Acupressure to induce labour

Dr Daniel Ryken, Chiropractor, together with Chae Lim Acupuncturist, discuss how you can use acupressure points at home to help induce labour. Dr Daniel Ryken and Chae Lim are both practitioners on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, Australia, and frequently help pregnant women with lower back pain and other pregnancy related issues.

Acupressure to Support Labour Induction

Many women look for safe and natural ways to encourage their bodies into labour as their due date approaches. At Curl Curl Chiropractic, we offer acupressure for labour induction as a gentle, supportive treatment that may help prepare your body for birth.

How Acupressure May Help with Labour

Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to support pregnancy and childbirth. In modern practice, specific acupressure points are chosen to:

• Stimulate uterine activity
• Encourage cervical ripening
• Help the baby descend into the pelvis
• Reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
• Support the natural release of oxytocin (the hormone that helps labour progress)

When Is Acupressure for Labour Induction Recommended?

Acupressure is typically considered from week 39 of pregnancy onward, when your body is close to being ready for birth. Sessions are tailored to your comfort and pregnancy stage, and in many cases, women are also shown safe points they (or their birth partner) can stimulate at home.

Safety and Evidence

Acupressure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe for both mother and baby when applied correctly. Research suggests that acupressure may:

• Help initiate labour in women who are overdue
• Reduce labour pain and anxiety
• Shorten the first stage of labour in some cases

A 2017 Cochrane Review concluded that acupressure may help start labour naturally and reduce the need for medical induction. Other studies have shown positive effects on pain relief, relaxation, and overall birth experience.

What to Expect During a Session

• A consultation to discuss your pregnancy and birth preferences
• Gentle application of pressure to specific points (often on the hands, feet, lower legs, and shoulders)
• A deeply relaxing treatment in a comfortable position
• Guidance on safe self-care techniques you and your partner can use at home

Many women notice mild uterine tightening, period-like sensations, or increased baby movement after a session — a sign that the body is responding.

Why Choose Curl Curl Chiropractic?

We have extensive experience working with pregnant women on the Northern Beaches, offering natural care options such as chiropractic, the Websters technique, and acupressure. Our clinic provides a calm, supportive environment to help you feel confident as you prepare for birth.

Book an Appointment

If you are close to your due date and would like to explore acupressure for labour induction, we’d love to support you.

📍 Conveniently located in North Curl Curl, with easy parking and flexible hours.
📞 Call us on (02) 9401 0114 or book online today.

References

1. Smith CA, Levett KM, Collins CT, Armour M, Dahlen HG, Suganuma M. Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;(3):CD009514.
2. Makvandi S, Latifnejad Roudsari R, Sadeghi R, Karimi L. The effect of acupressure on labor induction and duration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017;28:169–176.
3. Lee MK, Chang SB, Kang DH. Effects of SP6 acupressure on labor pain and length of delivery time in women during labor. J Altern Complement Med. 2004;10(6):959–965.