Natural induction via pressure points?

[finnegansmom]

Ever heard of this? My doula came to my midwife appt today and they were discussing natural inductions methods as an option, (I'm only 40w2d, it was just a discussion). My doula mentioned a spot on the ankle, 4 fingers up, as a pressure point that could help with contractions or labor. I have never heard of this before.... what do you all think?

[AmyC]

I've heard of it. (I think the name of the point, for shiatsu or acupressure purposes, is "spleen 6.") I know people who swear by it (dilated very fast with ankle rubbing there) and I've had a massage and acupuncture this week, focusing on that area among others.

I hope it works! I've finally started contracting, and even though it's the very early stuff ("menstrual cramps"), I'm just happy to be having some activity going on and I hope my cervix is thinning (at the very least.)

[mama to 2 girls]

Yes I have heard of it now! I mean, last week (Thursday) I went for some reflexology and accupressure and she did mention that she would be working on something called "spleen 6" and she also worked on a "point" on the inside of my calf on the lower part.

Long story short...I went for my appt. at 4pm got home at 5:30pm, started contractions at about 6pm, baby was here at 12:20am! Oh and I forgot to add that, that morning I went for my appt. and was curious just to see how far along I was, as far as dialating goes and my cervix was closed but soft and anterior. So I would say YES it works....

But just like pretty much all natural induction methods they won't work unless baby is ready anyways.

[Kidzaplenty]

I have heard of it, I just can't find it myself. I wish I could. I would give it a try.

[DawnaRose]

my chiro marks the spots for me with a pen each time I go in. DH presses on them when he rubs my feet, but nothing much happens, the spot is tender and painful though so I know he has the right place.

[redorchid]

My massage therapist just went over a bunch of pressure points that can help to bring on labor. The one you mentioned, she even showed me how to find. Point your toe to flex your calf and press firmly along the back of your leg above your heel, you'll feel a spot that's more tender and that's it.

Another big one is right at the outside edge of your pinkie toenail. Press in on it with your finger. This is also a focus point for moxibustion (burning herbs) to bring on labor, apparently.

She also said that a really firm footrub focusing around the boney parts of the top and sides of the feet can help. It doesn't take a lot of knowledge, just intention. Make sure it doesn't hurt, though.

[christinespurlock]

I had accupunture 3 time and ended up having my water broken at 42 weeks, but here are the spots. Maybe it will work for you.

In the web between you pointed finger and your thumb.

Insides of the ankle, 4fingerwiths up.

[Spark]

Mmm, this makes me want to schedule a reflexology treatment!!! Just because my tootsies want some rubbin'!

[Kidzaplenty]

I gotta say, a nice LONG foot and leg rub sounds WONDERFUL!

[delicious]

those have never worked for me. i tried them last time. there is one on the palm of your hand and i slept with clothespins there last time. (i went to 42 wks.) i did have some ctrx after my chiro pressed there last week, but i don't think it actually brings about a baby for me.

[mhaddon]

I think I'm going to call my chiro tommorow for some acupuncture...

[prairieo]

well, my man is an acupuncturist, and he put needles in the pinky toe place for me yesterday to turn the baby from transverse to vertex and it worked! but she snuck back out again, little stinker. Everytime he works on me with acupuncture I have a really interesting experience that results in what I was hoping for.

[Reg1123]

I've heard of this but never knew where to try until now... I'm going to give this a go first thing in the morning!