/ Health Concerns / Pregnancy Care

Induction of Labour

Basics

According to Chinese Medicine theory, labor is expected to begin when three key factors align simultaneously: the transition from Yin material growth to Yang activity, the free flow of Qi that facilitates blood circulation, and the opening of the uterine door. When Qi flows properly and blood circulates effectively, labor progresses harmoniously, marked by contractions, cervical dilation, rupture of membranes, and the eventual expulsion of the fetus. To promote labor, the following acupuncture points may be utilized: Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Ciliao (BL32).

Acupressure has shown potential in reducing the duration of labor, particularly during the first stage. Positive evidence suggests that acupuncture may aid in labor induction (Mollart 2015 – SR of 7 RCTs). Furthermore, both acupuncture and acupressure appear promising for pain management during labor induction (Levett 2014 – Review of SRs).