Sciatic pain
Bladder 67
On the outside of the little toe at the base of the toenail.
Difficult labour, malposition of the foetus, itchy skin
(left to right) Bladder 23, Bladder 47, Bladder 32
Bladder 23
On the lower back at the waist between the second and third lumbar vertebrae two finger widths from the spine. Do not use strong pressure in first eight months of pregnancy.
Back pain, post partum recovery, fatigue, sexual reproductive problems, impotency, irregular vaginal discharge, urinary problems
Bladder 47
Level with Bladder 23 but four finger widths from the spine.
Back pain, post partum recovery, fatigue, sexual reproductive problems, impotency, irregular vaginal discharge, urinary problems
Bladder 32
On the lower back in the second groove of the sacrum, three finger widths on either side of the spine. Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy
Labour pain
(left to right) Liver 2, Liver 3, Gall Bladder 20
Liver 2
On the top of the foot in the webbing between the big and second toe.
Headaches
Liver 3
Located 2cm up from liver 2 towards the ankle.
Cramps, headaches, tired eyes, sweating after childbirth
Gall Bladder 20
At the base of the skull in the groove three finger widths from the spine. Apply gentle pressure during pregnancy.
Headaches
(left to right) Gall Bladder 21, Spleen 6, Stomach 36
Gall Bladder 21
On top of the shoulder in the groove, directly in line with the nipple. Apply gentle pressure during pregnancy.
Childbirth, relieves labour pain, shoulder tension, poor circulation, lactation
Pericardum 6
Middle of the inner side of the forearm, two finger widths below the wrist crease, between the tendons.
Morning sickness, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, indigestion, postpartum discomfort
Spleen 6
Four finger widths above the interior ankle bone behind the tibia bone. Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy.
Labour pain, digestion, and fatigue
Stomach 36
Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width outside of the shinbone, in the groove. Point is usually tender. Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy.
Fatigue, sluggish digestion, postpartum recovery, strengthens and tones muscles
(left to right) Small Intestine 1, Stomach 16, Lung 1
Small intestine 1
On the little finger at the outer edge of the nail.
Poor milk supply
Stomach 16
Directly above the breast tissue in line with the nipples between the third and fourth ribs.
Breast pain, lactation problems, insomnia, depression, and chest congestion
Lung 1
On the chest, three finger widths below the collar bone, on the muscle.
Fatigue, breathing difficulties, congestion, coughing, and asthma
(left to right) Pericardum 1, Conception Vessel 6, Governing Vessel 26
Pericardum 1
One thumb width outside the nipple.
Breast and chest pain, insufficient milk, lymph glands, blocked ducts
Conception Vessel 6
Two finger widths below and in line with the belly button. Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy.
Postpartum, weak abdominal muscles, lower back pain, constipation, general weakness, insomnia
Governing Vessel 26
In the middle of the furrow between the lip and the nose.
Fainting, dizziness
(left to right) Triple Heater 6, Large Intestine 4
Triple Heater 6
On the back of the forearm, four finger widths above the wrist.
Lethargy, fatigue
Large Intestine 4
Deep in the web between the thumb and forefinger. Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy.
Constipation, labour, colds and flu, breast engorgement